PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15, 2011 – State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today presented a $ 12 million check to the Bakers Centre (formerly known as Bakers Square) economic development project. The Bakers Centre shopping complex is located in the Hunting Park West section of Philadelphia at the former headquarters of the famed Tasty Baking Company.
[hdvideo id=20 ]
The $12 million that Hughes was instrumental in securing is funded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The $60 million Bakers Centre project will bring 350 construction jobs and approximately 700 permanent jobs.
Bakers Centre is a 220,000 square foot, expansive shopping complex encompassing 30 acres located on Hunting Park Avenue, Fox Street and Roberts Avenue. This development is a part of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission Redevelopment Initiative.
“We all heard the President’s ambitious and driven American Jobs Act proposal that he submitted to Congress this week. We know jobs are the number one priority in the minds of my constituents, of Pennsylvanians and of the all Americans,” Hughes said. “Certainly, this economic development project provides great resources for the community, but it also brings with it valuable, necessary jobs at a time when they are so badly needed. Investing in projects like Bakers Centre has great rewards. With the state as a partner, we can turn communities around.”
Bakers Centre will be anchored by a 71,000 square foot Brown’s ShopRite supermarket owned and operated by Brown’s Super Stores. Brown’s Super Stores operate several ShopRite supermarkets in Philadelphia and are known for their efforts to increase the availability of affordable, healthy foods in under-served, urban communities.
The mixed-use urban redevelopment project is being developed by Metro Development. Metro Development’s mission is to invest its energy and talents towards developing projects that meet the specific needs of the communities they serve and has prided itself with the ability to change as communities needs change.
“I applaud Jeff Brown and Brown’s Super Stores for once again leading the way by building in challenging neighborhoods and showing others these projects can be successful. As well, the developers at US Realty Associates and Metro Development Company are to be commended for their personal investment in this site. Together, we are moving Philadelphia forward, during difficult economic times.
For the check presentation, Michael Grasso, President, Metro Development Realty, Jeff Brown, President and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores, and representatives from US Realty Associates, Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones’ office, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter’s office and State Representative Jewell Williams’ office joined Senator Hughes.
# # #