Is there any interest in more Retail stores in Fairmount? - Page 5 - PhillyBlog

niel · #41 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:05 PM

I am starting to think that Fairmount is acquiring a more sophisticated set of tastes. It's nice to see the new businesses.

Incidentally, the latest I've heard about that nicely renovated storefront next to the leaning tower of Fairmount is that the owner was basically renovating speculatively, hoping to entice someone to open a wine bar or restaurant or some such operation there. Let's hope they're successful.

brooklyncat · #42 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:16 PM

What IS the story with "the leaning tower of Fairmount?"

That place is ridiculous.

shorelover2007 · #43 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityMaps

Developing the giant parking lot in to something like Arlington, VA's Market Common (garage lined by shops, condos, and small parks) would help, but is a longshot.

I can just imagine how happy folks would be if all the cars now in that lot had to find parking elsewhere in the 'hood! There's already been a lot of complaints about parking in Fairmount.

GreenSTdude · #44 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooklyncat

I think if Fairmount Ave had an "anchor" store (like a medium size grocery that was fun to shop in), it would develop more foot traffic and support more retail. If I didn't HAVE to get in the car to shop I wouldn't, at least not all the time. I'd much rather have shopping in walking distance.

Why do you "have" to get in your car to shop. Anything not found in Fairmount could easily be bought downtown, which is what - about one mile away. You could walk there in 20-30 minutes, shop to your hearts delight and then cab it back for 5 or 6 bucks. Much funner and cheaper than driving to the mega-malls or Delaware Ave if you ask me.

STL PHL · #45 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSTdude

Why do you "have" to get in your car to shop. Anything not found in Fairmount could easily be bought downtown, which is what - about one mile away. You could walk there in 20-30 minutes, shop to your hearts delight and then cab it back for 5 or 6 bucks. Much funner and cheaper than driving to the mega-malls or Delaware Ave if you ask me.

Depends. Grocery stuff is hard to come by in FMT or CC. And for 20-30 min you can get to Wegmans. It has more selction and lower prices than WF. If you are buying for a family (wife, kids) the drive over there is arguably a good idea $$ wise. Also, shouldn't throw young kids in a cab.

Also, the walk to CC from Fairmount/Brewerytown (Like from North Star) is ~40 minutes; certainly less from Green St.

Clothes, shoes, etc; CC yes.

I think this forum points out that there are a variety of people in this area with different wants in terms of retail and different tollerances for driving/convienence....

which makes it all the more challenging to ID the right type of retail and location.

The key thing we all agree on is the need for Mexican food

niel · #46 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooklyncat

What IS the story with "the leaning tower of Fairmount?"

That place is ridiculous.

I'm told (very credible source) it belongs to a local business owner (who shall remain nameless) who apparently has absolutely no interest in renovation or in threats by L&I to fine him. I'm also told he's snubbed local associations' efforts to get him to fix things up. It's a real nice situation. If things don't change soon I might suggest a boycott of this person's establishment.

JeffM · #47 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niel

If things don't change soon I might suggest a boycott of this person's establishment.

In the 2 years I've been in the neighborhood, the only thing that's changed about that place is the size of the weeds growing in front of it. We need to boycott now!

STL PHL · #48 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffM

In the 2 years I've been in the neighborhood, the only thing that's changed about that place is the size of the weeds growing in front of it. We need to boycott now!

BoyCott...BoyCott..BoyCott.

I hope it is a place I don't like

brooklyncat · #49 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 09:12 PM

L&I "threats" to fine?

They should be fining that guy daily. It's an eyesore, a shame of a very lovely building, and a threat to the buildings around it.

It's owned by someone who has other biz in Fairmount? SHAME! Boycott, boycott!

It's probably not that hard to look up...any fearless internet researchers out there want to blow the owner's cover?

niel · #50 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:36 PM

The building is not only a real waste in that condition, it's actively dangerous. The front is bowing out and the building really does look close to collapse. I'm frankly surprised the property owner next door has sunk all that money into his place with a potential collapse adjoining his building to the immediate east.