As part of its plans to further its expansion across North Philadelphia, Temple University recently acquired New Barber’s Hall, writes Ryan Mulligan for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
While Temple is the new owner of the 46-year-old jazz club and bar, it will continue to operate until its owner, Jake Adams, retires some time in the near future.
Its new acquisition, which Temple bought for $2.32 million, gives the university nearly the entire control of the block on Oxford Street. There is already a 28-story housing tower in the works already being planned.
This is just the latest chapter of Temple’s continuous plans to expand and develop under President John Fry.
“The university will explore further uses for the property, specifically related to how it might support the soon-to-be-completed campus development plan” once the bar closes, according to the statement.
In 2023, the New Barber’s Hall building was nominated for historical designation, which would have safeguarded the property from being demolished. However, Adams decided against supporting that designation the following year.
The building was constructed in the 1860s and has been the home to various social clubs over the years.
Read more about Temple’s acquisition of New Barber’s Hall and other property purchases it has made in recent months and years in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in October 2025.
