We have more news to share about the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue in the Cedar Park neighborhood in West Philadelphia. A few weeks ago, a small public meeting was held at Seeds Gallery at 5011 Baltimore Ave. by its owner, Sabda Tedla, and local developer Ryan Spak, about their idea to create a garden center on the grass lot at the southeastern corner of 51st & Baltimore, owned by the Spak Group.

The lot

Tedla and Spak envision the corner location, 5050 Baltimore Ave., which the Spak Group acquired this March, as an opportunity to answer the demand for a neighborhood garden supply store. Nearby, there’s a Lowe’s close to 52nd & Parkside but that’s a hike and it’s kind of corporate, no?  The two envision that perhaps it could be created through a coop, or private investors. The purpose of the meeting was to spread word about the idea and to try to generate interest. According to Tedla, the pair thinks private investors would help create the center faster than a coop, which would have to raise money. She said they were in conversations with a few investors. If an arrangement is made soon the center could open by next winter.

Closer look

“My philosophy about it is the simpler the build the better it is,” said Tedla. She said it could perhaps be a greenhouse-like structure or something lit by outdoor heaters during colder months. The idea came about when the two were talking as Spak said he didn’t plan to sell or develop the lot soon.

Last month, Tedla, who also owns Aksum, the mediterranean kitchen at 47th & Baltimore, announced her plans to open Babylon Bistro, an all day breakfast and specialty sandwich and coffee shop, at 5021-23 Baltimore Ave.

Could a garden center spur the redevelopment of the adjacent homes?

The corner lot sits at the end of a string of long vacant dilapidated homes. Perhaps the appearance of a garden center would attract investors to those buildings. And with plans across the street for a jazz club at 5037 Baltimore, and a taco truck soon to make the block its permanent home, it seems likely that this block will continue to improve.

–Lou Mancinelli