FRANKFORD AVE ARTS CORRIDOR NEWSLETTER



Volume 16

May 2008

Corridor Spring Safety

It's no secret that our community is full of folks that opt to ride bikes or walk rather than drive a car or use public transportation. Not only is this the most environmentally friendly way to travel, but it is also healthy. However, given Frankford Avenue and it's sometimes treacherous turns and lack of stop signs (stretch between Palmer Park and Girard), the corridor can also be dangerous for our residents.

 

As the weather warms up and more neighborhood residents hit the streets and the sidewalks, there are a few tips that drivers can take to heart to prevent an accident. 

 

The first lesson is to be patient. A cyclist or a pedestrian is exercising their right to use an alternative method of transportation and we all must share the streets. Slowing down guarantees that drivers are conscientious of their surroundings and it gives them a great opportunity to enjoy art racks, new businesses and lush green space along Frankford Avenue.

 

Pay particular attention to blind spots before taking right hand turns. Often times a cyclist won't be visible along the driver's passenger side.

 

And cyclists, acknowledge that Frankford Avenue can at times be a heavily trafficked road. Take safety precautions such as wearing helmets and reflective clothing. Use bicycles on the street and not on the sidewalks to avoid running into street shoppers or those out enjoying a leisurely stroll.

 

Speaking of human-powered transit, don't forget to participate in the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby on May 17th! For the second year in a row, NKCDC joins the East Kensington Neighbor's Trenton Avenue Arts Festival. Visit www.kinetickensington.org for more information on the derby.

 

Mark your calendars for First Fridays on Frankford Avenue on June 6th. Participating merchants include O'Reilly's Pub, Highwire Gallery, Perpetua, Postive Space, Germ Books + Gallery, Rocket Cat Cafe and Bambi Gallery. Fishtown Neighbors Association will host 'Meet the Neighbors' at the New Kensington Garden Center as well!

 

Positivespace co-founder Simon Grigsby is seeking community help in his fundraising campaign to raise $4000.00 for The leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Germ Bookstore owner and Positivespace co-founder Jennifer Bates. For more information go to  www.active.com/donate/hfdepa/simonsmtn  
call direct @ 215-888-4879, or look for him in person at Positivespace First Friday events on the 2000 block of Frankford Ave.

 

 

 





O'Reilly's Pub

 

This April marks the two year anniversary for new ownership of the former Shannon's Pub at Lehigh and Frankford Avenue. Deborah and Frank McCullough purchased the building and the business in April of 2006 and immediately began renovating the interior space. It wasn't until last fall however, the co-owners decided to give the local hot spot a new name to go with it's new look.

 

Now O'Reilly's Irish Pub offers more than just your standard bar fare. Naturally, upon entering customers are greeted by the familiar smell of their delicious wings, but don't be deceived. To meet the demand of both long time and new residents the McCulloughs have added some fresh items to their menu. Tomato and mozzarella salad, grilled tilapia filet or crab cakes can be enjoyed on any day of the week.

 

Deborah has also made a tremendous effort to join in the efforts to develop the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor. She likes to refer to O'Reilly's as a book end of the arts corridor and recently hosted First Friday activities along with the other galleries and shops. As the weather warms up, patrons of the spruced up pub and restaurant can enjoy the renovated patio for dinner or drinks outside.

 

Don't hesitate to visit 2672 Coral Street to witness this old business gone new again! www.oreillysphilly.com






For Sale or Lease

 

2523-25 Frankford Avenue

Double property house plus garage, C-2 zoning. 1,600 sq ft listed at $229,000. Prudential Fox and Roach. 215-627-6005

 

2218 Frankford Avenue

First floor commercial space for rent - cafe, boutique, restaurant. 1,000 sq ft with basement storage, $1,500 a month. Call owner directly at 267-934-9809

 

2216 Frankford Avenue

For sale by owner, mixed use property on an exciting block of the corridor. $370,000 Contact Ed Macy at 215-254-4318

 

Susquehanna and Blair Street

Newly constructed mixed-use development visible from Frankford Avenue. First floor commercial space about 1,000 square feet. Call Gene Corman at 201-696-6405.

 

1621-25 Frankford Avenue

1400 sq. foot room plus an office and garage. Owner would like to see a restaurant, cafe or bakery! Will build to suit, $1,400 a month. Call Tom Vaughn at 215-771-7464.

 

1444 Frankford Avenue

Commercial space on the first floor - Dyer's Pub currently. Residential space on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Listed at $499,000. Century 21 Advantage Gold - Roosevelt.


To view full property update click here.

 

(Available Properties in the Empowerment Zone, click here)



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        New Kensington Community Development Corporation

2515 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
phone: 215.427.0350
fax: 215.427.1302

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Corridor Business Updates!

The Bicyle Stable
1420 Frankford Avenue

Looking for a new or used bike? Visit the shop to speak with the knowledgable staff.
www.bicyclestable.com

Johnny Brenda's has expanded it's dining area and added new items to the menu. Open 7 days a week 11 am to 1 am, stop in for lunch or dinner during the week and don't forget about brunch on Saturdays and Sundays!

1201 Frankford Avenue
www.johnnybrendas.com

New Kensington Garden Center

The Garden Center officially opens Saturday, April 26th thru June 28th! The garden center has been offering high quality, low cost plants to the neighborhood for 11 years

 

1825 Frankford Avenue
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1 - 6 pm
Fridays, 1 - 7 pm
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am - 3 pm

 

 



News and Events

Portside Arts Center
Join Kim Creighton and her talented staff to select from 10 various art classes ranging from pottery to painting. Portside Arts Center is located at 2531 Lehigh Avenue.

Call 215-427-1514 or e-mail portsideartscenter@verizon.net for more details.

Angler Movement Arts Center Winter Session
1550 Montegomery Avenue in Fishtown
215-922-0866

Classes for children, teens and adults in yoga, pilates, ballet, modern, jazz and creative movement. Visit www.anglermovementartscenter.com

Project Synergy Arts Center
@ Hinge Cafe 2652 E. Sommerset
215-425-6614

Classes have begun. Visit the website for more details. Courses range from Creative Cooking, to Music to Metal Working. Visit www.projectsynergyarts.com

 



MORE

Bambi Gallery

1817 Frankford Avenue

"There Will Be Animals!"

Artists Tory Franklin, Alan Pranziak, K-fai Steele

April 4th thru May 18th

 

WALKING FISH THEATRE presents....

 

 

FRESH FISH 10-minute play festival

May 7th thru May 17th

Six full servings daily!

Sunday Revival Burlesque

May 18th, 8 pm

 

Visit the website for more details! 

 

 

 

 

PositiveSpace Meeting

Join neighborhood artists the 2nd Monday of every month @ the M Room (15 W. Girard), 7pm. Check out www.postivespace.net or e-mail organizers positivespacephila@gmail.com to see what's in store for 2008.

 

 

 

 

 



Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan

The Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan, completed last fall with the help of Market Knowledge, Group G, NKCDC, and a series of community meetings, is available online at www.nkcdc.org, under Neighborhood Plans, then in Frankford Ave Arts Corridor area. Posted bi-monthly, the goal of this newsletter is to keep people informed about arts-related development on Frankford Avenue and in the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods. If you know someone who would like to subscribe to this newsletter please have them send an e-mail to kmusselman@nkcdc.org. To unsubscribe to the list, place this request via e-mail as well to kmusselman@nkcdc.org