Mission
DEVELOPING RESEARCH AND PLANS TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
Urban places are constantly evolving, and to ensure ours remains a healthy and vibrant place, Park to Broad conducts regular research to understand the types of businesses that can help stabilize our commercial areas and leads planning processes to understand the needs and growth opportunities throughout our neighborhood.
Park to Broad Arts and Business District’s mission is to advance the growth and unique character of the Fairmount and Girard commercial corridors, support the business community across the Art Museum District, and partner with adjacent neighborhoods to create a safer, more accessible, connected and equitable community
The organization was formed, as Fairmount Community Development Corporation, in 1999 by a group of civic-minded neighbors who sought to take advantage of the community improvement opportunities by creating a non-profit development corporation serving residents and businesses across the Art Museum District, including Fairmount, Brewerytown, Francisville and Spring Garden. The organization was awarded non-profit status in 2001 and completed a resident-driven neighborhood plan in 2003.
After 25 years of growth and success partnering with residents and businesses to strengthen and uplift the Art Museum community, Fairmount CDC introduced a new brand - Park to Broad Arts & Business District - to better reflect our work across multiple neighborhoods, and our commitment to fostering a blossoming, thriving, and inclusive community for entrepreneurs, neighbors, and newcomers—offering something for everyone.
While the work of Park to Broad is wide in scope, each project falls into one of four major target areas designed to accomplish our mission which include:
FOSTERING A VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY
Guided by the belief that a strong and diverse local economy is the backbone of a thriving neighborhood, Park to Broad provides collective branding and identity opportunities for local businesses as well as regular professional development opportunities. We connect businesses with entrepreneur-support programs to build wealth, funding incentives and assistance to improve facades, access low or no interest capital, and other forms of technical assistance.
ENHANCING & BEAUTIFYING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
A well designed, beautiful place can increase social connections, encourage healthy lifestyles, help deter crime and build property values. Park to Broad works to make Fairmount Avenue, West Girard Avenue and the areas in between a safe and inviting place to stroll, shop and explore. From large-scale streetscape enhancements such as lighting, trees, and street furniture to daily street cleaning services in Brewerytown, we strive to strengthen the diverse neighborhoods we serve as great places to live, visit and do business.
ENGAGING RESIDENTS TO BUILD COMMUNITY & IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
Having a strong neighborhood requires strong participation and engagement. We work with residents, small business owners, and their teams, to plan annual events that highlight each neighborhoods' amenities and identity, build community and welcome newcomers.