We’ve wondered for some time, meaning the past year and a half or so, whether the sunset pink stuccoed Hoops Deli and Market at 42nd & Chester near the University of the Sciences and Clark Park is ever actually open. For months, as we passed on the 13 trolley, we likewise pondered the state of the vacant lot next door.

Deli and lot next door

We’re still unsure as to whether the market is ever open, since we don’t ride that trolley so much anymore, but recently we passed by the market and it was closed in the middle of a hot day in July. We also noticed a ‘For Sale’ sign hanging at the site that we had not seen previously. So… probably not open anymore, we’re guessing.

USciences acquired the building in January 2012 for $265K, according to public record. Next door, the vacant looks like it’s actually three lots. It appears as though the same folks have owned the two lots farther from the market since 2002, and bought the lot next door for $120K in 2010. The three lots combine for about 5,000 sqft of space, making for a very attractive development opportunity.

Build something here!

The only thing that would make the development site more attractive would be the acquisition of the corner parcel, home of the deli. And the good news is that USciences is selling the property a little over a year after they acquired it. According to LoopNet, the site’s on the block for $425K. Is it possible that USciences was hoping to purchase the vacant lots next door and build a larger development, but the project fell through and now they’re trying to get out from under the corner property that doesn’t afford them the space needed to redevelop? Could be.

“The University has ultimately determined the footprint of the property was not large enough to develop and retain a reasonable return on investment,” said Brian Kirschner, a school spokesperson.

From another angle

Nevertheless, even without the lots next door, this corner has its merits for a prospective buyer. It’s close to Clark Park and right in the hub of the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment. And nearby, University City District built Woodland Green at 42nd & Woodland. We’ll be interested to see how quickly USciences finds a buyer, and whether that buyer is able to combine forces with the lots next door to build the next impressive addition for the neighborhood.

–Lou Mancinelli