The long-awaited plan to build a boutique hotel on Frankford Avenue took a step forward this month, when demolition permits were issued for part of the site’s current structure.

The permits allow for the demolition of a seven-story building at 1224 Frankford Avenue, as well as a three-story building behind it. Behind those two buildings, a third structure—a warehouse that extends to Leopard Street—will remain, according to Karen Guss, representative for the office of Licenses and Inspections (L+I), and copies of the permits.

The front building, which is the site of the Shepard Fairey mural—along with now-infamous scaffolding—has long been eyed for a new boutique hotel, headed up by prominent Fishtown developer Roland Kassis. It is not a historically designated site, according to the Philadelphia Historical Comission.

In 2016, Kassis revealed his plans for the site during a Fishtown Neighbors Association meeting, laying out his proposal for a 125-room hotel with a top floor pool and offices downstairs.

Rendering by Morris Adjmi Architects

The new plans still include the pool, but the number of accommodations has been changed to 114, and a restaurant has been added to the proposed development, according to a copy of a zoning permit approved in February of 2017.

The developer will have until late May of 2019 to obtain building permits for the construction, according to an extension L+I granted to Kassis in August. After that, the earlier permits will expire.

Kassis declined to talk—yet—about the project and the demolition when reached by phone last week. It’s unclear when the demolition will begin.

• Rendering reveals proposed rooftop pool at Fishtown hotel [Curbed Philly]