Over the course of the last decade, the
Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation has been extremely active. After working to eradicate blight, cut down on crime and bring affordable housing to the neighborhood (located just east of Fairmount and north of Spring Garden), the organization had pivoted towards economic development. The recent opening of
Tela's Market & Kitchen at 1833 Fairmount Ave. is the most recent marker of their success.
Developer Daniel Greenberg and Chef Chad Williams (formerly of
Jose Garces' Amada and Chifa) partnered to create the artisanal grocery and café.
Canno Design's Gabrielle Canno and Carey Jackson Yonce (who also designed
Wishbone in University City) created a warm and intimate feel in a single high-ceilinged room by carving out sections for multiple uses. A counter with prepared foods anchors the space, with seating for the made-to-order counter along the windows, and refrigerated cases along the back walls.
Greenberg, who has lived in Spring Garden with his wife and two young children for the past five years, saw a need for fresh food in the area, and set his sights on a lot that had been vacant for more than 20 years. Greenberg pursued the project because of his passion for the area.
"I am a lifelong Philadelphia resident," he says. "And I think each great neighborhood should have a smaller, more neighborhood-scale specialty market... I started construction on the building in December of 2012. All ground-up construction in the city presents its unique set of challenges, and this project was no exception."
According to Greenberg, the neighborhood has been supportive of Tela's; the market is already drawing repeat customers. Several of the employees live in adjacent neighborhoods, including Francisville, Spring Garden, Fairmount and Brewerytown.
Greenberg's next project in the area will be even more ambitious -- he plans to break ground on a large commercial space with residential units at 1720 Fairmount Avenue in Spring 2014.
"I am committed to this neighborhood, and look forward to identifying future development opportunities," he says.
Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Dan Greenberg, Tela's Market and Kitchen