Frankford
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeast Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19124, 19135, 19137 |
| Established | 1683 |
| Named for | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Boundaries | Complex; roughly Tacony Creek to the Juniata Park area |
| Adjacent | Juniata Park, Holmesburg, Bridesburg, Kensington |
| Major streets | Frankford Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Margaret Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (multiple stations ending at Frankford Transportation Center) |
| Landmarks | Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue commercial district |
Frankford is a historic neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, serving as the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"). Originally founded as an independent borough in 1683, Frankford is one of Philadelphia's oldest settlements. The neighborhood centers on Frankford Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and the Frankford Transportation Center, a critical transit hub.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
Colonial Era[edit | edit source]
Frankford was settled in 1683 by German and Swedish colonists along the Frankford Creek. The settlement was named for Frankfurt, Germany, home of many early residents. Frankford became a milling and manufacturing center, using water power from the creek.
Borough Era[edit | edit source]
Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and remained independent until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. The town had its own character and identity, centered on Frankford Avenue.
Industrial Era[edit | edit source]
Frankford became a manufacturing center:
- Textile mills
- Arsenal (Frankford Arsenal, 1816-1977)
- Various factories
- Working-class employment
Modern Era[edit | edit source]
Deindustrialization hit Frankford hard. The closing of Frankford Arsenal in 1977 removed a major employer. The neighborhood has struggled economically while remaining a critical transit hub.
Frankford Transportation Center[edit | edit source]
The Frankford Transportation Center is the terminal station for the Market-Frankford Line:
- Major transit hub
- Bus connections
- Thousands of daily commuters
- Commercial activity around station
The El runs along Market Street in Center City, then along Front Street and Kensington, terminating at Frankford.
Frankford Avenue[edit | edit source]
Frankford Avenue is one of Philadelphia's oldest roads and the neighborhood's commercial corridor:
- Retail shops
- Restaurants
- Services
- Mix of occupied and vacant storefronts
The avenue extends from Old City through Kensington and into Frankford.
Character[edit | edit source]
Architecture[edit | edit source]
- Rowhouses (dominant)
- Some Victorian-era buildings
- Commercial buildings along Frankford Avenue
- Former industrial sites
Challenges[edit | edit source]
Frankford faces economic challenges:
- Commercial vacancies
- Poverty
- Crime concerns
- Disinvestment
Community[edit | edit source]
Despite challenges:
- Strong community organizations
- Long-term residents
- Neighborhood pride
- Revitalization efforts
Living in Frankford[edit | edit source]
Housing[edit | edit source]
- Affordable rowhouses
- Lower prices than most Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Mix of owner-occupied and rental
- Some vacant properties
Demographics[edit | edit source]
- Diverse by race and ethnicity
- Working-class
- Long-term residents
- Some newcomers seeking affordability
Getting There[edit | edit source]
Market-Frankford Line[edit | edit source]
Multiple El stations serve Frankford:
- Frankford Transportation Center (terminal)
- Arrott Transportation Center
- Church Street***
- Margaret-Orthodox
Bus Routes[edit | edit source]
Numerous bus routes connect at Frankford Transportation Center.