Developer sets sights on Superfresh site in Society Hill

Alterra Property Group is in the preliminary stages of a proposal to construct a mixed-use development on a Society Hill property that now houses a Superfresh.

The thought of losing the small supermarket that occupies 13,000 square feet at 309 S. 5th St., has many in the community upset. However, it’s early in the process and more information is needed, said Matt DeJulio of Society Hill Civic Association.

“We haven’t seen or heard all of the details,” he said. “Once we do, we will have an open meeting with our residents.”

The Philadelphia development company’s plans are still being worked out and nothing is set in stone. At this point, the developer would like to raze the single-story building housing the Superfresh and construct a structure that would have between 12,000 and 18,000 square feet of retail space and apartments on top, said Leo Addimando, co-founder of Alterra.

How many apartments and how tall of a building hasn’t been finalized. Current zoning allows for roughly three stories though the developer would like to explore constructing something taller though still in keeping with the scale of the neighborhood, Addimando said.

Addimando points to his Shirt Corner project at 3rd and Market streets in Old City as an example of the type of mixed-use project he envisions. However, he acknowledged “Society Hill is not Old City.” Addimando said he plans to work with nearby neighbors in the design of the structure, density, parking and other issues, which is an approach he took in Old City.

Grocery stores quickly become a part of a neighborhood’s fabric and people’s routines and, as a result, the idea of having the Superfresh gone worries many in the community. Aware of this, Addimando said he would like a grocery store to be part of his plans.

“We are at the very beginning of the conversation with neighbors,” Addimando said. “We recognize the importance of the site and the grocery store in the neighborhood and we would love to try to bring back a grocery store. That would be our hope.”

The Superfresh lease runs until 2018.

Another property in Addimando’s sights is 314 S. 5th St., which currently is leased on a long-term basis to two retailers. At this point, the developer doesn’t have any plans for that property because of leases.

Addimando has both properties under agreement.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal