Creativity is part of Germantown United’s mission. Over 1000 artists live and/or work in Germantown. Their cultural contribution to the community is widely known, but their economic contribution as independent businesses and entrepreneurs is equally important. Through programs like Stone Soup Saturdays, the Fund for Germantown and our new Storefront Activation Program, Germantown United gives Germantown artists the opportunity to work in the neighborhood. Photo of Susan by Gary Reed
Because we believe in a community-driven approach to economic development, Germantown United partners with the many organizations doing great work. Building our community cannot be done by only one or two organizations. Working together, we infuse more energy in the community and in each other. We believe in collaboration, combining our strengths with those of other organizations. Among our many partners are the Germantown Life Enrichment Center, Historic Germantown and their historic sites, the Germantown Special Services District, Friends of Vernon Park, the Germantown Artists Roundtable, G’Town Restoration CDC. Photo by theartblog.org
Welcome, Naomi! We received the Corridor Manager grant from the City, and we have hired a wonderful candidate, Naomi Roberson Reid. Naomi previously served as Corridor Manager for Brewerytown’s West Girard Avenue.
However, due to the nature of the grant, we only get the money when we incur the expense and submit an invoice for reimbursement. Our corridor manager cannot begin the projects we have geared up for 2015, unless we get your support today (donate here!).
Projects for the corridor include storefront activation and improvements,business support and technical assistance, promoting Germantown’s businesses and historic sites, Reimagine Maplewood Mall Street Festival, corridor beautification efforts, like street tree planting, creating an online business directory, and starting a business association.
Once we reach our goal of $30,000, our corridor manager can start making a positive impact on Germantown.
We also have an exciting reason for you to donate now! Karen Singer, one of our Merchants’ Fund grantees, has generously offered to provide beautiful handmade tiles featuring Germantown’s City Hall to donors of $250 or more throughout our campaign. And, if you’ve already donated, please consider upping your total gift to receive this one-of-a-kind Germantown keepsake. Thank you, Karen!
Germantown United CDC is participating in Philly.com’s Street Level series, part of The Next Mayor project.
The series focuses on specific issues pertinent to a particular community as addressed by local leaders and asks how the next mayor of Philadelphia can help.
Our question is pretty simple – Why are there zero public trash cans for roughly a mile stretch on Germantown Ave, between Penn and Berkley streets, an area that houses numerous storefronts and is serviced by the SEPTA 23 bus route at every block?
Watch our video and check out GU’s profile on Philly.com – Street Level: Where are all the trash cans in Germantown?
In a few weeks, candidates Jim Kenney and Melissa Murray Bailey will tell us what they would do about it, as our next mayor. Stay tuned!
Over the last week, there has been a lot of dialogue, with the community voicing concerns over developments along Germantown’s business corridors. Germantown United CDC (“GU” or “GUCDC”) has received a number of inquiries asking what GUCDC is doing to address these concerns. Given our focus on promoting and facilitating the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors, we have been engaged in developing a comprehensive and incremental approach that strengthens our ability to lead successful corridor revitalization. We will be utilizing the time-proven, “Main Street Four-Point Approach” economic development tool that focuses on Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. Based on our current capacity, we will be focusing on these three key strategic focus areas over the next year:
1. Supporting and developing the business community
This includes bringing on a full-time Corridor Manager; developing an online business directory; continuing our quarterly business info sessions to link business to resources; promotion and activation activities that leverage our district’s unique historic, cultural, and architectural history; and collaborating on corridor beautification and safety efforts. Included in these efforts are the annual Reimagining Maplewood Mall Street Festival, vacant storefront activation via artists’ displays and popup retail, and further promoting Historic Germantown’s Second Saturdays Program.
2. Creating substantial and sustainable revenue streams
Right now, we have a part-time Executive Director and a hardworking base of volunteers. We are dependent on individual contributions and small foundation and government grants for all of our income. We need significantly more resources to do this work that would provide more staff and enable us to have a permanent office to serve as the base for our work.
3. Building the organizational infrastructure
We are continually working to diversify our Board of Directors, increase our volunteer base and develop strategic partnerships with existing Germantown organizations. One example of how we are moving in this direction is our collaboration with Germantown Community Connection, G’Town Restoration, and Historic Germantown to secure funds for a neighborhood planning and visioning process.
How will we work moving forward?
By increasing communication and collaboration
We will strengthen our communication, both by using traditional means, such as community conversations and workshops, as well as online and social media. We plan soon to convene and host a community meeting with representatives of all interested community organizations to discuss how we communicate, collaborate and share in our efforts to build a stronger community.
