Gori & Co. Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like a Japanese shaved ice spot could be coming to a Boston neighborhood.

According to a message sent from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub, Gori & Co. is planning to open in Jamaica Plain, with a Jamaica Plain News article stating that it will be going into the space on Centre Street that had been home to Bluefin, and before that, Cacao. A NuMarket page mentions the following about the place:

As a cafe dedicated to everything we love about kakigori, we'll highlight traditional and global flavors while experimenting with our own. Kakigori-style shaved ice, along with small bites such as onigiri and spam musubi.

The address for the upcoming Gori & Co. is 660B Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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When Pigs Fly to Close Locations in Brookline, Jamaica Plain

A Maine-based bread company is closing two of its retail outlets in the Greater Boston area.

According to an Instagram post from the business, When Pigs Fly is shutting down shops in Brookline and Jamaica Plain, with the note saying the following:

Thank You, Brookline & Jamaica Plain ❤️ After many wonderful years, our retail locations in Brookline and Jamaica Plain will be closing on August 17th. Unfortunately, we were unable to renew our leases. We are so grateful to both communities for your support, your love of great bread, and the memories we've shared. This isn't goodbye—our breads are still available at our Kittery, Lexington and Somerville locations and at SendBread.com. Thank you for being part of the When Pigs Fly family.

In addition to its retail stores, When Pigs Fly also sells its breads at markets and stores throughout the region, and a full-service restaurant can be found at the Kittery location.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Namu Distilling Company to Open in the Mission Hill/Jamaica Plain Section of Boston

A new distillery is on its way to Boston, and it will be focusing on two types of spirits.

According to a Bluesky post from @jeremyk.bsky.social, Namu Distilling Company is planning to open on the border of Mission Hill and Jamaica Plain, with the Heath Street address indicating that it will technically be in Mission Hill. The upcoming business will be a Korean-American small-batch distillery and it will focus on soju and gin; no opening date has been given as of yet, though its LinkedIn page says that "We are now very busy getting our federal, state, and city licenses and permits so we can open our doors to everyone as quickly as possible."

The address for the upcoming Namu Distilling Company is 89 Heath Street, Boston, MA, 02130. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/namu_distilling/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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The Book Pub Looks to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like a new bookstore/cafe/bar could be coming to a Boston neighborhood.

According to a post within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, Shannon Spellman is planning to open The Book Pub in JP, saying that she is "in the process of opening a new indie bookstore. The Book Pub is an LGBTQ + Women owned Bookshop with a small café and craft beer bar. The focus of the store is to be inclusive and welcoming to the local community while offering a unique setting to have a pint and enjoy your next favorite read!" A Kickstarter page for the business gives a bit more information, stating that it would be "offering a curated selection of books, artisanal coffee, and rotating local craft beers - while showcasing a bit of literary flare. The store will host author events, themed evenings, children’s book readings, writing classes, etc."

If all goes as planned, The Book Pub could be opening in the late fall of this year.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Drawdown Brewing Opens in Jamaica Plain in December

Last summer it was reported that a new brewery and taproom was planning to open in Jamaica Plain, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to a press release, Drawdown Brewing Company is slated to open on Washington Street in Egleston Square sometime in early December, with Liz Nicol being behind the business. The release mentions that the taproom expects to have seating for approximately 36 and a total occupancy of 100 along with a seasonal outdoor area, and it will offer four beers to start--a New England IPA, a Cream Ale, an Alt Bier, and a Porter--while also serving small bites via area dining spots or food trucks.

Nicol, who lives in Jamaica Plain, foresees the brewery as being an integral part of the community, saying that "Drawdown will be a welcoming space for all. We're excited to be part of this vibrant neighborhood which has a reputation for celebrating diversity, uniquely independent businesses and a thriving socially-minded community....I believe we will be  the only brewery that will be 100% woman and 100% LGBTQ+ owned in the  city of Boston."

The address for Drawdown Brewing Company is 3200 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website is at https://www.drawdownbrewing.com/

[December 15 update: According to an Instagram post from the place, Drawdown Brewing Company opens its doors today.]

[Earlier Article]
Drawdown Brewing Company Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

FoMu in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

A local group of vegan ice cream shops is shutting down another one one of its outlets. 

