At the heart of the industrial revolution, Kensington was referred to as the "workshop of the world". Today, because of the rising costs of living in Center City, artists and new homeowners are pushing northward and reviving that great heritage. Two years ago the city designated Frankford Avenue an "arts corridor," prompting NKCDC to create the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan.
The Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan is an economic development initiative of New Kensington Community Development Corporation.
The neighborhoods touched by the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor are places with rich history and exciting new development and investment opportunities. Frankford Avenue is supported by a diverse mix of artists, working families and young professionals nestled in the streets of Fishtown, East Kensington and Port Richmond. NKCDC, in conjunction with strong civic associations, is committed to revitalizing this once industrial hub into a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.
In 2004, NKCDC, with collaboration from the community, Group G Architects and Market Knowledge consultants, created a comprehensive plan for the development of the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor. Built on Kensington's history, current assets, and changes occurring in the neighborhood, this plan outlines economic improvement, design, promotion and organization strategies that are instrumental in making Frankford Avenue a vibrant arts corridor. Most importantly, neighbors emphasized that the redevelopment of the avenue should maintain the integrity of the existing building stock and reflect the industrial and authentic feel of the community.
Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan (9MB)
Built on Kensington's history, current assets, and changes occurring in the neighborhood, this plan outlines economic improvement, design, promotion and organization strategies that are key to making Frankford Avenue a vibrant arts corridor. One key element to this plan is the advocation of more commercial space along Frankford Avenue. To download a copy of our plan, right click on the link above.
Frankford Avenue Streetscape Design Concepts (8MB)
NKCDC has hired Group G, a seasoned urban design firm, to create a plan for the revitalization of Frankford Avenue. The project focuses on the corridor stretching from Delaware Avenue to Lehigh Avenue. Design components range from post-modern bus shelters, to different types of trees, benches and more public art. The project has recieved a $1.8 million grant as part of Home Town Streets, a program implemented by PennDOT to promote safe walking corridors around the state of Pennsylvania. It is further supported by funding from the William Penn Foundation and the city's ReStore Philadelphia Corridors Initiative. A total of approximately $3.5 million has been leveraged for improvements to Frankford Avenue.
Images on this site were taken by photographer, Karl Seifert.
New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC)
2515 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19125
phone: 215.427.0350
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