PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia music lovers got a jolt this week when the owner of the long-vacant Sigma Sound Studios was granted a zoning permit that said it was in compliance with the requirements for demolition. The building is not in imminent danger, but its future is unclear.
Sigma’s current owner, an LLC organized by businessman Youming Ye, started a firestorm by getting the demolition zoning permit — which is different, and several steps removed, from a demolition permit.
The current owner’s plan to put apartments on the site at 12th and Spring streets is no secret. It’s unlikely to happen, though, unless the existing building, which has a historic designation, is preserved at the same time.
A demolition could not be approved unless the owner demonstrates there is no adaptive reuse for the building — and many music lovers are standing by with lots of reuse ideas.
“Our current vision for Sigma is to create a multi-cultural music hub,” said Theo Aronson, co-founder of the Philadelphia Sound Preservation Project.
He and partner Max Ochester foresee restoring the original studio while also creating a performance and event space. They hope to acquire the building for fair market value, and they are looking for investors or philanthropists.
“All of which we hope will not only preserve and promote the history of Philadelphia but be a resource for the current music community and future generations of musicians and creatives in the city,” said Aronson.
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Ochester said the permit added a sense of urgency.
“We’re just steadfast and committed to saving a space like Sigma and know it’s important to music lovers and to Philadelphia in general,” he said.
“It’s alarming and a reminder to all of us that we as a city and as a music community need to act quickly to preserve these historic places,” added Aronson.
Sigma Sound Studios was established in 1968 by recording engineer Joe Tarsia. More than 200 gold and platinum hits were recorded in the studio by Philadelphia International Records’ Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell, as well as artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, The Jacksons, Patti LaBelle and The Roots.
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