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, FoMu on Centre Street in JP is closing its doors after business hours on September 18, with a Facebook post from the business saying that "This store was most affected by the pandemic, and has never quite found its footing again. When our lease came to term, it was a sad but sweet sign from the ice cream gods that we should bid farewell." The post does mention that locations of FoMu in the South End, Fenway, Quincy Market, and the Seaport District will remain open. (FoMu also had another outlet in Allston, but it closed last fall.)

The address for FoMu in Jamaica Plain is 617 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for all locations is at https://www.fomuicecream.com/

[September 21 update: A check on its social media confirms that the JP location of FoMu is now closed.]

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Turtle Swamp Brewing in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

A local brewery is getting ready to cease operations.

According to a note on its website, Turtle Swamp Brewing in Jamaica Plain is closing down both its taproom and its production brewery, with its last day being August 19 or "when the beer runs out." No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known what future plans the co-founders might have; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Turtle Swamp Brewing, which first opened on Washington Street in the spring of 2017, also had a beer garden at the Roslindale Substation from 2018 to 2021.

The address for Turtle Swamp Brewing is 3377 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://turtleswampbrewing.com/

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Cacao in Jamaica Plain Is Closing; Newton Highlands Location to Remain Open

A pair of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit shops that are known in part for their hot chocolate will soon be down to just one, as the original location is closing down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Cacao in Jamaica Plain is shutting its doors, with a Facebook post from the Centre Street shop saying the following:

We have made the very difficult decision to close our JP location at the end of this year. In the 80s, when our families immigrated from the Dominican Republic to Boston they settled in JP. We grew up in JP and went to JP schools so opening a business in JP was a dream come true. JP supported us from day one, made our frozen hot cocoa a summer treat to have and our hot chocolate was named one of Boston's best! Thank you JP for making us your "go to" shop for the holiday season and selling us out year after year!!

The Newton Highlands outlet, which can be found on Lincoln Street, will remain in operation.

The address for the JP location of Cacao is 660B Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business can be found at https://cacaonuts.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Drawdown Brewing Company Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like another new brewery may be on its way to Boston.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain News, Drawdown Brewing Company is looking to open on Washington Street, moving into the ground floor of an apartment building on the outer edge of Egleston Square. The post mentions that owner/operator Liz Nicol--who is a resident of Jamaica Plain--plans to include a taproom in the space with offerings including year-round brews as well as specialty and seasonal beers and "light bites," and she is also hoping to partner with local restaurants for more food options.

If all goes well, Drawdown Brewing Company could be opening in December.

The address for the proposed Drawdown Brewing Company is 3200 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.drawdownbrewing.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Exodus Bagels Has Permanently Closed Its Jamaica Plain Shop

A bagel shop that has been temporarily closed due to the pandemic will not be reopening, though its Roslindale facility remains in operation--and will apparently be expanding.

Universal Hub reports (via a Facebook post from the place) that Exodus Bagels has decided to shut down their Jamaica Plain shop permanently, with the post from the business saying the following:

There were a couple factors that were out of our control that ultimately made the decision for us. Mostly the factors are related to the state of the building. The repairs needed  to make it a safe and sound location are beyond a tenant's scope....We are very lucky to have our kitchen in Roslindale and that we have started our window service there. We will now focus on expanding our presence in Roslindale and yes…we will always have sights on our JP neighborhood for a return if the right circumstances become available.

Exodus Bagels opened its Jamaica Plain shop in early 2018, offering New York-style bagels, coffee, and more. The business got its start as a series of pop-ups in 2015.

The address for the now-closed retail shop for Exodus Bagels was 3346 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business can be found at http://www.exodusbagels.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Meadowlark Butcher & Grocer to Open in Jamaica Plain

The person behind a pop-up butcher business is going to be opening a brick-and-mortar shop that sells meats, groceries, and more.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Max Gitlen plans to open Meadowlark Butcher & Grocer in Jamaica Plain, taking over the space on Centre Street where a gas station and convenience store used to be. The new shop will offer both familiar and more unique meat products along with dairy items, produce, prepared foods for takeout, everyday groceries, and--hopefully--beer, wine, and cider if Gitlen is able to acquire a liquor license. If all goes as planned, Meadowlark Butcher & Grocer could be opening sometime this fall.

Max Gitlen established Meadowlark Butcher as a pop-up sausage business in the early part of 2018, selling his products at breweries and other spaces in and around Boston. Previously, he had been involved with The Food Project (a Lincoln-based nonprofit) along with Formaggio Kitchen, Farmstead in Providence, and The Meat Market in Great Barrington.

