Category main street

Manayunk has high hopes for The Transfer Station

 
Coworking is what I would like to call an unpredictable phenomenon for Philadelphia. The concept is simple and logical, yet unbelievably creative. I’m just not sure where it’s going, at this point, in the City of Brotherly Love.

Personally, I am a big fan of coworking and I believe that Philadelphia can support a whole lot of it; especially with our creative class on the rise, and our ever evolving tech scene (which is highly conducive to the coworking environment).

I wrote an in-depth post on Indy Hall back in 2012, and I even worked at a coworking space myself for a few months. Needless to say, I think the concept works and I’m a big fan!

The only issue I see with coworking, in general (as there are many different spots/types in Philadelphia), is that I’m not sure when the supply will exceed the demand. How many coworking spaces should Philadelphia have? How many coworking spaces can Philadelphia support? How many coworking spaces does Philadelphia need?

The concept is new (to our area, at least) and very cool, but it’s moving at the speed of light here in Philadelphia. Indy Hall, Culture Works, 3rd Ward, Benjamin’s Desk, and Venturef0rth are just a few worth mentioning. All of these have been formed within the last 5 years or so, with Indy Hall being the Philly pioneer, so it’s hard to say who’s in it for the long-term.

But enough about coworking in general, let’s talk about The Transfer Station.

I think this place would work very well in Manayunk. Not only for some of the reasons mentioned in this article (i.e. central location to both KOP and Center City, high/local creative class population, close to highways, trains, and buses, etc.), but also because I feel that there is an actual need for it in Northwest Philadelphia.

Main Street in Manayunk is the perfect spot for The Transfer Station. The founders of this new/potential space are looking to have a few different elements: 1) Affordable 1st floor retail space (anything from gallery wall space, to a full-sized store), 2) 2nd floor coworking space, and 3) 3rd floor event space. Seeing that Manayunk is currently lacking in all 3 of those areas, I really think it fills a need.

So if you have the urge/need to cowork in NW Philadelphia, or would just like to help support the project (because if you do not come, they will not build it), please show that you’re on board with Simon and Adam Rogers and reach out to them! The more support they get, the faster the project will become a reality.

More news to come on THEXFR. In the meantime, here a few helpful links:

The Transfer Station – Website

Proposed coworking space near Main Street Manayunk – Technically Philly

Manayunk to get a new coworking space – Philadelphia Magazine

Plans for Manayunk’s old Propper Brothers

When Propper Brothers said goodbye to the furniture business in Manayunk, after over 120 years of doing local business, many were heartbroken. No one ever wants to see a successful business like PB close after so much long-term success. Honestly, the poor economy played a big role.

But things are changing fast.

After closing up shop, there was immediate demand for the unique building’s prime location next to Main Street and the Manayunk train station. Since they closed, another business has already popped up in part of the building: Palm Tree Market. I’ve been there a few times already, and it’s really nice. Not only do they have a lot of everything, but they offer fresh sandwiches, tables/seating, and more.

Just recently, more plans have been presented for the remaining storefront space at street level, as well as for the levels upstairs. In my own opinion, their plans look solid.

Manayunk’s Venice Island Project

This project is going to be awesome once finished.

If you have ever walked, jogged, or biked along Manayunk’s “Tow Path” (in between the riverside shops on Main Street and the Manayunk Canal), you have probably wondered why it doesn’t look better.

Manayunk has a thriving Main Street, a huge recreational scene, and national recognition. It just makes sense to keep the waterfront area looking as nice as it can. This project is going to make it even better.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • State of the art performing arts center
  • Underground storage tank to prevent flooding along Main Street
  • Completely redone/upgraded Tow Path
  • A water garden
  • Upgraded parking area

The entire project is going to take a few years, but it will be huge for environmental health, recreational activities, and quality of life in Manayunk.