The building that housed Gary’s Nails Salon was damaged during demolition of Elena’s Soul Lounge in December, 2012. (Archive photo/West Philly Local)

After nearly a year of no movement, it seems that the site that was once home to Gary’s Nails Salon at 4910 Baltimore Avenue is now buzzing with renovation work.

Like Cedar Park Cafe, Gary’s Nails was extensively damaged during demolition of neighboring Elena’s Soul Lounge in December of last year, causing the nail salon to shutter its door. (The owners were cited with a violation on December 28, 2012 that claimed the property was “imminently dangerous.”) While Cedar Park Cafe reopened its doors at 4912 Baltimore Ave. mid-August, there was still no word on Gary’s Nails until a few weeks ago when construction work began on the building.

According to one worker at the scene, Gary’s Nails is only undergoing renovation on its roof. In particulars, that means the erection of roof framing and installation of a low-slope built-up roof assembly, describes an active alternation permit issued by Philadelphia License and Inspections on June 21, 2013. The active permit, which was updated October 8, also calls for the partial construction of a masonry wall.

While, according to the Board of Revision of Taxes, the property that once housed Gary Nails is still owned by Ye Me Chi, there is no indication if Gary’s Nails will return as a business  (the property’s exterior condition is listed as “vacant”). West Philly Local was unable to get in touch with the owner for confirmation. We’ll post an update as soon as we have more information.

–Annamarya Scaccia