Months ago, we reported that a pharmacy was opening up in the attractive building on the southeast corner of 18th and South Sts. that formerly housed offices for the Philadelphia Police. Now, we here at Naked Philly are gung ho for small business, stoked that South Street West is filling a vacancy, and appreciative that this handsome space is getting some use after years of neglect.

But you would have to agree that the choice to open a pharmacy directly across the street from the less-than-year-old Walgreens is a bit curious.

Pharmacy in the foreground, Walgreens across the street

We went inside and spoke to the owner and the pharmacist. Very nice guys, both of them. They are confident that the personal service, the shorter wait times, and free coffee and donuts will convince enough locals to walk away from Walgreens and get on board with their independent pharmacy. And they might be right. But the stark look of their space, the bulletproof glass in front of the counter, their still-graffitied windows, and the low-budget signage might not create the welcoming atmosphere they’ll need to get people to give them a chance. Time will tell.

The guy on the poster is the actual pharmacist

We wish PhilaRx Pharmacy all the luck in the world and hope they can make a go of it. With the Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse so close by, there will be no shortage of people needed prescriptions filled. Hey, maybe the pie is big enough for everyone!

We will put out one request at this time: No more pharmacies on this block! Please. Seriously.