Last December we reported that the Subway restaurant at 4533 Baltimore Ave. closed down for an indefinite time. Four months later the restaurant is still closed and a sign appeared on the building saying that the space is being leased by Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty, Inc.

The 1,100-square-foot space with a basement is reportedly offered for $2,500 a month (the listing with more information and photos is here). All the equipment, fixtures and furniture left after Subway are still there and available for purchase, according to the listing.

Prior to Subway this space was used by small local businesses. The news of Subway opening in the space in 2012 wasn’t taken well by some community residents (see photo below). The restaurant became a focal point of controversy in 2011 and 2012 (read more here).

The Subway restaurant near 46th and Baltimore has closed along with several other spots owned by the same franchisee.

The restaurant, which became a focal point of controversy in late 2011 and early 2012, was one of four Subway locations that will close. But that doesn’t mean Subway is gone. The corporation that owns Subway is looking for another franchisee for the Baltimore Avenue location, according to Barry Grossbach, chair of the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee.

The zoning committee initially supported Subway’s plan to open on Baltimore Avenue, arguing that it would provide a stable tenant. Nearby residents complained that it would increase traffic in the nearby alley. Others complained that a franchise was out of place on a commercial corridor that was largely made up of locally owned businesses.

In early 2012, Subway signed a 10-year lease on the storefront at 4533 Baltimore Ave., which has churned through businesses over the last several years.

– Mike Lyons, Andrew Foronda