Since moving here a few years ago I've come to really like this area. But it could use a few things, in my opinion:

-- a much better state store. The one on 40th and Market is pretty bad, the one on 49th and Baltimore worse. Considering the amount of professors, students, etc. I would think a superstore on 40th and Market would be a big success.

-- a bank branch between 45th and 52nd. If there already is one (outside of the PFCU branch) I don't know it. I like Commerce but would consider switching if a major bank put in a small branch in the neighborhood.

-- a post office branch between 45th and 52nd. Again, if there is one already I don't know it. The one on 40th is a bit of a walk, and usually overcrowded. (Actually, I usually end up going, when I have to go, to the 30th st. one.)

-- a decent pub between, say, 40th and 52nd. I haven't been to Millcreek yet, but the fact that I hadn't heard of it until I joined this list suggests it ain't the answer. I'm not saying anything overly-fancy -- something along the line of Fergie's (13th and Sansom) would be great. I think it would make a lot of cash, too.

-- I read with interest the thread on the historic trolley line, and would certainly support that.

Comments? Other suggestions?

tmcgee

If I could wish up only one new business in UC, it would be a store that sells plants, flowers, fresh produce and gardening supplies and I would open it where the "Super 7" convenience store is at 46th and Walnut.


After that, I'd like to see a bank, and considering there's an beautiful old bank building on the southeast corner of 45th and Walnut, it would serve multiple purposes such as 1) restoring a beautiful building (and fix the big outside clock), 2) bringing a bank to the local residents (the ones on Penn's campus are too far and PFCU is too crowded no matter the time of day or day of the week) and 3) it could be a catylyst to jump start the opening of some viable businesses to the store fronts on 45th between Walnut and Locust.

I don't drive, so 50th and Baltimore isn't convenient for me at all. And that speaks to something I take issue with in UC. The powers that be seem to focus 100% on Baltimore avenue and Lacaster Avenue, neither of which are close to me or part of my neighborhood.

I'd prefer to see development happen on a street by street basis where a one-block is all storefronts and serves the surrounding community. 45th between Walnut and Locust is one street begging for that as is 47th between Spruce and Pine.

If I'm gonna go to the trouble to beg a ride or get a cab, I'll always go to South Philly over Baltimore or Lancaster Avenues.

Don't know about the quality, but I know there used to be a produce truck at 45th & Sansom... that's all they sold, though: produce.

I don't live there but arch is my UC hero. I wouldn't write off the mill creek like that. many bars were never heard of before they became popular. I wonder if they will pick up some fo teh troc's shows now that the troc will be a House of Blues. Anyways, I ahve a suggestion. I've never been and school keeps me away from the higher pursuits like beer more than I'd loike but I heard that the Cherry Tree Inn is a decent pub at 4540 Balt Av. Downstairs from Gojjo. Let me know what its like. Things have changed so fast there it will take some time. I'm an ATM banker myself but that means I need to be close to a wawa.
http://www.millcreektavernphilly.com/music.html

I'd say millcreek is a nightime kind of place. dunno. the description of Cherry Tree was "neighborhood favorite." I bought the lonely planet's Philadlephia out of curiosity to read on my ride back from DC. Will post my take on it later.

Cherry Tree Inn is Gojjo's; Gojjo's is the Cherry Tree Inn.

Go inside and you can see the old sign.

tmcgee

Here's one thing no one mentioned that apparently is in the planning stage: the old-location of Urban Outfitters at 41st and Locust is under consideration for being turned into a bowling alley/pool hall....

Just what I wanted.

has anyojne tried the chery tree inn/gojo bar?
Also, mentioned elsewhere on the blog, Nodding Head is looking for a second location. why not shoot them off an email to look at say balt. ave as a second location? or somewhere in UC.
and you should be shopping at the firehouse and other places there. if you want new stuff, you have to support what's there to get any interest form newcomers.