Community Development Activities
Over the past decade, the Fairmount CDC and all of our community partners have worked to improve and help Fairmount grow. Take a look at some of the current community development initiatives of the Fairmount CDC.
Real Estate Development
It is no surprise that Fairmount has some of the most diverse and attractive housing stock in the City of Philadelphia. Over the years, Fairmount CDC has worked tirelessly to redevelop abandoned buildings and vacant lots in the greater Fairmount area, through strategic partnerships with public and private partners.
Current Projects:
Braverman Building- In partnership with MM Partners
Cambridge Row- In partnership with MM Partners
Neighborhood Planning & Research
Working closely with the community, Fairmount CDC assists residents and businesses in creating visionary and obtainable plans that help guide future development. In addition to fostering the growth in Fairmount, Fairmount CDC has also served as lead advisors for the Brewerytown Neighborhood Plan in 2010. Since then, Fairmount CDC has been leading the efforts in corridor revitalization on Historic West Girard Avenue, along with neighbors Brewerytown CDC and the Sharswood Brewerytown Civic Association.
Fairmount CDC also coordinates with City and other public entities to facilitate the streetscape improvements along Fairmount Avenue and West Girard Avenue.
Current Projects
[COMPLETED] West Girard Streetscape Improvement Project:
West Girard Streetscape Conceptual Overview
West Girard Wayfinding Signage Concept
Single Big Belly (9 Locations) / Double Big Belly (2 locations)
Streetscape Scope & Impact Factsheet
29th & Girard CPTED Report:
Designing a Stronger 29th & Girard: A Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Strategy
Healthy Corridors, Healthy Neighborhoods:
Healthy Corridors: Fairmount Avenue & Girard Avenue Corridor Performance Study: Using a combination of local employment dynamics data and American Community Survey data, Fairmount CDC evaluated the overall commercial health of Fairmount Avenue and West Girard Avenue provided the characteristics of nearby residents and workers. Learn more.
Fairmount Avenue Forward
Formerly "Lighter Quicker Cheaper Fairmount Avenue" the Fairmount Ave Forward plan is the result of a year-long engagement process challenging stakeholders to develop affordable solutions to unify and beautify Fairmount Avenue that can be implemented quickly and with little red tape. Learn more.
29th Street Pedestrian Bridge Lighting
In an effort to improve safety, connections to Fairmount Park, and to highlight the historic resources of our neighborhood, Fairmount CDC will work to install both function and decorative lighting along the 29th Street Pedestrian Bridge. View the conceptual designs here.
Building Connections
Fairmount benefits from its proximity to assets like Center City, cultural institutions and Fairmount Park. However, connections to these assets and others, can be strengthened to further position the neighborhood as the best place to visit, explore and raise a family.
Current Proejcts:
Bache-Martin Elementary School: A Conceptual Master Plan for Exterior Improvements
Poplar Street Bridge Mural - Connecting Fairmount to Fairmount Park
"Bulldog Park" Kisok at 25th & Fairmount - A Gateway to Fairmount
Broad-Ridge-Fairmount Triangle Gateway
Coming Soon:
Park Connections: Working with a diverse group of stakeholders Fairmount CDC will evaluate the current conditions of key access points to Fairmount Park and determine strategies to make those points safer, more attractive and accessible.
Fairmount CDC's business development priorities are to focus on business development (assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups), business growth (assisting existing/establish businesses grow) and business sustainability (ensuring longevity in new and established businesses).
Greater Art Museum Area Business Alliance
GAMBA is an alliance of business owners and real estate developers working to maintain, enhance and promote the Greater Art Museum Area as a destination community in the City of Philadelphia for business owners, residents and tourists. Whether you are a retailer, restaurant, professional service, or real estate developer, a membership in GAMBA will help you grow your business through marketing, networking, and business assistance, while being part of the overall marketing and promotion of the Greater Art Museum Area.
To learn more about the alliance and membership, click here.
To learn more about the businesses in the Art Museum District, click here.
Business Incentives & Programs
Fairmount CDC works closely with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and other partners to connect business owners to incentives, financing and technical assistance.
For all businesses:
Business Security Camera Program – Commercial properties that install video surveillance outside of their properties and register with SafeCam can receive up to 50% reimbursement of the costs.
Kiva City Philadelphia – Access no-interest microloans through this crowdfunding platform.
The Merchants Fund – Grants to help small business stabilize, remain viable and grow.
Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) – PIDC offers workshops as well as loans and contract lines of credit for Philadelphia businesses.
Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) – Housed at the Parkway Central Branch of the Free Library, the BRIC offers business and nonprofit information and one-on-one research assistance, including patent and trademark resources.
Power Up Your Business Program – Free, neighborhood-based classes and business coaching for small business owners, offered by the Community College of Philadelphia.
For commercial corridor businesses:
InStore Program – Forgiveable loans for new or expanding businesses on select commercial corridors.
Storefront Improvement Program – Eligible businesses and property owners receive a 50% reimbursement for the costs associated with improving the façade of a building.
Additional programs and incentives are also available. Please contact us for any help conducting business in the Greater Art
Museum Area.
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