It seems like only yesterday South Philly's BOK Building, formerly Edward W. Bok Vocational High School, still had an uncertain future as it sat on the market for sale. Now, just a few years later, it's home to one of the coolest bars in Philly with arguably the best of the best rooftop view of the city. But that's not all....
Who knew back then that one of it's orginial tenants, Bok Bar, would open up a whole new realm of possibilities for the massive 340,000 square foot building in East Passyunk Crossing? Today, South Philly's Bok Building is undergoing quite an exciting transformation. Home to 125+ businesses, the Bok Building's tenants (who are majority South Philly residents), have shifted the identity of the once abandoned vocational school. Here's a list of five businesses to check out next time you visit BOK.
.1. Fringe Salon
Bet you didn't know you could get a fresh cut on your way up to the top of the Bok Building to sip drinks, did you? You'll get pretty awesome views while you sit in your stylist's chair as well. The salon is also an Art Gallery -- so bonus points for that. Head to their website to schedule your hair appointment and save the date for their next upbeat art opening.
2. Two Person's Coffee
The Bok Building's lobby just got a makeover. So while you're exploring, make sure to stop by the Two Person's Coffee kiosk on the first level. They also sell pastries from Machine Shop Boulangerie, a french-style bakery that operates just upstairs. Word on the street is there's plenty more food and beverage tenants on the way....
3. KG Strong
You'll have to agree, working out is so much better when it's done on the roof of the Bok Building. Katie Gould runs this fitness spot, and she also ran away with Philly Mag's "Best Personal Trainer" title in 2017. There's an indoor studio, but when the weather permits - classes are often held outdoors. KG Strong offers yoga, my personal favorite: kettlebells, and much more. There's even a yoga breakfast club with bottomless mimosa's. KG Strong is doing it right, if you ask me. Check out their website for schedules and pricing here.
4. Irwins
Named after the Bok Building's architect, Irwin Thornton Catharine, this cocktail bar with Middle Eastern inspired small plates has a roof top terrace too! Newly opened just a few weeks ago, the space inside looks just as amazing as the food. The more cocktail lounges the better, right? Take a look at their menu here.
5. Franklin & Whitman
All natural, plant based, cruelty free beauty products are right up my alley and right up a few flights of steps at the Bok Building. They name their products after Philly neighborhoods and they really love dogs too. So basically, Franklin & Whitman is my soul mate. They donate 5% of their profits to animal rescue's around the country. You'll need an appointment to stop in to check out their serums, scrubs and face masks (they do most of their business online -- order your heart out). However, they'll be opening their doors October 15th for their "Yoga for Pups" event. This event has yoga, lunch, create your own botanical steam blend, adoptable puppies -- and all proceeds go to the Pennsylvania SPCA. Get your tickets --> https://franklinandwhitman.com/collections/events/products/yoga-for-the-pups-philly
So, there you have it -- 5 amazing places to check out next time you visit the Bok Building! Keep in mind, this is only a tiny chunk of the amazing creative tenants that call the Bok Building home. As if there wasn't enough to see and do in the booming Passyunk Crossing neighborhood, this abandoned vocational school turned small business hub has really turned it up a notch.
For more information on homes in the East Passyunk Crossing neighborhood, contact Nicole Neff at Nicoleneff@kw.com today.