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Architecture & Urban Design

  • June 2, 2026

Germantown Dates You Need to Know: Ways to Get Involved with GUCDC This Spring and Summer

There is a lot happening in Germantown this spring and summer, and Germantown United CDC wants residents, students, block leaders, vendors, artists, musicians, and community members to have clear information about upcoming opportunities to get involved.

From resident leadership and block beautification to youth artwork and Second Saturday events, these programs are part of GUCDC’s growing effort to support community voice, neighborhood pride, and visible improvements across Germantown.

Below are the key dates and deadlines to know.

Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee Election

Nomination Window: May 1–31

Germantown United CDC is launching Germantown’s Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee, also known as the NAS. The NAS will serve as a resident-led body connected to GUCDC’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee work and will help guide conversations around housing resources, community priorities, neighborhood projects, local development, and resident engagement. 

You can view and submit the nomination form, here.

Community members who live, work or worship in 19138 and 19144 are encouraged to learn more about the NAS election process and consider participating. This is an opportunity for Germantown residents to help strengthen community voice and ensure neighborhood priorities are shaped by the people who live here.

For more information, contact Sheirce White, Resident Services Manager, at [email protected].

The NAS is made possible with funding from the Division of Housing and Community Development.

 

 

Curbside Appeal Block Grants

Application Opens: May 11
 Application Closes: June 12
 NAC Block Nominations Due: June 26

The Philadelphia Neighborhood Block Curbside Appeal Grant Program supports visible improvements to residential blocks — from curb to steps. The program is designed to improve the exterior appearance of residential properties, build stronger connections between neighbors, and strengthen neighborhood pride.

Eligible blocks must be located in an income-eligible census tract, demonstrate collaborative planning, and show strong interest from block households. Homeowners may participate, and tenants may participate with written permission from the property owner. The City’s Curbside Appeal Program describes the effort as an investment in residential block beautification, neighborhood collaboration, quality of life, and neighborhood pride.

Applicants must apply as a team. The Block organizer may apply online or visit the GUCDC office for help submitting an application.

You can view more information about the program and complete the online form here.

For more information, contact Sheirce White, Resident Services Manager, at [email protected].

The Curbside Appeal Program is part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., Initiative

 

 

Anti-Littering Student Art Campaign

Student Artwork Submission Window: May 9–31

GUCDC is preparing a new anti-littering campaign focused on cleaner corridors, environmental education, and neighborhood pride. As part of this effort, GUCDC will invite students to submit artwork that helps educate the public about littering, public space, and caring for Germantown.

This campaign is connected to GUCDC’s broader Germantown Corridor Clean & Educate Campaign, which proposes installing 25 new trash receptacles along high-litter areas and pairing that infrastructure with youth-designed educational signage and community education. The campaign is designed to address unmanaged litter through both physical improvements and public education.

More details will be announced soon, but students and families should save the submission window now.

For more information, contact Matthew George at [email protected].

This campaign is funded by the William Penn Foundation

Second Saturdays: G-town Gatherings

Events Run: May–October
 Time: 12–4 PM
 Vendor and Performer Applications: Ongoing
 Apply at least 2 weeks before your selected event date

Second Saturday: G-town Gatherings is a monthly, community-centered event series bringing neighbors and visitors together in the heart of Germantown. Taking place from 12–4 PM, May through October, each gathering is hosted at a different historic site, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood while creating space for connection and joy.

Guests can expect live music, food trucks, and a mix of local vendors at every event. It’s a simple way to be outside, see familiar faces, meet new ones, and support small businesses rooted right here in the neighborhood.

 

2026 Schedule:

 May 9 — Vernon Park
 June 13 — Market Square
 July 11 — Wyck
 August 8 — Johnson House
 September 12 — Grumblethorpe
 October 10 — Hood Cemetery

Vendor and performer applications are ongoing. Interested vendors, makers, artists, musicians, food businesses, plant sellers, and other creatives should apply at least two weeks before the event date or dates they are interested in.

