Is business starting to pick up in SWCC?

**Brian616** · 07-27-2009, 02:48 PM

Recently, I have noticed signs that our neighborhood may finally be starting to attract some new businesses to the area. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but it seems like that started to happen right around the time of the massive turnout in support for the Sidecar. Mae's deli is now open and a huge step up from the other bodegas in the area, and Resurrection Ale House will be up and running soon. Philly Kitchen Share is kicking along, and the owners are trying to build a bakery next door.

I have also noticed that a few of the corner commercial properties near me no longer have for sale or for rent signs up: 21st and Christian, 24th and Catherine, and 22nd and Fitzwater. Does anyone know if these might be new developments, too?

**furby076** · 07-28-2009, 09:20 AM

Anything that just recently opened up is not a result of the Sidecar issues (unless these new businesses like coming into a spot where you may have to fight to expand). Opening up a new business generally takes more then a month or two. You have an idea, you scout areas, you talk to people about the area, you draw up a business plan, you look for loans, you look for suppliers, etc. This is stuff that can easily take 6 months if you really know what you are doing and can make things happen or what you need is small and don't have very complex needs.

But hopefully you are right and business is picking up. With the Ale house this is really a conversion from one bar to another - hopefully it will end up being a better place.

Where is mae's deli?

**NickFocus** · 07-28-2009, 01:50 PM

may's deli is on the northeast corner of 19th and christian.

**Mr.Paintbrush** · 07-28-2009, 02:39 PM

I think it's a safer investment for the developers now. We could use the little shops and such to increase local commerce and foot traffic making it much more convenient and safe to live here. It certainly is a good sign ..now all is needed is some owners for these commercial spots. *crosses fingers for some kick ass new food places

**Brian616** · 07-29-2009, 03:39 PM

Agreed. Mae's deli and the Ale house obviously were in planning for a while- I was more curious about the realtor's signs coming down in the other locations. Philly's website still hasn't updated my property (I closed almost a year ago), so there's no way I can get useful info from there. I was really just wondering whether anyone had heard anything about those properties.

**macdaire** · 07-29-2009, 04:25 PM

I believe 24th and Catharine will become a single family dwelling and remember resurrection is replacing a bar that was in operation so technically is not really new business.
Linda's hair salon has been replaced by the bike messenger bag place. However so much more could be done in the area. For one, that triangle would be wonderful if pedestrianized, which was discussed (as well as a whole foods at 24th and Bainbridge). I will say it again that there just is not enough people in the area (like there is in Fairmont or No. libs for that matter)to make operating a business easierOf course people will disagree and they can go ahead and open up!

**BtwEast&West** · 07-29-2009, 05:13 PM

It is good that the property (24th and Catharien) is going to be used. It is a shame that nice corner properties like that are yet to attract businesses to open shops in this 'hood.

I have seen some of the corner properties that aren't being use in any capacity, but yet aren't for sale either, like the corner of 24th and Carpenter. What's the deal with those?

**macdaire** · 07-31-2009, 03:41 PM

When I moved in (abbout 7 yrs ago) it was raided mid summer and one armed bandits taken out- quite an event! I think they had a running numbers gig ongoing as well.
So yes- it is good it will be put to good use

**eSynergy** · 08-03-2009, 01:29 PM

Where is the Ale House going to be (and what's it supposed to be like)? This is the first I've heard about it!

**Lolly** · 08-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by eSynergy

Where is the Ale House going to be (and what's it supposed to be like)? This is the first I've heard about it!

It's going where Yello'Bar was. This thread will give you all the details:

http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...ale-house.html

**sockii** · 08-04-2009, 06:55 PM

I would say that business traffic patterns have *changed*, but not necessarily increased. Though it may depend on the kind of traffic you are targeting or looking for.

From my POV weekday traffic has greatly slowed with the shutdown/changeover of Graduate Hospital and the bridge repairs on South Street. Weekend traffic has improved to some extent but is variable.

Neighborhood shoplifters and other annoyances are just the same as always. *eyeroll*

**dr_gingivitis** · 08-06-2009, 12:05 PM

I can't say this is an increase of business, but while dropping my son off at daycare this morning, I realized that South Street from Broad to 19th has really changed a lot since we moved here and still is.

Currently under construction is the Walgreens at 18th and South, not exactly exciting, but I think it's still a big positive for the area. Conveniences like drug stores do provide important services in the city and do create foot traffic.

On the 1600 block of South the three lots next to the Chinese restaurant are under development hot and heavy. Not sure that they have commercial tenets yet, but my understanding is that these are going to be at least somewhat linked units, which could open up the possibility of a larger scale store.

The other set of three lots on this block is out of court and sent back to the ZBA, so there could be some movement there in the fall/winter.

The wine bar on the 1500 block sounds like it could be a great addition.

Pumpkin Market will soon be a full service coffee shop with in house bean roasting!

