UPDATE (8/10/2024): The Garden Court Eatery permanently closed at the beginning of August. The space is now empty.

(7/1/2024): A popular local business, the Garden Court Eatery, is permanently closing after more than a decade of operation. The sign in the window says that everything in the store is 50 percent off before it closes. The Korean-American run business, located on the ground floor of the Garden Court apartment complex, has been a local spot not only as an eatery and grocery store, but also has been known for its nice selection of craft beer.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched by community members a few days ago to help the business. The reason for the store closing is due to “building managers refusing to renew their lease,” according to the message posted by the fundraising campaign organizer, Mohini Dutt, on GoFundMe. The business has been experiencing problems with the building managers for a few years, partially due to the construction of an additional apartment building on top of the store. There have been other campaigns to help save the store in the past few years.

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Adrienne Williams, owner of Freebird Greenery, and Drew, her son. (Photo by West Philly Local)

It seems like all 10 of Adrienne Williams’ fingers are green; not just her thumb.

Williams has turned her passion for plants, community and self-care into Freebird Greenery, which will officially open this Saturday at 4711 Pine St. The ground floor storefront in the Garden Court Plaza building includes a variety of sizes and species of house plants, pots and even a locally made “propagation wall,” for starting plant cuttings.

“I really wanted a space that felt like community,” Williams said. “I thought, where do I like to spend time? What environment do I find peaceful?,” Williams said. “Plants are a big part of that for me.” The shop’s vibe fits Williams’ “plant care as self-care” philosophy. Continue Reading

On Saturday, April 23, the day after International Earth Day, the Green Committee of Garden Court Condos invites neighbors in West Philly to drop by between 2 and 4 p.m. On the sidewalk in front of GC (Pine St. between 46th and 47h), several of Philadelphia’s green organizations will present their options for more sustainable lifestyles. These include:

– The Rounds, Philly’s new startup which provides weekly deliveries of basic goods and local specialties with little or no packaging — and will be providing sample snacks;
– PECO, which offers home owners and residents promotions for converting to LED lighting, plus tips and subsidies for conserving electricity; and Continue Reading

Newly elected Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier will be a guest speaker at the Garden Court Community Association’s fall membership meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, which will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Apostles and the Mediator (260 S. 51st St.).

The proposed luxury apartment development near 51st and Spruce will likely be among the topics she will address. This meeting is an opportunity for residents to hear the newly elected Councilwoman’s thoughts on the neighborhood’s future and ask questions.  Continue Reading

Architect Brian Phillips from architecture firm ISA presents proposal to convert church near 46th and Spruce into apartments (Photo by West Philly Local).

Developers presented a plan to the Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) last night that would convert the Good Shepherd Community Church near 46th and Spruce into apartments and add another smaller building on the property.

The proposal, made to a standing-room-only crowd, was met with mixed reviews. Preservationists welcomed the adaptive reuse, while many neighbors near the property at 314-316 S. 46th St. opposed the plan.

“We simply can’t absorb any more high-density housing in this area,” said Eric Santoro.  Continue Reading

Good Shepherd Community Church (Photo West Philly Local).

The Garden Court Community Association zoning committee will consider a proposal on Tuesday, June 4 to demolish part of the Good Shepherd Community Church building near 46th and Spruce and build a 32-unit apartment complex.

The property at 314-316 S. 46th St. is zoned RSA-3, which accommodates singe-family dwellings. Developers are also asking for variances for the front setback (eight feet is required and zero is proposed) and parking. Zoning requires 32 spaces and the proposal includes none.  Continue Reading