Revitalizing Frankford Avenue: Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience
The southern end of Frankford Avenue in Fishtown has long awaited major improvements to enhance the area for residents and visitors. Now, thanks to collaborative efforts between Fishtown District, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), and design team PORT, transformative changes are underway to create a more engaging pedestrian experience and improved wayfinding along this main corridor.
Recent Funding Boost to Expedite Frankford Ave Projects
Plans to revitalize Frankford Avenue recently received a major boost with a $750,000 federal grant secured by DRWC. These additional funds will help expedite several key projects intended to enhance walkability, wayfinding signage, public spaces, and aesthetics.
New Wayfinding Station to Guide Trail Users
One project now completed is a wayfinding station located near the SugarHouse Casino entrance along the Delaware Riverfront trail. This informative station serves the dual purpose of a seating area and an orientation point to guide trail users. The wayfinding map provides directions and estimated travel times by foot or bike to access nearby destinations along the trail such as historic sites, parks, and dining options.
Laurel Street Plaza Redesign to Improve Pedestrian Experience
An exciting development underway is the redesign of Laurel Street Plaza at the intersection of Laurel Street, Frankford Avenue, and Delaware Avenue. Plans aim to transform this busy junction into a more pedestrian-friendly public space and improve traffic flow. The redesign will open up sightlines with a simplified traffic pattern and widened sidewalks. Large sculptural lettering spelling “Fishtown” will be installed as an eye-catching visual feature. Additional bicycle parking, trees, and diverse seating options will also be incorporated to create an engaging urban plaza.
Underpass Enhancements to Connect Neighborhoods
To improve the pedestrian underpass connecting Fishtown to Penn Treaty Park, plans are in place to install visible “WELCOME to FISHTOWN!” signage, enhanced overhead lighting, and murals or architectural treatments to brighten and energize the long walkway. These aesthetic upgrades aim to transform the current underpass from an uninviting tunnel to a more welcoming, art-infused passage between neighborhoods.
Additional Projects to Enliven Frankford Avenue
Along with these larger redesigns, several smaller projects are also slated to help rejuvenate Frankford Avenue.
Flexible Parklets to Replace Parking Spaces
Multiple on-street parking spaces will be converted into parklets – small public spaces typically extending the sidewalk area into the street. These parklets will offer flexible spaces for relaxation or bike parking. Movable chairs, landscaping, and shade elements will allow customization of the spaces.
Ongoing Streetscape Partnerships
Fishtown District is collaborating with the Infrastructure Systems Authority (ISA) on planned streetscape improvements such as smoothing uneven sidewalks, enhancing lighting, and burying jutting electric lines. These upgrades will improve walkability and visual appeal.
Artistic Interventions Along the Avenue
In partnership with local artists, businesses, and property owners, Fishtown District plans to install a series of art pieces interspersed along the Frankford Avenue corridor over time. These artistic interventions aim to infuse visual interest and whimsy into public spaces.
Outlook for a Revived Frankford Avenue
Taken together, these various enhancement projects will significantly elevate the pedestrian experience along the Frankford Avenue corridor. The improvements reflect Fishtown's ongoing evolution into one of Philadelphia's most dynamic neighborhoods.
Stronger Sense of Place and Community
Thoughtful changes like wayfinding maps, common seating areas, and art installations will foster a stronger sense of place and neighborhood identity.
Safer, More Engaging Public Spaces
Widened sidewalks, ample lighting, and flexible parklets will help create safer, more welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Supporting Local Businesses
Improved walkability, wayfinding signage, and public spaces will make it easier to access and enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and businesses flourishing on Frankford Avenue.
Momentum of Growth and Investment
From recent residential projects like 1120 Frankford to upcoming developments including the Frankford Collective Hotel and Sonder Apartments, investment continues pouring into Fishtown. Public space enhancements and improved infrastructure will support and accelerate growth.
The energetic collaborations between Fishtown District, DRWC, PORT, and local stakeholders reflect the community's proactive commitment to shaping the ongoing evolution of this dynamic neighborhood. The forthcoming pedestrian experience and wayfinding improvements are laying the foundation to transform Frankford Avenue into one of Philadelphia's most engaging, vibrant commercial corridors for residents and visitors alike.
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