The 40th Street area between Market Street and Lancaster Avenue will look a little brighter in the coming weeks. The street, which serves as a link between the West Powelton and Mantua neighborhoods, is undergoing an enhancement that is being called The 40th Street Beautification Project.
“This will be a good way to showcase the area and give it a unique identity,” said Zac Sivertsen, who is co-manager of the project and the manager of neighborhood initiatives and resource planning for the
Community Development Corporation, the real estate division of
People’s Emergency Center.
PECCDC's focus on enhancing the neighborhood with greenery and art is moving forward thanks to the
Vital Neighborhoods Initiative grant from the
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. The greenery portion of the project was completed last fall with tree plantings along the area’s sidewalks.
Art is the final element of 40th Street’s rejuvenation. Local artists will paint the green SEPTA trolley poles with bright, vibrant colors. Weeds and shrubs surrounding the lots in the area will be replaced with flowerbeds.
A unique piece of art - specially designed for the 40th Street project - made of steel and mosaic glass will grace the fenced area near Pro Gulf Automotive Service and Repair between Baring and Spring Garden streets.
The sculpture, designed by local artists
Emilie Ledieu and
Bill Capozzoli, represents a tree.
One goal is to encourage people to walk down the street and explore the Lower Lancaster avenue corridor, which PECCDC is working toward revitalizing.
“We want to draw people down the street both ways,” said Sivertsen.
James Wright, commercial corridor manager at PEC and co-manager of the 40th Street Beautification project, said that although there are many well-maintained homes on the block, the area needs a “little bit of love.”
Source: Zac Siversten and James Wright, People's Emergency Center Community Development Corporation
Writer: Zenovia Campbell