The address for the upcoming Meadowlark Butcher & Grocer in Jamaica Plain is 579 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business can be found at http://www.meadowlarkbutcher.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Equal Exchange May Purchase Two City Feed and Supply Stores in Jamaica Plain

A co-op that recently closed its coffee shop in Boston's North Station area could be returning to the retail scene, as it is looking to buy a couple of neighborhood food stores in another part of the city.

Universal Hub is reporting that Equal Exchange is nearing an agreement to purchase the two City Feed and Supply stores in Jamaica Plain, with City Feed owners Kristine Cortese and David Warner saying that "The deal is not yet complete but is progressing towards completion....We will start meeting with neighborhood groups to seek approval for transferring licensing." Equal Exchange, which shut down its 11-year-old cafe on Causeway Street in September, is a cooperative that works with cafes and food retailers, and whose headquarters are in West Bridgewater. (The two City Feed outlets that could be taken over by Equal Exchange are located on Centre Street and Boylston Street.)

Jamaica Plain had been home to another retail outlet of a cooperative (the Harvest Co-op) until it closed down last year.

[November 22 update: The Jamaica Plain News indicates that any potential changeover might not happen anytime soon, as the sale is not expected to become official until sometime in 2020. The article also says that Equal Exchange is not expected to make many changes to the products sold at the stores.]

[Earlier Article]
Equal Exchange Cafe in Boston's North Station Area Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Third Cliff Bakery Plans to Open Brick-and-Mortar Shop in Jamaica Plain

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery business known in part for its mobile tricycle cart is going to be opening a brick-and-mortar shop.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain News, Third Cliff Bakery is planning to open a permanent store in Jamaica Plain, moving into the upcoming VITA condo development on Washington Street. The business, which offers such items as shortbreads, muffins, rice krispie treats, hand pies, and more, currently makes its products out of CommonWealth Kitchen in Dorchester, and sells its goods via a trike as well as at farmers markets.

It looks like Third Cliff Bakery could be opening sometime in the fall, according to a Facebook post from the business.

The address for this upcoming shop in Jamaica Plain is: Third Cliff Bakery, 3525 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business can be found at http://www.thirdcliffbakery.com/

[April 20, 2020 update: A licensing board hearing page on the City of Boston website indicates that Third Cliff Bakery could be one step closer to opening in Jamaica Plain by this week, as its application for a common victualler license is slated to be looked at on Wednesday.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Monumental Cupcakes in Jamaica Plain Has Been Sold, Is Apparently Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a popular neighborhood cupcake shop is saying farewell.

According to a post within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, Monumental Cupcakes has a sign out front saying "It has been our great pleasure and honor to serve you! Monumental Cupcakes has been sold! But -- we look forward to something very Monumental opening here in the spring! We might host a farewell party, if so, we'd love to invite you." It is not known what might be replacing the South Street store, nor is it known why the place is closing; as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

Monumental Cupcakes, which has been in business for nearly 10 years, offers cupcakes as well as donuts, birthday cakes, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for this cupcake shop in Jamaica Plain is: Monumental Cupcakes, 36 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://monumentalcupcakes.com/

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

[February 4 update: Based on information from a source along with the fact that the phone number for the place appears to be down, it appears that Monumental Cupcakes is now closed.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]

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Meatland in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A butcher shop that has been in business for more than 60 years has shut down.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Meatland in Jamaica Plain is no longer in business, with a tweet from @HydeJacksonSq asking if any "creative and aspiring butchers" might be interested in taking over the Centre Street shop. The article mentions that the lease on the store was expiring and that the store owner had been looking to sell the business, with any new store owner then needing to negotiate a lease with the building's owner.

Meatland, which first opened in 1957, offered an array of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood items.

The address for this now-closed butcher shop in Jamaica Plain was: Meatland, 306 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Harvest Co-op Markets in Cambridge and Jamaica Plain to Close

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that the future of a pair of community-owned markets may be in question. Now we have learned that the two stores will indeed be shutting down.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Harvest Co-op in Cambridge's Central Square and Jamaica Plain will both be closing within the next 7 to 14 days, as the possibility of the National Co+op Grocers (NCG) purchasing the assets of the two markets did not come to fruition. An email from the Harvest Co-op Markets Board of Directors was sent out this afternoon, saying the following:

We learned a few days ago that NCG determined that they would not be submitting a proposal for us to consider....In light of this fact, and the reality that we have no other viable options to rescue the Co-op, the Board has determined that the most responsible act is to close the stores in order to get the most value out of our assets to address as much of our financial obligations as possible."

