Fierté, The Quarter, Gargoyles, Scarlet, The Twilight Room, The Llama Lounge, ZLK’s Late Night Kitchen… these are just a few of the establishments that have occupied 26 Virginia Place over the years. Some have had better runs than others. There were times when it seemed that things were looking up for this building, as customers flooded in to grab drinks, dinner, and listen to live music. Then there were times when it was hard to tell if a business was coming or going.
One thing was certain, however. 26 Virginia Place always offered the potential to establish something outstanding. There are two floors, and a nice long bar, with room to breathe, in a classy setting. Unfortunately that never translated to longevity, which is interesting considering that Mothers and Fat Bob’s are located across the street. The building (circa 1860) is on the market for a somewhat reasonable asking price of $395,000 (see listing). Whoever ends up purchasing it, the facade would greatly benefit from a complete makeover. A second floor patio over the sidewalk would be a nice addition – something to think about.
It is also interesting to note that Hamlin House (Troop I) is for sale. The building is located one street over at 432 Franklin Street (see listing). While 26 Virginia Place has seen its fair share of tenants, Hamlin House had been operating for over 30 years, until it closed earlier this year. This is somewhat heartbreaking for loyal customers who frequented the unusual establishment, which was part restaurant and part club. It was also one of the best places to post up during the Allentown Art Festival. In the back of the restaurant is a voluminous banquet room with stage, which would lend itself to an assortment of cultural undertakings, from live music to dinner theater.
432 Franklin Street is being listed for $1,200,000. While that is a substantial price tag, the historic 23,381 SF building (circa 1866) is a real gem. It’s also get plenty to play around with. It would be nice to see the exterior remain the same, while getting creative with the interior.