Spruce Hill in West Philadelphia just got a little more wet, as the state store at 43rd & Chestnut opened on September 10th in the space formerly occupied by Risque Video. The new store will take some pressure off the lines at the nearest store in Cedar Park at 50th & Baltimore, where development is happening with some serious fervor.

In the past

Recent shot

In the immediate vicinity of the new liquor store, which we first told you about last spring, there is strong development that’s worth noting.  At 43rd & Sansom, construction is underway on a four-story 32-unit mixed-use project. And about six blocks south, there are plans for a 92-unit mixed-use project at 43rd & Baltimore. 

Yes, there are strong indications of development nearby, especially north of Market Street, in Powelton Village. But there’s still work to be done. On the southeast corner of this intersection, a lot has been vacant for years. On the northeast corner sits the decaying Christ Memorial Church. More than a hundred women and children live in the church at The Jane Addams Place, which offers shelter and community programs. We wrote about the church a couple of years back. At the time, the church looked weary, and it looks more troubled today.

The Christ Memorial Church, across the street

When the proposal for the liquor store first surfaced, a number of local residents opposed it, citing its proximity to the Masjid al-Jamia Mosque a block away. But no dice. The spirits were approved and the liquor store is now open.

–Lou Mancinelli