Waterfront: Pier by Pier, Delaware River Group Aims to Make Philly Greener
If you manage to avoid sliding down the soggy slope that separates Wal-Mart from the uninviting, trash-ridden space that is Pier 68 in South Philadelphia, you’ll see a sign of things to come. Nestled between signs warning of danger, video surveillance and prosecution for trespassing, is a sign promising something better in the future. “Coming […]
South Philadelphia: Influx of Youth, Dwindling Faith and a Shifting Cultural Melting Pot
The idea of South Philadelphia generates several common images of cheesesteaks, rabid sports fans and scenes of Rocky Balboa running through the Italian Market. The South Philadelphia area, particularly east of Broad Street, had been one of the most popular landing spots for Italian immigrants moving to Philadelphia in the 19th and 20th centuries. The […]
Queen Village: Gloria Dei is More Than a Church
Want to hang out with a few of your church leaders from Gloria Dei the Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church? Look for them at the bar. “We grew the hops ourselves,” said Paula Minacci, one of the two church sextons. “Literally right here in the neighborhood.” Minacci, who is responsible for taking care of the church […]
Pennsport: Crafts & Drafts Festival Shows Philly Still Loves A Good Block Party
Rain or shine, South Philadelphians will rarely pass up the opportunity to go to a beer festival. On October 11, the Crafts & Drafts Festival came to Pennsport for a neighborhood block party on a bone-chilling autumn day. The event tookplace on the 200 block of Sigel Street, in front of Moonshine, a bar and […]
South Philadelphia: Five Relics With A New Future
The various neighborhoods of South Philadelphia are engraved with rich history, whether it be the earliest churches in the country or the traces of an old company. Either way, this history has left behind an increasing number of abandoned and demolished buildings scattered throughout the neighborhoods. In order to accommodate with the ever growing population […]
Pennsport: Athletic Association Brings Neighborhood Together
The ding of an aluminum bat echoes across the baseball diamond at Front and Moore streets in Pennsport. Parents cheer as a twelve-year-old boy races to first base, then to second. For Edward O’Malley Athletic Association President Ed McBride, this is just another day at the office. McBride has been president of the association, better […]
Pennsport: Organization Helps Philly Girls Improve Skills For Lacrosse And Life
When Beth Devine quit her job to focus on fitness full time, she knew things were getting serious. Devine, founder of the organization Philly Girls in Motion, has been a coach and athlete for many years. Now she has the opportunity to share her passion for athletics with a new generation of girls. Philly Girls […]
Pennsport: A Look Behind the Development of Pier 68
Initial repairs for South Philadelphia’s Pier 68 are to begin shortly. The pier, located behind the Wal-Mart on Columbus Boulevard in Pennsport, is to receive a major renovation. The project will transform the centurys old pier from an abandoned slab of concrete and wood into a new fishing dock and green space. Part of the […]
Waterfront: Cyclists Troubled By Delaware Trails
When the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation installed the Penn Street Bike Trail off of Columbus Boulevard, it showcased the potential success of a fluid bike trail separated from traffic along the Delaware River. Central in the DRWC’s master plan for the Delaware, which was released in the fall of 2011 and began to be implemented […]
Pennsport: Making Art In South Philadelphia
There’s a lot going on inside Hector Mendoza’s head. But you might not realize exactly what’s happening in there if you’ve only ever seen him behind the counter of Second Street Brew House. Mendoza is an artist who has been creating drawings, paintings, photos and sculptures since childhood. “I haven’t sold anything in a couple […]