For more information, contact [email protected]

These events are made possible thanks to Historic Germantown and Germantown United CDC, with funding from Department of Commerce Department’s Corridor Enhancement Grant

 

Stay Connected

GUCDC is working to create more ways for Germantown residents and community members to engage meaningfully — whether that means joining a resident-led process, organizing with neighbors, sharing student artwork, vending at a community event, or helping shape neighborhood priorities.

Please save these dates, share them with a neighbor, and check back for updates.

Questions?
 NAS and Curbside Appeal: [email protected]
 Anti-Littering Campaign: [email protected]
 Second Saturdays: [email protected]

 

  • December 20, 2024

Germantown Community Identity Project Announcement

DEC 2024 UPDATE: After gathering over 500 survey responses from neighbors and business owners, Germantown United CDC is thrilled to have kicked off the design process with Pixel Parlor! This initiative is the start of a bold journey to translate Germantown’s unique character into a vibrant and cohesive visual identity that honors our past and envisions a bright future. Designs are anticipated to be completed by early 2025, with street banners and other visual elements set to debut later in the year.

Germantown United CDC is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative initiative aimed at translating the essence of Germantown into a dynamic, cohesive visual identity. Through the creation of new logos, color palettes, and taglines, we plan to harness the power of place to align vision and message and foster a sense of unity in the community. This project will bring the neighborhood together and connect Germantown’s commercial corridors through a visual identity that respects Germantown’s enduring character, and celebrates its rich history and promising future.

This initiative is specially crafted to uplift Germantown’s small business community. Our aim with this project is to not only spotlight the invaluable contributions of our local entrepreneurs but also to boost visibility and foot traffic to their establishments. By creating a vibrant and unified identity for Germantown, we aspire to enhance the local business landscape and improve the overall economic vitality of our community.

To make this project a reality, Germantown United CDC has partnered with Pixel Parlor, a creative agency known for its expertise in helping communities express their unique character. Pixel Parlor has a proven track record of collaborating with CDCs, local groups, businesses, and community organizations, assisting them in discovering and expressing the distinctive identity of their locations.

We’ll be working on this project throughout the fall and into the winter, and we invite you to be part of this exciting transformation. Read on for more project details.

Project Overview

PHASE 1: CAPTURING YOUR VOICE AND VISION
Our collaborative discovery and visioning process will lay the groundwork for this project. We’re kicking things off with a community survey. We aim to hear from a minimum of 500 residents, business owners, and neighborhood stakeholders.

To ensure that your perspectives guide this initiative, take the survey today. It will only take about 7-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are kept strictly confidential. For those who prefer paper surveys, printed copies are available at Germantown United CDC’s office, with additional distribution locations to be announced soon. Please call (215) 856-4303 to confirm availability.

Community Survey

We’re also exploring alternative outreach methods, including in-person surveys at community gatherings and high-traffic areas. We’re enlisting Community Connectors like you to help spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors in Germantown. You can assist by sharing the survey link on social media, distributing flyers in your neighborhood, sharing it within your civic association email list, or including it in your church bulletin. If you’re interested in supporting our outreach efforts, please contact us, and we’ll provide all the necessary resources!

PHASE 2: CRAFTING OUR IDENTITY
A community identity is more than just symbols and logos. Our goal is to celebrate our community—the unique streetscapes, defining businesses, and the residents who contribute to its vibrant character, making it an exceptional place to call home.

Visual design elements celebrating Philadelphia’s East Falls, Chestnut Hill and Old City neighborhoods.

PHASE 3: STREET BANNERS
Imagine Germantown’s streets adorned with banners celebrating our neighborhood! During this phase, we’ll bring our design concepts to life and collaborate with expert partners for production. These banners will enhance Germantown’s visual landscape and are scheduled for installation in early 2024. While exact locations are yet to be determined, we’re considering Chelten Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Maplewood Mall, and sections of Wayne Avenue.

Banners promoting the Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor in West Philly, a project of University City District and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association. Learn more.
Define Germantown together. Take the survey.

PHASE 4: CELEBRATING LOCAL ARTISTRY
Germantown boasts an incredibly talented and creative community, and we’re excited to showcase their creativity as never before. We’ll be hosting a design competition for a series of Artist Banners and BigBelly Wraps (large trash compactors used by the city). Local artists are invited to infuse the new community identity into their designs.