Lots of recent arrivals, Café Laube, Novita Bistro, the commercial kitchen, (which I think is planning to expand into the building next to them) the new BMX store, I think there’s a new computer service of some sort, and a new therapist’s office, who I hear is really good!

Keep in mind, All of these businesses have opened up during a recession! I think this all bodes really well for the area.

**Lolly** · 08-06-2009, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by dr_gingivitis

a new therapist’s office, who I hear is really good!

I heard that too.

Here's her website:

Jill Anastasi Scott, MSW, LCSW

**lbphilly** · 08-06-2009, 12:57 PM

I think one indicator we should all be watching is May's Deli at 19th and Christian. When I moved to the neighborhood in 1996, that was a bunker-style variety store("R&J Variety -- No Loosies!").

The people who owned it then owned it now. Clearly, they have seen the kind of change in the neighborhood that has encouraged them to take a leap and upgrade their business.

They have big glass windows. They're open till 10:00 p.m. They have faith in the neighborhood. (EDIT: And their wraps are pretty good, too.)

**Lolly** · 08-06-2009, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by lbphilly

I think one indicator we should all be watching is May's Deli at 19th and Christian. When I moved to the neighborhood in 1996, that was a bunker-style variety store("R&J Variety -- No Loosies!").

The people who owned it then owned it now. Clearly, they have seen the kind of change in the neighborhood that has encouraged them to take a leap and upgrade their business.

They have big glass windows. They're open till 10:00 p.m. They have faith in the neighborhood. (EDIT: And their wraps are pretty good, too.)

Yeah and their hoagies and ice cream too.

(In fact I think Mr. Lolly and I have been living on their hoagies for lunch a little too often these days...)

**macdaire** · 08-06-2009, 01:05 PM

I think all of these things are good indicators though I believe in some ways progress has been slow (say compared to Northern Libs).
When I moved into the area 9 years ago Pandoras, Kellys (now Graces) and Victors were all opened. it is great to see them changed and improved upon.
However some of the opposition to progress like we saw with Sidecar is disheartening.
it will be interesting to see how much the demographic make up has changed in the area (i guess post census we will see this).
It does seem like the 15th/16th area of town is moving forward quicker than the other side of the neighborhood or that this side has somewhat stagnated.

**lbphilly** · 08-06-2009, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by macdaire

I think all of these things are good indicators though I believe in some ways progress has been slow (say compared to Northern Libs).
When I moved into the area 9 years ago Pandoras, Kellys (now Graces) and Victors were all opened. it is great to see them changed and improved upon.
However some of the opposition to progress like we saw with Sidecar is disheartening.
it will be interesting to see how much the demographic make up has changed in the area (i guess post census we will see this).
It does seem like the 15th/16th area of town is moving forward quicker than the other side of the neighborhood or that this side has somewhat stagnated.

I think I would disagree (respectfully, I hope). The 15th/16th area is hustling so far as the South Street corridor is concerned, but how about in the interior?

Here in the Wild West, we have the Sidecar, Divan, Beauty Shoppe Cafe, and May's to point to. The east has yet to open its first new venture on Bainbridge or below.

I'm not sure I'd count out the west side of South St., either. We have have Spool, Loop, Ants Pants, L2, Balkan Express, Sophisticated Seconds, Ten Stone, Roberto's, Grace's, Yello'Bar/Resurrection, etc., if you want to count South Street and Grays Ferry businesses west of 19th Street.

Of course, we don't have that Wegman's yet....

**macdaire** · 08-06-2009, 01:38 PM

I think my point is that a lot of these places (10 stoneetc.)
have been in operation for many years. Even La Va was operating prior to La Va (!).
It is also sad to see Divan clearly struggling and lets be honest that the Balkan Express is not booming. What has saved them is their longevity in the hard ware store and ownership of the building.
Mays is exciting though....

**dr_gingivitis** · 08-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by lbphilly

I think I would disagree (respectfully, I hope). The 15th/16th area is hustling so far as the South Street corridor is concerned, but how about in the interior?

Here in the Wild West, we have the Sidecar, Divan, Beauty Shoppe Cafe, and May's to point to. The east has yet to open its first new venture on Bainbridge or below.

I'm not sure I'd count out the west side of South St., either. We have have Spool, Loop, Ants Pants, L2, Balkan Express, Sophisticated Seconds, Ten Stone, Roberto's, Grace's, Yello'Bar/Resurrection, etc., if you want to count South Street and Grays Ferry businesses west of 19th Street.

Of course, we don't have that Wegman's yet....

Yup, that is the big diference right now is we have no new buisnesses South of South down here on the East End with the exception of Mighty Writers at 15ht and Christian, which is a fantastic addition, but not really serving most residents. 17th and Christian was a glimer of hope, but construction seems to have slowed down to a full stop for the last two months.