The article says that the shops will have a going-out-of-business sale over the coming days, which will help pay off their creditors.

The Cambridge location of Harvest Co-op Market is located at 580 Massachusetts Avenue while the Jamaica Plain location can be found at 3815 Washington Street. (The website for both stores is at http://harvest.coop/)

[October 12 update: A Facebook post from the business states that today is the last day for both locations of Harvest Co-op Market.]

[Earlier Article]
Harvest Co-op Markets in Cambridge and Jamaica Plain in Danger of Closing

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Harvest Co-op Markets in Cambridge and Jamaica Plain in Danger of Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the future of a pair of community-owned markets may be in question.

An article from Cambridge Day states that Harvest Co-op in Central Square could close by August unless $300,000 is raised by then, with the Jamaica Plain News saying the same about the Forest Hills location of the store. Both posts say that a letter went out to members and the communities saying that it is "an ambitious task" to raise this amount of money in such a short period of time, and that steps that could help include the shops selling more local, natural and organic foods and focusing more on community organizing and marketing, while customers can help by buying in cash, purchasing gift cards but not using them right away, and buying items in bulk along with prepared foods, body care items, and supplements. (Other ways to help are also mentioned in the letter.)

The Cambridge location of Harvest Co-op Market can be found at 580 Massachusetts Avenue while the Jamaica Plain location can be found at 3815 Washington Street. The website for both stores is at http://harvest.coop/

[July 24 update: A new article from the Jamaica Plain News states that the people behind Harvest Co-op Market are considering the possibility of the National Co+op Grocers (NCG)--which is a cooperative of food cooperatives--purchasing the assets of the two markets. A town hall meeting will take place on August 6 where people can learn more about the proposal, with the exact time and location of the community meeting being given soon.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Turtle Swamp Brewing to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like yet another brewery is on its way to the city of Boston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Turtle Swamp Brewing is planning to open in Jamaica Plain, taking over a space on Washington Street that is only a few blocks south of the Samuel Adams brewery. The post says that Nicholas Walther--who had been a brewer at Harpoon--and John Lincecum are behind the brewery, which could possibly include a brew house and hopes to be opening its doors sometime this spring if all goes as planned.

The address for this upcoming brewery in Jamaica Plain is: Turtle Swamp Brewing, 3377 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business will be at http://www.turtleswampbrewing.com/

[May 4 update: BostInno states that Turtle Swamp Brewing soft-opens on Saturday (May 6), with crowlers being sold and some free samples of beer expected.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]

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Building Housing Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza in Jamaica Plain Sold to Developer

The future of a couple of dining spots in Jamaica Plain appear to be in question, as the building in which they reside has been sold to a developer.

The Jamaica Plain News is reporting (via bldup.com) that Milton-based Hajjar Management has purchased the four storefronts at 775-783 Centre Street for $1.72 million, though no specific plans for the space have been given as of yet. The block of shops includes two eateries--Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza--along with a dry cleaning shop and a now-closed convenience store, and while the structure is currently only one story high, the Jamaica Plain News says that if it were to be redeveloped, a new structure built there could reach a maximum of 45 feet in height.

The property last sold for $47,500 in 1976, according to the article.

[August 23 update: The Jamaica Plain News mentions (via Banker & Tradesman) that Hajjar Management does not have plans for a "significant redevelopment" of the block housing Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza, with COO Paul Mahoney saying that "It will remain as a retail use, with an updated facade in keeping with the vibrant Jamaica Plain market."]

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Future of South Street Location of Harvest Co-op in Jamaica Plain in Question

It looks like a trio of community-owned food markets could be down to just two early next year, depending on the outcome of lease negotiations for one of the stores.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain Patch, Harvest Co-op on South Street in Jamaica Plain faces an uncertain future, as its lease is expiring in February of 2015 and negotiations with the landlord have been "difficult." The article mentions that the market will be holding a meeting on January 5 that includes a public comments session where customers will be able to give their thoughts on the possible shuttering of the shop.

Harvest first opened its South Street store in 1999; the original market opened in Cambridge's Central Square in 1974, while a second JP store opened on Washington Street in the Forest Hills area in late 2012.

The address for the South Street location of Harvest Co-op is 57 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the markets can be found at http://www.harvestcoop.com/

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

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