Example of an artist designed BigBelly litter basket

GET INVOLVED
Throughout this journey, your voice remains invaluable. We encourage you to engage, participate in meetings, and share your feedback. Together, we’ll craft a community identity that reflects the energy, vibrancy, and aspirations that define Germantown.

Take the survey here. It should take around 7-10 minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential.

Community Survey
  • April 22, 2024

New Stop Signs and Crosswalks Installed on Lower Germantown Avenue

Exciting changes are happening on lower Germantown Avenue! If you’ve recently traveled along this stretch, you may have noticed the installation of new stop signs and crosswalks at the intersection of Germantown Avenue and W/E Penn Street. This is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues of speeding and accidents in the area, particularly between Coulter Street and Wister Street.

These enhancements prioritize the safety of our community and follow the successful addition of a stop sign at Queen Lane and Germantown Avenue. To further raise awareness about these changes, the Streets Department will bring a mobile trailer to alert drivers when it is available.

This monumental achievement is the result of years-long citizen-driven advocacy efforts in response to numerous car wrecks and multiple tragic pedestrian fatalities. Germantown United CDC’s storefront office, situated at this intersection, has been inquiring about this stretch for over five years. We extend a heartfelt shout-out to all the dedicated residents, business owners, and concerned pedestrians who passionately pushed for these crucial traffic safety measures. Your voice has a significant impact and is actively contributing to a safer and more secure community. A very loud and unrelenting chorus of advocates made this accomplishment possible. Go, Germantown!

If you’re in the area, please stop by our office (open Monday, Thursday, and Friday) to say hello and learn more about our ongoing efforts to improve the neighborhood.

  • August 16, 2023

At Maplewood Mall block party, opinions vary about upcoming $2.2 million redesign

At Maplewood Mall block party, opinions vary about upcoming $2.2 million redesign (via NewsWorks)

June 25, 2013 By Alaina Mabaso for NewsWorks, @AlainaMabaso “Everybody has a different take. People who have been here longer are jaded. I can understand why people do stop believing.” –Rocio Cabello, co-founder, iMPeRFeCT Gallery”What I’d like to…

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  • August 16, 2023

Three questions with Karen Singer, Germantown business owner and tile maker

Karen-Singer-1Longtime Germantown business owner and artist Karen Singer is building on her series of tiles picturing iconic Germantown buildings.

This year’s collectible tile features the historic YWCA building. Germantown United CDC commissioned Singer to create a custom tile as a thank you gift for donors to We Are Germantown, the organization’s annual fundraising campaign (read about the campaign and become a contributor). The first tile in the series featured the Germantown Town Hall. All of the tiles were made at her studio, Karen Singer Tileworks, which is located at 90 E. Church Lane (at the corner of Church and Lena Streets).

We asked Singer three questions about her business and the tile-making process.

What attracted you to the historic YWCA building, which is the focus of your tile this year?

Karen Singer: My plan with the GUCDC Development Committee has been to highlight a Germantown building that has been prominent this year. Thus, last year, we did the Germantown Town Hall, and this year the YWCA. The idea is to continue the series to form a set of collector’s items.

Karen-Singer-YWCA-Draft1

What kinds of tile making techniques are you using to render the facade in clay form?

KS: I am sculpting the original tile in low relief – a combination of building up the surface and pressing into the surface. We then made a plaster mold. We pressed a series of terra cotta tiles off the mold and bisque fired them. I will be sending photos of the bisqued tiles by separate email. We then glazed them with a white glaze, which was painted into the lines and crevices, and then sponged off, to give the tile a stronger contrast, and to mimic the look of mortar between bricks.

How long have you been working in Germantown and where can people see and buy your work?

KS: I started my business in Germantown in 1991, and will be celebrating 25 years in business in 2016. We are a very small staff – only 3 of us at present. Our primary clientele are non-profit organizations. We specialize in large scale ceramic murals designed to create a portrait of each client organization’s mission. We also do custom awards, gifts and naming plaques. We are a great resource for people looking for something that you can’t find commercially made.

