The property contains a massive, one-story building and parking spaces. The building was erected in 1914 before the enactment of the Borough's zoning ordinance. It is made of brick and concrete and has been described as fortress-like. When Mr. Orwig bought the property, the building had been vacant for several years and was in disrepair. Because of the building's heavy construction, razing it is cost-prohibitive.
Renovation is also very expensive.
Developing the property is further complicated by the fact that the building sits upon land containing hard rock and steep slopes. Mr. Orwig sought variances to the local zoning ordinance in order to develop the property. He proposed using the building's first floor for four commercial spaces and adding a second floor for ten one-bedroom apartments. Mr. Orwig found the addition of a second floor necessary to produce enough rent to cover the high cost of development. In addition to a variance to allow the construction of the second floor, Mr. Orwig needed variances from zoning ordinance provisions governing minimum lot area, maximum building coverage, maximum units per gross acre, yard, parking and landscaping requirements, and loading space on the street.