West Philly’s favorite co-op, Mariposa, is moving down the block to its new Re:Vision Architecture-designed digs at 4824 Baltimore Avenue this fall. For those who aren’t familiar with the classically run, community-based co-op, let us explain: a cooperative is comprised of group members (it’s $25 a year) and volunteers who want to buy in bulk, want to buy local and aren’t looking for meat and fish (if you are a member at Mariposa’s, you are most likely eating tofu for protein). That means if you can’t find 5-pounds of vegan scrapple anywhere (although Vrapple doesn’t seem to have the same antidotal effects for a hangover), you’ll probably want to join Mariposa’s. Think of it as a limited-membership BJ’s for Trader Joe’s fans.

Back in the 70s, Mariposa’s first location (Mariposa’s old space at 4726 Baltimore Avenue was sold on October 26 of 2010 to Lamond Melani for $250K) was part of the Cedar Park revitalization, and because of the huge demand for healthier options in the area, it has been able to make this move to accommodate the many more members who want to join. Mariposa bought the 7000-square-foot Belulah Tabernacle space on October 29 of 2010 for $590K and hopes to open the energy-efficient space by this summer. We love that Mariposa is taking over this beautiful building and are so thankful there has been such a demand for healthier eating options in this area.