Buildings Not People

As of about six weeks ago, I had no interest, clue or inclination to venture to 30th and Girard streets. I had assumed it was a broken down neighborhood with no signs of life- just another poverty stricken Philadelphia neighborhood.

But we all know about assumption and what it does to you and me.

The Girard Avenue corridor is a mix of old and new. Businesses that have been there for generations mingle with new construction. Laundromats and pizza places, tattoo parlors and Cricket stores all line what was believed to me to be a wasteland.

This growth of industry- economic revitalization is something found only in areas with something to offer. The Brewerytown area has so many newly popular attributes that its borders are being adopted by a new breed of neighbor. One who owns his own town home, newly sided and landscaped in an easily accessible area- just minutes from the highway.

But the types of businesses popping up on the Avenue show few chains and many independently owned retail stores and shops. Looking deeper into who sets up shop here and why will give a better understanding in to what is really going on in Brewerytown. The West Girard Business Association and Girard Coalition may have some insight into who is choosing the Avenue and why.

Kevin Cook and Marilyn S. D'Angelo
Group 2