So much has changed at the western end of Penn's campus since 2001, when Fresh Grocer opened at the northwest corner of 40th & Walnut. The Radian sprouted on the 3900 block of Walnut, replacing some run down stores and a gross movie theater. A pair of Hub buildings have appeared at 40th & Chestnut, adding more high end apartments to the mix along with a Garces restaurant. So many buildings have been renovated to accommodate new student housing, and an extended stay hotel opened on the 4100 block of Walnut. And through it all, Fresh Grocer has remained a fixture, along with the hundreds of parking spaces in the garage above it.
Though we'd have liked something other than parking above the market, we always kind of fancied the building, appreciating the way the architects obscured what would otherwise be a pretty awful parking garage. When the market opened, it was considered by some to be a wonderful new amenity to students and the surrounding community, while others believed it to be a sign of "Penntrification," and worried it would push the supermarket at 43rd & Walnut out of existence. Both markets have managed to stick around, despite the worn nature of the older market and the odd layout at the Fresh Grocer. It always puzzled us that the Fresh Grocer was designed with diagonal aisles, which creates a bit of a crowding situation at the checkout counters during busy times.
That could change soon. According to the Daily Pennsylvanian, Fresh Grocer did not renew their lease in a timely fashion and after an RFP process, Penn has selected Acme as the new operator for this space. One would have to imagine that this would involve a major renovation, not unlike the effort recently undertaken by Fresh Grocer in taking over the former Grays Ferry Pathmark. Unless something changes, Fresh Grocer is expected to vacate the space in March.
We don't see this as an especially significant change, though a refresh to the space would certainly be a positive for folks that frequent this market. What do you think? Is Acme a step up from Fresh Grocer? Or do you prefer FroGro to Acme?