The studio is located at 90 E. Church Lane (at the corner of Church and Lena Streets) in a building that has many other artists’ studios. We have tiles available for sale in the studio, which is open by chance or by appointment (best option is to call us at 215-849-7010 before coming by). We tend to be here during normal business hours, 9–5 M-F. In addition, I have a limited amount of work for sale at the Mt. Airy Art Garage.

We also offer tile workshops and parties, either at the studio or at another location. We do these as team-building workshops, birthday parties, girls’ night out events, etc. I particularly love working with people who are convinced they “cannot” make art. I love helping them discover that they can, and that it can be really enjoyable.

Visit karensinger.com to learn more. 

The historic YWCA building at 5820-24 Germantown Avenue. Photo taken on December 9, 2015 by Emaleigh Doley. Stabilization and weatherization work is currently underway at the site to prevent the building from any further structural deterioration. This work will also help to make the property more marketable, and aid in stabilizing the commercial corridor. The Redevelopment Authority is expected to reissue the Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the building.

Above: The historic YWCA building at 5820-24 Germantown Avenue. Photo taken on December 9, 2015 by Emaleigh Doley. Stabilization and weatherization work is currently underway at the site to prevent the building from any further structural deterioration. This work will also help to make the property more marketable, and aid in stabilizing the commercial corridor. The Redevelopment Authority is expected to reissue a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the building.

Karen-Singer-PC113775

Above: The YWCA tile at bisque stage.

view more images – click to enlarge

  • August 16, 2023

Germantown United CDC featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer today

Parks can be a powerful tool to rescue struggling commercial areas. Pulitzer prize-winning writer Inga Saffron, architecture critic for The Philadelphia Inquirer, recently visited Germantown to tour the newly renovated Vernon Park, which fronts Germantown’s central business district. Read her take on the park’s comeback, neighborhood revitalization, and rising development in Germantown.

The article features Ruth Seeley, the president of the Friends of Vernon Park – the organization that courageously led the charge for the park renovations – alongside Germantown United CDC’s new Commercial Corridor Manager Emaleigh Doley, who discussed the challenges impacting efforts to improve the nearby shopping district.

This is an exciting time for Germantown. If you are energized about the neighborhood’s potential, consider joining one of the many civic groups – like Friends of Vernon Park, your local Registered Community Organization (RCO), or GU’s own volunteer committee – and get involved in moving Germantown forward!

read the full story in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia-Inquirer-Inga-Saffron-2015.11.06

read the full story

  • August 16, 2023

Shape Chelten Ave: Rapid Planning Project with The American Planning Association, May 16-20

apa-logoGermantown United CDC applied for and received the American Planning Association’s Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) to conduct a brief and focused planning effort on a small area of Germantown. Since GUCDC’s focus is on commercial corridors, the portion of West Chelten Avenue between Morris Street and Greene Street was selected as the study area.

The CPAT consists of volunteer urban planners and professionals from all over the country who come into an area to work for one week’s time, as part of a rapid planning process. Our project will take place during the week of May 16-20, 2016 and include two public events on May 16 and May 19. You’re invited to participate! Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders will be asked to contribute their local knowledge and ideas towards building a collective vision of this commercial corridor.

GUCDC_Corridor_0057_Monique_Brand copy

Events

1. Monday, May 16th at 6:30PM
Interactive planning/design workshop to gather community input | Share on Facebook

2. Thursday, May 19th at 6:30PM
Presentation of the results and discussion | Share on Facebook

Both public meetings will be held at the Pegasus Room at The Flying Horse Center, located at 5534 Pulaski Ave (Chelten and Pulaski). During the week, the Community Planning Assistance Team will be using the Imperfect Gallery at 5601 Greene St as their central workspace and headquarters (stop in and say hello). To RSVP to either event, email [email protected] or call 215-856-4303.

GUCDC-APA-Flyer

Project Background

Since 2014, Germantown United CDC (GUCDC) has been working with several other groups in Germantown to seek planning resources for Germantown. (Organizational partners include: Historic Germantown, Germantown Community Connection, G’town Restoration CDC, the City Planning Commission.) In that spirit, GUCDC applied for and received the American Planning Association’s Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) to conduct a brief and focused planning effort on a small portion of Germantown.

