Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Pennsport

Pennsport was originally developed during the colonial period, Pennsport is architecturally rich. Considered one of the oldest sections of South Philadelphia, the neighborhood has properties with great historical significance. Some homes date back to 1815.

Unbeknownst to many, the newly revitalized Jefferson Square Park, Third and Federal streets, is also an historic landmark.

The neighborhood later became the city's manufacturing sector. Since then, the same families have been living there for generations.

• Population: 26,300 (combined with the populations of Southwark, Whitman and Queen Village in the 2000 Census)

• Demographics: White, 70 percent; black, 17 percent; Asian, 8 percent; Latino, 5 percent. About 40 percent of the population is under 18.

• Origin of name: According to residents, the name "Pennsport" was coined roughly 30 years ago. It came at a time when the federal government was spending money on urban renewal. As boundary lines were drawn, the city named certain communities.

• Architecture: While the "styles have changed as periods have changed," the dominant façade in the neighborhood is red brick. Colonial and Federal-style homes can be found on certain streets. Formstone finishes, popular in the 1950s and '60s, also remain on many properties.

• Major landmarks:The Mummers Museum, 1100 S. Second St.; Jefferson Square Park, Third and Federal streets; the former Mt. Sinai Hospital, Fourth and Reed

• Median home sale price: $178,000
• State Senate district: First, Vincent Fumo (D)
• State House district: 184th, William Keller (D)
• City Council district: First, Frank DiCicco (D)
• Ward: First and 39th
• Police district: Fourth
• Civic groups and townwatches: Pennsport Civic Association, Pennsport/Whitman Town Watch

• Schools: Furness High, Third and Mifflin streets; George Sharswood Elementary, Second and Wolf; Abigail Vare Elementary, Morris Street and Moyamensing Avenue; Sacred Heart of Jesus, 1329 E. Moyamensing Ave.

• Rec centers: Rizzo Rink, Front Street and Washington Avenue; Sacks Playground, Fourth and Washington

• Highlights of living there: Racially and economically diverse, this river ward is a model of progress.

• Starting every October, residents can hear the Mummers practicing underneath I-95 in preparation for the parade. From May to September, residents can enjoy a free Mummers concert at the museum.

• Reputation: This ain't your grandma's Two Street. Once mocked as a "shanty town," it's now a coveted up-and-coming neighborhood with expensive new property.

• Major concerns/issues: Noise and pollution from I-95; pricing residents out of the area with new construction

• The future: The neighborhood is looking to extend the I-95 sound barriers that stop in Queen Village. The much-desired Jefferson Square housing is raising property values at the northern end of the neighborhood.

Source of Article:

Pennsport Civic Association. (2008). About Pennsport. Retrieved May 29, 2008 from http://www.pennsportcivic.org/pennsport.htm

Pennsport Civic Association