Mr. Market

Meet the new owner of the old Tilden Market.

When Ed Lampe heard the Tilden Market was for sale he called all his neighbors on Osmond Street together to brainstorm how to keep it local and help it reach its potential. Ed’s had his eye on this space since he first moved to the Falls 26 years ago. A community guy, he likes the idea of a local market tailored for the immediate customer base.

Ed’s also got his hands full managing two giant industrial spaces on Stenton Avenue in Germantown. One is under construction, the other – the Stenton Guild Arts Building – is full of art studios and maker workshops including massive machines that require tending and training. But East Falls could totally use a grocery/coffee hub. With some help, a revitalized market here could be a key resource for the area.

He’d need staff, definitely. Investors, possibly. Right now, he’s still figuring stuff out as the sole owner. After closing on the property October 8th, Ed’s top priority (along with cleaning) has been restocking “core” items so the store can start serving the neighborhood asap. He’s also intrigued by the building’s architectural potential – apparently, there’s a historic tin ceiling hiding behind the drop panels visible over the aisles. What else could there be..?

Rooftop view from Ed’s 2nd Stenton Ave building (renovations in progress)
Ed’s supervisor, Spackle the cat (who follows him everywhere)

A bit of a renaissance dude, Ed’s the kind of handyman who will create his own molds and mix a custom concrete blend to replace historic windowsills when he could buy a reasonable facsimile cheaper and faster. He’s also a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to motors and machines. We met his mom at this year’s Philadelphia Open Studio Tours at the Stenton GA  building, and she told us that Ed’s been a tinkerer since he was little.

When he was 10 or 11 years old, he once came home all fired up about something he saw on the way to school and simply could not believe was for sale. He begged her to help him get it. As they were driving up to where he said it was, she was trying figure out what on earth he was so excited about — she didn’t see anything but junk. So Ed leapt out of the car and ran to an old rusty lawnmower: “Look! It could be a go cart!” And she’d laughed at the time but he had insisted. And then he actually did turn it into a go cart.

His mom shared another thing Ed’s always talked about since he was young: owning a grocery store. Not your typical teenage boy dream, but that’s Ed. He’s done considerable homework and already has lots of ideas to update the market. Including a cheeky new name: NouVaux Market. (You’ll have to ask Ed how to pronounce it, ha.)

A near neighbor congratulates Ed at his pizza party on the day he closed on the property

Keep your eyes peeled for Ed – he will probably look like a human-sized whirlwind spinning between Vaux and Stenton. Opening date is slated for November 1st. Inventory requests? Employment or investment inquiries? Email Ed via info@stentonguild.com. For updates on the NouVaux Market, follow us here and on the East Falls Rants group on Facebook.

COMMENTS FROM EF RANTS

  • Just stopped on the old “Tilden Market” and met Ed! He bought it yesterday! Told me he’s going to improve hours, offer coffee in the morning, have better product, etc. He’s lived here for 25+ years, super friendly and nice!!! He wasn’t exactly open, but he was kind enough to stop and talk/laugh with me. Cool dude. He seemed to be cleaning, but was very gracious and pleasant. (I liked him immediately and I really don’t say that often.) Happy about this!
  • Ed is GREAT!!!! Definitely a good thing for EF!!
  • So glad someone bought it, looking forward to meeting him!
  • Is he revamping both spaces?
  • He only owns one side – the guy who owns the other half of this building is not selling.
  • Shame, Tilden Treasure Hunt has been vacant for years.
  • Not at all vacant, it’s an architect business, Paul the owner also started the architect program at philly university he had been there for over 18 years and you are right he is not selling.
  • Saw them in there last night and figured they were the new owners! Looking forward to see all the new improvements. Good luck Ed!!
  • Looking forward to it!
  • Really hoping for something good here 🙏🏽 I’d love to support
  • Just heard this…FABULOUS NEWS!
  • We’ve lived on Osmond street since 2001– Ed has been one of our neighbors since we purchased our house. He has a drive, especially for block parties! 😉 He has other very successful business ventures in the surrounding neighborhoods and I have no doubts his transformation of the Tilden Market will be anything but great. 🙂.
  • Ed owns art studios in Germantown and I have been a tenant for about 2 years. He is the best dude. I’m so excited for this 🙂
  • …finally…
  • I love it!!! It would be great and badly needed — East Falls own lil stop-in spot

 

 

5 Comments

  1. Grew up at 3525, 1949-1970. Dave & Shirley were the owners I knew & grew up with. Is the big butcher block still there? I can still see the butcher cutting the meats on it. Lots to check, the basement, but sure you did already. All the nooks & crannies. I’m hoping that some of us originals can get back for the opening.

  2. We’ve lived on Osmond street since 2001– Ed has been one of our neighbors since we purchased our house. He has a drive, especially for block parties! 😉 He has other very successful business ventures in the surrounding neighborhoods and I have no doubts his transformation of the Tilden Market will be anything but great. 🙂.

  3. So nice of you to print the article of my son’s “New Adventure”. If anyone can pull this off, it’s my Ed. He amazes the family with his know how and adventurous spirit. His sister, nieces and I will be visiting the “Market” soon and plan to buy a cart full of groceries. GO ED!!! Love, Mom

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