There seems to be some new buzz around the old Acme property in Moorestown Township. The property, owned by the Moorestown Friends School, might be used for a farmer’s market-type retail space, according to Deputy Mayor Greg Gallo.
Gallo revealed at a recent township council meeting that a company was interested in setting up a retail space and had given a detailed presentation at a recent township economic development advisory committee meeting.
Moorestown Friends School is currently looking to lease the building to a new tenant, school spokesman Mike Schlotterbeck said.
MFS is working with Fred Meyer, vice-president and director of Corporate Services at NAI Mertz, to explore several options to lease the former Acme, he said.
Jake Der Hagopian, chairman of the Moorestown Economic Development Advisory Committee, said the presentation was well received by most members of EDAC.
“For the town center area, the Acme property has always been a key property. Partly because of the size of the property, it’s the largest single-standing building in the main street town center area. It’s got the parking and people remember it from when it was an Acme,” he said. “There is more than group looking at this site, though. We’re cautiously optimistic to see something happen with the property in the next few months.”
Der Hagopian said the proposed facility would be similar to a farmer’s market type institution called Suburban Square in Ardmore, Pa.
It would include a number of different vendors selling meats, chocolates, poultry, sushi, fish and other wares. Think of something like the Reading Terminal, he said, but on a much smaller scale.
Members of EDAC have long pointed to a retail space with the very same use for the property, he said.
“This was a use we had hoped to see at this property and we are encouraged to move this forward,” he said. “We’re encouraged and this could be the spark we need to finish the town center area.”
Of course, the potential tenant would have to work out a lease with representatives from MFS, Der Hagopian said.
The Acme Market Company closed down the 123 Chester Ave. facility in 2006. Just five years later, the company closed down the last remaining Acme in Moorestown on Young Avenue in February 2011.
The facility is currently going through some repairs as of last week, as workers were recently seen cutting boards and moving in and out of the building.
