FRANKFORD & SUSQUEHANNA AVE.

NOTE: This rendering has taken artistic license on adjacent buildings and on the concept itself.  There are no plans to change facades or uses for these buildings. The Arts Center facade shown here is a conceptual, preliminary design and is subject to change.

I SAW A PICTURE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IS THIS A DONE DEAL?

No, this is not a done deal. This is a preliminary concept and design and is subject to change. While we would like to create a community asset and support corridor development along Frankford Avenue, we are still looking at the feasibility of design, cost and impact.

WHAT IS A BLACKBOX THEATER?

A black box theater is a relatively recent innovation, consisting of a simple, somewhat unadorned performance space, usually a large square room with black walls and a flat floor.  Such spaces are easily built and maintained, and are home to plays and other performances with very basic technical arrangements: limited sets, simple lighting effects, and an intimate focus on the story, writing, and performances rather than technical elements.  The setup of a black box allows for a versatile space that can host a variety of theatrical, musical, and artistic performances.

CAN THE MONEY BE SPENT ON OTHER PROGRAMS OR INITIATIVES?

Funding for the black box theater will primarily be drawn from State and local funding dedicated to the arts as well as individual or corporate donors. These funds do not usually overlap with funding which may be available for other traditional community development initiatives such as land use, housing, community organizing, planning or the environment. Our desire was to lobby for arts funding to be spent in this neighborhood rather than in other parts of the city or state.

THERE ARE SO MANY VACANT BUILDINGS AROUND. CAN AN EXISTING BUILDING BE RETROFITTED INSTEAD?

To be able to attract professional theater and performance companies, it has been suggested that the building needs to be designed from the ground up as a black box theater. There are a number of theaters in Philadelphia that have been retrofitted but initial interviews with theater groups have indicated that retrofits generally don't meet the needs for a large variety of different types of performance events and these spaces were often insufficient for their needs.

CAN'T IT REMAIN PERMANENT OPEN SPACE?

While we initially greened these lots to stabilize the neighborhood and improve curb appeal, we recognized that one day these lots would be built on. We believe that a stable, sustainable community depends on access to employment, services and goods within walking distance. We also believe that Frankford Avenue is at a critical juncture in its development and felt that a catalyst of this nature would guide the type of development that occurs here. This project proposal is part of our commitment to the economic development and job creation in this community.