Chris Helms
The former Harvest Coop space at 57 South St. on May 20, 2015.
Perhaps no commercial vacancy in the last few years has prompted as much speculation on what should go there next as 57 South St., former home of Harvest Coop.
Landlord Dean Rusk is marketing the property as a "retail/restaurant" opportunity, according to a poster in the window. Interested parties are asked to call 617-274-4900 or email info@bosurban.com.
Harvest shuttered the store in April, citing operating losses in each of the past three fiscal years. Harvest has a location .7 miles away across from Forest Hills Station.
On social media, wishes for the space include a new grocery store:
#JamaicaPlain has spoken and it wants a grocery store @universalhub @02130News pic.twitter.com/tMuZcXQo5D
— RobHalpin Ⓥ (@Niplahr) May 25, 2015
Assessing records say the property is 8,142 square feet inside. The layout proved awkward for Harvest, with lines for the registers frequently backing up aisles where other customers were shopping. There was also a choke point at the deli, which stood between the main aisle area and the beer/wine/chips section.
At least one person hopes an honest-to-goodness diner might open there:
@universalhub @Niplahr @02130News Could someone open a diner? A true to life diner?? That's what JP needs.
— reed27 (@reed27) May 26, 2015
Other ideas include an outpost of Life Alive, a regional chain specializing in vegetarian and vegan foods. It has locations in Cambridge, Salem and Lowell. Jamaica Plain News has reached out to Life Alive management and we'll update this item with any response.