Last week, we wrote about some unexpectedly vacant buildings in Old City and happened to mention a recently opened convenience store in one of the formerly vacant commercial spaces. We were recently tipped off about another neighborhood market that recently opened on 3rd St., just north of Vine St.

Blurry. Sorry.

Looking south

Torch-Wood Market opened about a month ago, and definitely fills a need in the neighborhood. Though the Sassafras Market sits just a block and a half to the south, it also happens to sit on the other side of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. While we appreciate that the bridge provides us access to inexpensive booze and gasoline (shhh…), Old City residents have to deal with the massive steel structure looming over them on a daily basis. And we can’t imagine that it’s a treat to walk under the bridge to pick up a gallon of milk or a can of soup.

From Google. It's kind of its own little neighborhood!

If you’ve ever explored the area, the northern section of Old City, bordered by the bridge in the south and the Vine St. Expressway to the north, has a different feel from the rest of the neighborhood. It has its own character, with relatively few bars and restaurants, and less bustle in general. We suspect that the residents of this part of the neighborhood are happy to have a market for themselves.

Now if only they saw some progress here.

Former Lite Bite. Future condos? Who knows?