West Chelten Avenue between Morris Street and Greene Street was selected as the study area. This stretch includes one of Germantown’s busiest SEPTA train stations and bus stops, one of the most dangerous intersections in Philadelphia for pedestrians/vehicular accidents (Wayne Ave/Chelten Ave), along with a large swath of vacant properties with lots of potential (former CareerLink building; former House of Jin property; continued vacancies at Chelten Plaza; etc.) along with many other key spaces (Mastery Picket Charter School, the Burgess Center, the former-Pathmark building, and more).

We hope that the results of this project, which will be shared and available to the public, will give all of us who are dedicated to bringing jobs and economic improvement to Germantown some new tools to achieve that end. There is value in keeping the momentum going, and the focus on a critical part of Chelten Avenue.

About the American Planning Association

The American Planning Association provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing our members with the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.

Through the Community Planning Assistance Team program, the APA organizes volunteer planning teams tailored specifically to a community’s needs. Members offer their time and expertise to people and places where additional resources are needed. This program is supported through donations.

Why CPAT?

  • By pairing a multidisciplinary team of expert planning professionals from around the country with community members, key stakeholders, and relevant decision makers, the place-based initiative seeks to foster community education, engagement, and empowerment.
  • Each team is selected for the specific expertise needed on the project to offer pro bono assistance in developing a framework or vision plan that promotes a sustainable, livable, economically vibrant, and healthy community.
  • Communities facing a range of challenges including, but not limited to, social equity and affordability, economic development, sustainability, consensus building, and urban design are well-suited for assistance through the program.
  • Projects focus on localities with a demonstrated need for assistance, where planning resources and expertise may not otherwise be available.
  • CPAT projects are collaborative efforts with shared responsibilities. CPATs and communities work together throughout the process.
  • APA contributes the time of its staff and volunteer experts while the recipient communities cover travel costs.

Meet Germantown’s Community Planning Assistance Team and read more about this project on the American Planning Association website.

  • August 16, 2023

Karen Singer Tileworks Celebrates 25 years in Germantown with Celebration on Nov. 25

Every year Germantown United CDC commissions longtime Germantown business Karen Singer Tileworks Inc. to design a commemorative tile featuring an iconic G’town building. So far, we’ve created tiles of Town Hall and the YWCA. vote-icon-29811-pngThis year we’re asking YOU to help us pick.

The buildings we’re considering include the historic Loudoun Mansion at 4650 Germantown Ave, Germantown High School at 40 High St, and Vernon House (Black Writer’s Museum) at 4800 Germantown Avenue in Vernon Park. Vote on which building you’d like to see made into a tile this year! One lucky voter will win a decorative tile. Vote online here.

This holiday season, Karen Singer Tilesworks will celebrate 25 years in business in Germantown with a celebratory party and seasonal sale on Friday, November 25th from 4 – 8 p.m. at the tile studio, located at 90 E Church Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19144. ‘Tis the season to shop small and buy local! Read on to learn more about Karen’s contributions to the Germantown community and support this independent business.

Karen Singer Tileworks Celebrates 25 years in Germantown
November 25th marks the day! Start off the holiday season at KST Studio

Anniversary Sale-A-Bration November 25th, 25% off gallery items, until Dec 25th… Get it?
www.KarenSinger.com

Celebrate with KST, 25 years of story telling through art tiles, murals, and donor walls. 25 years of helping non-profits create a visual representation of their mission, 25 years of giving back to the community of Germantown and Greater Northwest.

Karen has her studio and home in Germantown for 25 years and is going strong. She is not only of this Germantown community but she is fully engaged in it. As a former Pa Arts in Education Resident Karen has conducted workshops engaging students in the art making process and installed tiled murals in Houston Elementary, Kelly Elementary among others and done the same at Project Learn and Henry School pro bono as part of her ethic of giving back to the community.

She is part of the fundraising committee at Germantown United CDC creating an annual tile representing an aspect of Germantown history, as a fundraising incentive for those who donate a certain amount thereby helping sustain the good works of GUCDC.

25-anniversary-front-4x6

Please join us November 25th from 4 – 8 p.m.

Karen Singer Tileworks
90 E Church Lane
Philadelphia, Pa. 19144