Comments on: West End Market on Idlewood Ave Sees Improvements

By: Byrd Park » Idlewood Cornerstore Gets Another Facelift - Richmond, Virginia

Byrd Park » Idlewood Cornerstore Gets Another Facelift - Richmond, Virginia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:33:19 +0000

[...] the facade of the West End Market at Idlewood and Shields. This upgrade is coming on the heels of recent removal of bars over the windows and installation of new windows. The soffet area on any building is a prime area for water damage. Many of our houses and garages [...]

By: Byrd Park » Farm to Byrd Park Families? - Richmond, Virginia

Byrd Park » Farm to Byrd Park Families? - Richmond, Virginia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:17:32 +0000

[...] ByrdPark.net reporter, John Bourgeois, suggested in a recent comment thread that we ask that the Farm to Family bus make a regular stop in the neighborhood. The Farm to [...]

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:18:48 +0000

You know what would be really cool? If someone in the neighborhood was artistically inclined and got together with the Kangs about repainting the name with some color and a little bit of character. As long as it’s not against any kind of code, which I guess would need to be checked out. But personally I think that would do wonders for making the store look more welcoming.

By: jasonguard

jasonguard — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:41:54 +0000

Ken: I stand corrected. Prior to posting that comment, the overwhelming trend that I observed is white folks (like me) saying they’ve never been in. I’m not saying they’re wrong to avoid the store. That’s their choice.In fact, I wanted to represent a prevalent attitude. And since I see the store daily, living so close by, it seems like mostly African-Americans going in and out, led me to point out the disparity. However, maybe the store has been foreboding to Byrd Parkers in general, regardless of race.

Is it clear that I’m trying to spark a discussion around this? Regardless, to echo John M’s sentiment, “It’s good to see one of the small neighborhood markets being a good neighbor.”

John/Janine/Angela: I’m going to post a feature about that Farm to Family bus stop idea. I’m sure they’re always looking for location suggestions.

By: Angela Agee

Angela Agee — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:01:34 +0000

I bought my house on Rosewood two years ago and have never patronized the market even though I’ve driven by it probably a few thousand times. With this new look I think I will…because yes the look and feel of the area surrounding it have not been enticing to me in the past. I would LOVE to see the Farm to Family bus in our neighborhood…thats a great idea. I too hope the old Winthop Hall will have a buyer and a facelift and will add to the greatness of our neighborhood.

By: Janine Lester

Janine Lester — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:37:57 +0000

I like the Farm to Family idea; I’m always interested in LOCAL vegetables (esp. tomatoes) and honey.

By: Ken

Ken — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:12:15 +0000

“For whatever reason, most white people in Byrd Park feel uncomfortable going into the store.”

I have to say I smiled at this comment Jason. As a black resident here for 30+ years, there have been many-a-story/legend about the corner store on Idlewood. Definitely good to see it look more inviting and less like a prison. I think I’ll have to stop by again. :)

By: John B

John B — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:39:22 +0000

Sunny said she would be interested in having the “Farm to Family” bus park by the Market so we can get fresh veggies to our neighborhood.

Here’s a great write-up on Farm to Family:
http://chpn.net/news/2010/02/03/farm-to-family-brings-fresh-veggies-to-the-east-end/

Would people use this if it was a resource for you?

By: jasonguard

jasonguard — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:36:36 +0000

I’m glad to see the building start to look more welcoming. And, I’m even excited about some of the beauty products they’re carrying now (I love Queen Helen’s brand). Although I don’t buy many groceries at Sunny’s store, I still went there regularly for odds and ends, and especially my precious Yuengling beer (it’s cheaper than air conditioning or prozac). And, I know that it tastes as good as the same beer from Kroger, even though it’s sitting next to dozens of brands of 40oz malt liquors and fortified wine (insert sarcastic tone). The people on the corner and the panhandlers don’t scare me off, and I don’t think that’s their aim. But, I understand the trepidation.

I know no one brought this up, but it’s the elephant in the room. That stretch of Idlewood has a lot of stigma attached to it with the bus route, the litter, and disrepair. For whatever reason, most white people in Byrd Park feel uncomfortable going into the store. However, the occasional gunshots and obvious drug dealing have curtailed pretty dramatically in recent years. If the old Winthrop Hall would convert to something useful and active, then things could change very quickly. Especially when you consider that the other end of the footbridge to Fan now features a thriving coffee/sandwich shop and a yet to be determined new development in the old bus barn.

What do you all think?

By: Peggy

Peggy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:02:14 +0000

Thank you for this post. This is such a great neighborhood and it is so important that we support the neighborhood businesses who are truly our neighbors. I for one will be stopping by the West End Market to say hello and lend my support.

By: john m

john m — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:46:03 +0000

It is nice to see one of the small neighborhood markets being a good neighbor.