Powelton Village, Philadelphia facts for kids
Powelton Village is a cool neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's famous for its beautiful Victorian-style homes, many of which are "twin homes" (two houses built together). This area is so special that it's recognized as a national historic district! It's also part of a larger area called University City. Powelton Village stretches from Market Street north to Spring Garden Street, and from 32nd Street east to 40th and Spring Garden Streets, and 44th and Market Streets.
Quick facts for kids |
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Powelton Historic District
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Houses in Powelton Village
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3500-3520 Powelton Ave., 214-218 35th St., and 215-221 36th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 105 acres |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000998 |
| Added to NRHP | May 9, 1985 |
Contents
History of Powelton Village
Powelton Village got its name from the Powel Family. They were Welsh colonists who owned a lot of land here in the 1600s and 1700s. A famous member of this family was Samuel Powel. He was the mayor of Philadelphia twice, once from 1775 to 1776 and again from 1789 to 1790.
How Powelton Village Grew
In the late 1800s, new trolley lines made it easier to travel around West Philadelphia. This helped Powelton Village grow into a popular place to live. Many rich business owners from Philadelphia built their homes here.
Changes Over Time
By the 1920s, Powelton's popularity started to fade a bit. In the 1940s, more families with lower incomes moved into the neighborhood. In the 1960s, many people who were part of a "counterculture" movement lived here. This meant they had new ideas about society and wanted to make changes. Today, Powelton is known for its strong community spirit and diverse population.
Historic Buildings in Powelton
Besides the main Powelton Historic District, several other buildings in the area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Bell Telephone Exchange Building, The Powelton, Frederick A. Poth Houses, and John Shedwick Development Houses.
Exploring the Neighborhood
The main area for shops and restaurants in Powelton Village is along Lancaster Avenue, between 35th and 39th Streets. This part of Lancaster Avenue is becoming a lively spot. Many local businesses here serve both the people who live in Powelton and the college students from nearby universities.
Shops and Restaurants
You can find all sorts of places on Lancaster Avenue. There are shops, restaurants, a bank, a locksmith, and even a dance studio. You might also find a juice bar, a gym, vintage clothing stores, a barber shop, and one of Philly's biggest gaming shops! There are also jewelry and textile stores, two coffee shops, and restaurants serving Asian, Indian, and classic Philly food.
Homes in Powelton
Most of the streets in Powelton Village are lined with Victorian twin houses. Some of these are still single-family homes, while others have been divided into apartments. You can also find detached houses, row houses, and apartment buildings throughout the neighborhood.
Student Living
The southern part of Powelton Village is close to Drexel University. Many students from Drexel choose to live off-campus in Powelton's row-house apartments. It's a short walk to campus, which is very convenient for them!
Getting Around Powelton
Powelton is easy to reach by car and by public transportation. It's close to Interstate 76, a major highway. Several big streets like Market, Spring Garden, and 34th Street also run through the neighborhood.
Biking and Public Transit
If you like to bike, there are bike lanes on Haverford Avenue, Spring Garden Street, Lancaster Avenue, and on 38th and 34th Streets.
The neighborhood is also close to two subway stops on the Market–Frankford Line. These are at 34th and Market Streets, and 40th and Market Streets. You can also catch a trolley easily. The Route 10 trolley runs on 36th Street and Lancaster Avenue. There are also underground trolley stops at 33rd and Market, and 36th and Sansom. Bus routes 31 and 43 also go through Powelton.
Train Access
Powelton is right next to 30th Street Station. This is a big train station where you can catch Northeast Corridor trains, the New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line, and all Regional Rail lines. The Market-Frankford Line and subway-surface trolleys also stop there.
Arts and Culture in Powelton
Lancaster Avenue, from 36th to 40th Street, has become a hub for art. Several art and photo galleries have opened up there. The Community Education Center, located at 35th and Lancaster, hosts many community events and gatherings.
Local Attractions
Spiral Q Puppet Theater is on Spring Garden Street. Nearby, you can also find The Bridge, a movie theater at 40th and Walnut, and the famous Philadelphia Zoo at 34th and Girard.
Second Fridays
On the "Second Fridays" of each month, shops and galleries along Lancaster Avenue stay open later. They often have special deals and live music, making it a fun evening out for everyone.
Education and Places to Stay
Powelton Village has several schools for kids. These include the Samuel Powel Elementary School at 36th and Powelton, the Drew School at 37th and Lancaster, and University City High School at 36th and Filbert.
Universities and Hotels
The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are very close by and have a big presence in the area. Because of these universities, there are several hotels nearby for visitors. These include the Sheraton at 36th and Chestnut, and The Inn at Penn on Sansom Street. In Powelton Village itself, you can find charming bed-and-breakfasts, like the Cornerstone at 33rd and Baring Streets.