By developing a clear and consistent policy on corridor development
Germantown has an extensive base of RCO’s (Registered Community Organizations) with the role of providing input on development projects. We have made it a point NOT to send GUCDC to RCO meetings, specifically because we view this community process as one that is traditionally managed by civic associations who are not engaged in development (such as what CDCs are organized to do) and we did not want to be perceived as stepping on the toes of the involved RCO. Just recently, given the tension regarding social services agencies and Board Member discussions during our October strategic planning retreat, we decided that GUCDC should reach Board consensus and share our views on development that occurs on the commercial corridors. We are still in the process of developing what this should look like, but it is our goal that we will have a clearly stated policy that defines the types of development that we will support along the corridor and the criteria that informs what we endorse or oppose.
By continuing to be transparent in acknowledging our funding sources
In 2014, we received funding from the following sources: Citibank Foundation, Samuel Fels Fund, Allen Hilles Fund, City of Philadelphia Office of Urban Mechanics, Philadelphia Activities Fund, Howard Treatman, Ken Weinstein, contributions from Board members and individuals.
By building a strong positive image of our corridors
We share community concerns raised about whether a proliferation of social services in Germantown is helpful and appropriate for community needs or harmful and/or an oversaturation in certain areas. We want to develop a strong neighborhood plan to actively work to increase community engagement, to recruit community-supported uses that build and sustain Germantown’s economy, and to invite and participate in development opportunities that strengthen and diversify the uses that focus on revitalizing the business and customer mix on the corridors.
In the end, I am committed to our finding a way that we, as a community, including all the various Germantown-based organizations, can work together to have a common vision for the corridor and be able to establish trust and work collaboratively to implement that vision. We are looking for Board members, volunteers, partners and advisors who can roll up their sleeves and help us develop and implement a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to business and economic development.
Thanks,
Garlen Capita
Board President, Germantown United CDC
Associate Urban Designer, Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC
Germantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Germantown Historical Society, located at 5501 Germantown Avenue. Speakers include business growth strategist Veronica Woods, and Giana Lawrence, Manager of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s Storefront Improvement Program (SIP).
The session will also include an update from GUCDC the neighborhood website we are developing that will highlight Germantown businesses, amenities, and attractions for both residents and visitors.
Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE to attend.
Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.
Veronica Woods will speak on topics related to strategic planning, implementation best practices, and new product launches. She works with business leaders that have taken a stand to move to a new level of business growth, and guides businesses looking to implement strategies to serve new clients, form new strategic partnerships, or expand into larger markets. Read more: www.vwoodsenterprises.com
Giana Lawrence works with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce as the Manager of the Storefront Improvement Program (SIP). The purpose of SIP is to encourage businesses and property owners within targeted neighborhood commercial corridors, like Germantown, to improve their storefronts, making these areas more attractive to shoppers and growing their vitality and economic performance. The program reimburses owners up to 50% of the total cost of eligible improvements, for a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 for a single commercial property or $15,000 for a multiple address or corner business property. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Read more: business.phila.gov/storefront-improvement-program
WHEN
Wednesday, September 16 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
WHERE
Germantown Historical Society
5501 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
QUESTIONS?
GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
GU’s Corridor Manager Emaleigh Doley: [email protected]
GU’s Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.
Germantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session is all about money. Meet the Lenders and learn about the types of loans and financing opportunities available to small businesses. The event will be held in the evening on Thursday, November 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at The Flying Horse Center.
We’ll be joined by representatives from Citizens Bank, The Enterprise Center, FINANTA, First Niagara Bank, PIDC, KIVA Zip, and other invited lenders. Each group will present on available services. After the brief presentations, participants will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with our lenders and network with other local businesses and entrepreneurs in attendance.
Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. This program is FREE.
Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.
Event logisticsWHEN
Thursday, November 12 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
WHERE
Pegasus Room at the Flying Horse Center
5534 Pulaski Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144
QUESTIONS?
GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager: [email protected]
GU’s Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.
Longtime 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Above: The YWCA tile at bisque stage.
Germantown United CDC is excited to share the design drafts for the long-awaited online business directory and neighborhood website for Germantown, launching in early 2016.
GUCDC received a grant from the Philadelphia Commerce Department to develop the website, which will promote the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors by formally connecting businesses throughout the corridor and raising awareness and support in the community.
The new website will feature:
The Philadelphia-based website development company P’unk Avenue was selected as the firm to assist in building the website.
As part of the research process, the development team toured Germantown, and interviewed residents, the owners of local businesses, and other stakeholders about amenities, attractions, and businesses in our community, and the potential needs of both residents and tourists when it comes to accessing information online. We also held a small workshop with prospective site users at the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust.
In the coming months, we’ll be working with Germantown businesses and attractions to get them listed in the business directory. If you have questions, or would like your business listed on Germantown’s new website, contact us.
Please note, this is not the final design of the website. The text and photography included in these mockups may not appear on the final website; the images/text were used to help inform the design process and are placeholders for final images and text. We are looking forward to working with local photographers to source photos for the website and businesses & organizations to create original copy that is reflective of each individual business or organization.
(click to enlarge images or view in a separate window)
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!
