Fairmount Ave. is continuing to grow and improve. Zoning signs went up at the vacant lot at 19th and Fairmount. The lot currently displays a mural of Noam Chomsky, but the new building will more than likely block it. The zoning application states the developer intends to build a four-story structure. The first floor will have parking and retail space; above will have fifteen residential units.
Rumor has it that the retail space will be a grocery/sandwich/ café spot. It sounds to be similar to DiBruno Brothers, but more affordable, which should do well in the area.
Other improvements to the Fairmount area include the addition of the BlueCat and the new location of Mugshots in the new mixed-use building at the other corner of 19th and Fairmount. BlueCat is Latin BYOB by Guy Shapiro and his wife Luli Canuso. Shapiro has worked for the Toscana Resturant Group and with Wildflower in New Jersey; Canuso was a pastry chef at Le Bec-Fin. It is said the restaurant is named after the couple’s Russian blue cat. It is open for dinner and lunch Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch on the weekends.
Right next door to BlueCat is Mugshots, having just moved from their location right across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary. It was their flagship location, and have been there for nearly eight years, but decided to move over a dispute with the landlord.
Owner Angela Vendetti is excited about their new location. The venue has a coffee bar with seating and hosts musicians.
Other new restaurants in the Fairmount area include Hickory Lane, Lemon Hill, and La Calaca Feliz. With all these new restaurants popping up, Fairmount is starting to become a dining destination. If this proposed mixed-use building is approved, the grocery/sandwich/café spot will add to the success of Fairmount. Now to sit and wait!
