Buildings and Beyond - Wayne Junction's Collaborative Revitalization

In 2015, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority completed a $31.5 million renovation of the Wayne Junction train station that has spurred additional investment. Philly Office Retail redeveloped 13 properties totaling 355,000 square feet and Mosaic Development Partners recently completed a mixed-use development. These new projects are only part of what is needed to restore this former industrial hub; community-oriented amenities are just as vital to this holistic, multi-stakeholder revitalization.

Tour historic adaptive-reuse projects, visit area businesses, and experience the improving pedestrian landscape. Sites include the historic 1876 Schaffer Building (now Philly Office Retail and Jumpstart Germantown’s headquarters), the 1902 Beaux-Arts Max Levy Building (now 32 apartments), and the 1893 Blaisdell Paper Pencil Company (now home to a local brewery, BBQ restaurant, and tech company). See three new murals completed by Mural Arts and learn about plans for new sidewalks, trash receptacles, street trees, lighting, and bike racks.

While vacancy and deterioration exist, commercial and individual developers (many of whom are Jumpstart Germantown graduates) are meeting the challenges. They are addressing the blight and attracting both people and investment by leveraging the area’s rich history, transit access, green spaces, and proximity to Center City.

Tangible outcomes include easy wins like residents’ input on necessary businesses, voting on a logo, and building name and artistic murals. Learn more specific approaches and tools you can take back to your own community.

Attendees walk during this workshop.