SEPTA Has Planned Mifflin Substation Redevelopment

The transit agency seeks developers to transform a historic 1914 property in South Philadelphia.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of a 1914 red-brick industrial substation building, featuring arched windows and historic masonry detail. — SEPTA is seeking developers to redevelop the decommissioned Mifflin Substation in South Philadelphia, aiming to transform the 1914 property into a community asset. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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SEPTA has announced plans to redevelop the decommissioned Mifflin Substation at 1831-37 S. 13th St. The transit agency intends to solicit proposals from developers to transform the site into a new asset for the South Philadelphia community.

Why it matters

The redevelopment aims to generate new income for SEPTA while revitalizing a long-dormant property. Converting the facility could provide a major boost to the local commercial corridor, which currently maintains a low 2.4% vacancy rate.

The 1914 Mifflin Substation offers 5,184 square feet of space with 35-foot ceilings. The surrounding area supports 3,200 businesses and 20,000 workers with a median household income of $78,700 within one mile.

The players

SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is the primary public transit agency serving the Philadelphia region.

The details

SEPTA intends to invite developers to compete for a lease project to repurpose the site, which was de-energized in 2003. The building currently contains asbestos and lead paint, and while it features historic construction, it is not listed on any historic registers.

The Mifflin Substation was originally built in 1914.
The site was officially de-energized in 2003.
A public brainstorming meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2026.

Culture Shift

The project reflects a broader move to turn legacy transit structures into modern community assets. This trend mirrors the repurposing of underutilized industrial transit infrastructure seen across urban corridors nationwide.

Residents can provide input on the site's future during the upcoming public brainstorming session on December 9. The successful transformation of the building could introduce new services or retail opportunities directly into the South Philadelphia neighborhood.

The takeaway

The transformation of the Mifflin Substation serves as a case study in converting aging utility assets into productive real estate. Community members interested in the project should attend the December public meeting to help shape the future of the corridor.