Chinatown: Stakeholders Tackle Crucial Development Questions As Neighborhood Grows
The story of Philadelphia’s Chinatown isn’t unique. But the history of this city’s Asian immigrant- and Asian-American home is, for residents, what makes it stand out from other stories of gentrification. Historically, Chinatowns have grown in abandoned urban neighborhoods, unwanted for things other than industrial business. In Philadelphia, this part of town – called Chinatown […]
Chinatown: Gate Serves as Symbolic Entrance to Philadelphia’s Asian Community
In a neighborhood that’s stood in Philadelphia since the 1870s, the Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch streets seems young by comparison—it was finished and dedicated in January 1984. Chinatown’s symbolic entrance, however, might not have been erected if it weren’t for Dick Doran, an assistant to former mayor William Green. Doran elevated the importance […]
Chinatown North/Callowhill: Naming the Neighborhood Proves To Be Longtime Challenge
There’s a battle of sorts being waged near the Vine Street Expressway. Development throughout the entire city has been picking up over the past few years in Philadelphia, and the area north of Chinatown is no exception. But it’s not just arguments over development that are sparking debate between community leaders in the neighborhood north […]
Chinatown: Officials Weigh Competing Proposals for Development at Parking Lot Site
Cecilia Yep has served the Chinatown community for decades. As one of the founders of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp., she has fought what she considers intrusive development, including a proposed stadium near the Vine Street Expressway and Chinatown’s northern border. And on March 6, in a overflowing meeting room at 1234 Market St., Yep […]
Chinatown: Groups Work To Increase Residents’ Participation In Politics, Elections
Election Day has come and gone and many are either celebrating or discouraged by the result. While this brought an end to the current election cycle, the work done to increase the political involvement of the Chinese community is far from over. Just this year, the nonprofit Philadelphia Tri-state Chinese American Association formed, with Yong Peng as its […]
Chinatown: John Chin Seeks To Bring Divided Community Together
John Chin, the executive director of Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp. (PCDC), is at the forefront of a neighborhood split in two. According to city maps, the space above the Vine Street Expressway is considered Callowhill. But it is known to Chin – as well as to his colleagues and, Chin hopes, many others in the future – […]
Chinatown: A Community Leader Who Learns from Challenges
John Chin, 49, the Executive Director of Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC), was born and raised in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. As Chin comfortably sat in the black swivel chair with a nice white dress shirt tucked into his black slacks, he began to share the beginnings of the corporation. PCDC first opened its doors in 1966, […]
Callowhill: Post-Industrial Area Continues to Evolve
Past: Sewing Industry Centralized in Callowhill “The sewing industry was very prominent in the Callowhill neighborhood before the early 1990s,” said Bob Weinstein (right). Weinstein’s father bought the building at 1025 Cherry St. for a commercial sewing machine business in 1951 and Bob Weinstein has been working in the area since 1961. In 1992, Weinstein […]
Chinatown: Parking Program Assists Businesses and Customers
Philadelphia is a city full of historical places to see, restaurants to eat in and museums to visit. Many of these locations can be found in Chinatown, making it a destination for tourists and city residents alike. Although it is a popular area, some tend to avoid it due to problems with traffic and parking. […]
Chinatown: The Final Night Market of 2014
The final Night Market of the year hit Chinatown last Thursday, with more than 60 of the city’s food trucks along with live music and traditional Chinese dances. The Food Trust organized the first Night Market in Philadelphia in 2010 and it has hosted one of the events on the streets of Chinatown for four years in a row. […]