Frankford Ave Arts Corridor

 

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. In 2004 the city designated Frankford Avenue an "arts corridor," prompting NKCDC to create the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan.For more information about Frankford Avenue events go to www.frankfordavearts.org.

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 Improvements Plan (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 area bounded by Trenton and York Streets.  Design components range from post-modern bus shelters to different types of trees. The $1.8 million grant is 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 for a total of over $2 million in improvements to Frankford Avenue.  

Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor eNewsletter - A bi-monthly update of what's happening along the corridor.

The Frankford Avenue Theater & Arts Center
This neighborhood has a long history of performance space along Frankford Avenue. In 1920s the Brunswick, New Ambler and Palm Theaters provided a multitude of performance space. Today, no performance outlets remain. NKCDC is looking into the possibility of developing The Frankford Avenue Arts Center, a multi-dimensional art center combining gallery and performance space with permanent arts-related offices (more info).

1817 Frankford Avenue - This once abandoned eyesore adjacent to our Garden Center has been beautifully renovated with two affordable units on the 2nd and 3rd floor, and commercial space on the first floor (more info). 

Resources
In order to facilitate new businesses on Frankford Avenue, NKCDC works with and refers clients to the  following service providers - 

The Empowerment Group provides education and networking services

Philadelphia Development Partnership provides a varied and customized array of loan products and business development services.

The Enterprise Center provides access to capital, building capacity, business education and economic development opportunities to high-potential minority entrepreneurs.

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians connects newly arrived individuals from around the world with economic opportunities so they can succeed in our region.

Women’s Business Development Center workshops, seminars, business coaching and financial assistance.

Women’s Opportunities Resource Center provides entrepreneurial training, individual business assistance, incentive savings programs, and access to business and financial resources.