New kids on the 3900 block

The University's plans are forcing retailers on the 3900 block of Walnut Street to close or relocate, and storeowners are concerned about the fates of their establishments.

College Pizza, Philly Diner, the Last Word Bookstore, Power Yoga, Kinko's Office and Print Services, West Philadelphia Locksmith and CVS will all leave their present locations to allow for the construction of University-owned off-campus housing.

Currently, CVS has plans to relocate to the Food Court at 34th and Walnuts streets and Power Yoga has plans to move to 40th and Chestnut streets.

But some of the stores, among them College Pizza, currently have nowhere to go. The University plans to announce a developer for the block next month, and it is still unclear exactly when these businesses will have to move.

"Change is difficult," Senior Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Services Omar Blaik said. "I cannot tell you that the owners are receiving the news with open arms."

Blaik added that while store owners are worried about being able to relocate, the University is working with them to find space.

However, College Pizza manager and part-owner George Ballouz said that he has not yet received any help from the University in terms of relocation.

"They kind of helped everyone else but us," Ballouz said. "We're on good terms with the University, so I don't really understand why they didn't approach me a year ago with the option of moving to a new location. ... We're stuck now."

College Pizza employee Jessica Cunningham said she'll be out of a job if the shop closes.

"If they completely close down College Pizza, I'm screwed," Cunningham said. "There aren't a lot of jobs now for people who aren't college-educated," she added.

West Philadelphia Locksmith employee Shirley Krevitz said that her business has not received re-location assistance from the University either.

The University "did say at one time that they have to talk to us, but they still haven't spoken to us, so we don't know if that means they're going to find us a spot," Krevitz said.

College junior Andrew Hedin said he is disappointed to see the removal of several campus landmarks.

"I'd like to see the University maintain some of the unique campus businesses like College Pizza, but the trend toward a more residential Walnut Street block could be beneficial for getting to class," Hedin said.

In addition to the apartments, the University is looking to add new retail to the space as well.

"We have been trying to attract an art supply store, a home furnishings store -- all sorts of different amenities that the students ... requested but we could not accommodate because of a lack of retail supply space," Blaik said.

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