Mifflin Substation

Overview

Located at 1831–37 S. 13th Street, where South 13th Street, Mifflin Street, and East Passyunk Avenue meet, Mifflin Substation offers a rare opportunity to reimagine a historic piece of Philadelphia transit history in the heart of one of South Philadelphia’s most vibrant commercial corridors.

Constructed in 1914 by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (PRT), the former trolley power substation has been deenergized since 2003 and is ready for a new chapter. SEPTA has determined that the property is no longer needed for current or future transit operations. SEPTA is now advancing the property for adaptive reuse through its Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Program.

The approximately 5,184-square-foot property features a substantial brick-and-steel industrial building with 35-foot ceilings, large windows, a full basement and dramatic open interior space. Its prominent East Passyunk Avenue location, distinctive architecture and CMX-2.5 zoning create the potential for a creative new use that complements the surrounding neighborhood and commercial corridor.

With a highly walkable setting and frequent transit nearby, including multiple bus routes and the Tasker–Morris and Snyder SEPTA Metro stations, Mifflin Substation is well positioned to become a new destination along East Passyunk Avenue.

Market Opportunity

Mifflin Substation sits within a strong and established neighborhood commercial market. The East Passyunk Avenue corridor has just 2.4% commercial vacancy, with occupancy approaching 99% and asking rents of approximately $20 per square foot.

The surrounding area also offers substantial purchasing power and daytime activity. Within one-mile, median household income is approximately $78,700, with more than 3,200 businesses and 20,000 workers nearby. Annual consumer spending totals approximately $1.27 billion, including significant spending on dining, entertainment and leisure. At the same time, the relatively limited number of entertainment-oriented establishments suggests an opportunity for additional cultural, creative, experiential, dining or destination uses.

Together, the building’s unique character and the strength of the surrounding market create an opportunity to transform a long-vacant SEPTA property into a signature, community-serving destination on East Passyunk Avenue.

What’s Next

SEPTA is developing an adaptive reuse concept for Mifflin Substation and will invite the community to help shape the vision for its future. A public open house is anticipated in December 2026, with feedback informing the next phase of the project.

Following community engagement, SEPTA anticipates issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a joint development partner to lease, invest in and reactivate the property.

SEPTA is offering tours of the property to prospective partners, providing an opportunity to experience the building’s unique scale, character and potential firsthand.

Interested in Mifflin Substation? Check back for project updates, upcoming events and future development opportunities.