Closed market causes concern

Since its closing last March, the Acme Supermarket building at 43rd and Locust streets has fallen into disrepair, leaving many in the the Spruce Hill community curious as to the property's future. "It's bad for the neighborhood, very bad," said Bob Koch, owner of Koch's Deli, which is located across the street from the old Acme. "I really hope something opens up over there soon." Edwin Spragg, vice president of sales and special marketing at Acme Supermarkets, said the decision to close the store was "agonized over for several years." "The primary reason it was closed was because it was doing a low volume of business and was unprofitable," he said. According to area property owners, the store has become a considerable eyesore. Koch even blames it for the difficulty he has had renting his upstairs apartment. "Nobody likes to see abandonment in any neighborhood," City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell yesterday. "Acme said they just couldn't make a dollar there." And many in the community are anxious about the fate of the property. "[Developers] would have to consult local communities [about future development]," Blackwell said. "There are a lot of concerned, committed community groups in this area." Blackwell and Koch both cited rumors that the Thriftway Supermarket at 43rd and Walnut streets has been looking at turning the property into a speciality store. "I am hoping Thriftway is interested," Blackwell said. "I liked the fact they had a market there." Officials from Thriftway refused to comment on these reports. There are also other rumors that the University was interested in the property. However, University Associate Treasurer Chris Mason flatly denied these rumors. University professor and Philadelphia historian George Thomas points out that stores closing in the area have a negative effect by eliminating competition in the area. "Losing [the Acme] had a big impact on the community," he stated. He also pointed out the building has a unique architectural presence. "In a weird way it has historic significance in the value of a store coming from the beginning of the food retail industry," he said. "But is it worth saving? Probably not."