History in the Making

Another chapter of life for this industrial neighborhood that’s been through generations of ups and downs.

Congratulations, Wayne Junction!

On Friday July 13th, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to add Wayne Junction Historic District to the city’s Register of Historic Places. The district is a distinctive industrial area in a city once known as the “Workshop of the World,” and exemplifies the economic heritage of this part of NW Philadelphia.

Total number of properties in the district: 8
Period of significance: 1884 – 1950
Boundaries (roughly): Berkely St – Wayne Ave – Greene St – Germantown Ave map
Description: Anchored by the train station, Wayne Junction’s Historic District includes parts of Germantown and Nicetown neighborhoods. While industrial architecture predominates, the district is bordered by residential rowhomes. Red brick is the most common material found here, due to its fire resistance. Character-defining features include massing, scale, façade, rhythm, proportions, and exterior cladding materials.

Heads up: local developer Ken Weinstein has been orchestrating new growth around Septa’s $31+ million reconstruction of Wayne Junction Station. New additions include Attic Brewery, Philadelphia Woodworking Company, a 1950’s diner, a Deke’s BBQ location, 32 apartments,  and co-working spaces, plus new murals, lighting, and landscaping including a pocket park across from the old Max Levy Autograph Building.

“The only way to change a place like Wayne Junction is to make many improvements all at once, and that’s what we plan to do!” said Weintein when he announced his plans to the community last fall. Most of the development involved restoring factory and warehouse structures, making use of the federal Historic Tax Credit program. The goal is to revitalize and restore historic architecture for modern Philadelphians.

Read the full nomination at the Historical Commission’s website.

Editor’s Note: Historic Designations can be a complicated, controversial issue. Learn more about the pros and cons of Historic Districts at HiddenCityPhila.org and PlanPhilly.com

Philly Office Retail
5219 Germantown Avenue, 19144
215-848-2529
Info@PhillyOfficeRetail.com
Ken Weinstein, president

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