New businesses are seeing value on Ridge Ave in Roxborough

Feel free to call this one “Part II” of the Roxborough Series. Honestly, it’s hard for me not to blog about my own neighborhood when I find a great article from my sources.

Since the 1980s, Manayunk and Chestnut Hill have been known as the Main Street hubs for most of Northwest Philadelphia, but things are starting to change ( … for the better). Not only are Manayunk and Chestnut Hill still thriving, but Mount Airy, East Falls, and Roxborough now all have successful neighborhood development groups of their own and they’re getting things done. Things like streetscape improvements, trash/litter patrolling, and sidewalk planters all help create an inviting environment for those who want to walk along their neighborhood’s avenue (i.e. shoppers, diners, tourists, etc.). It may seem trivial, but it works.

Roxborough has been catching steam over the last 5 years, and new businesses have been building/developing new storefronts and setting up shop in existing retail spots along Ridge Ave; anywhere from Port Royal Ave all the way down to Terrace St. Antique stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and architecture/design firms are taking advantage of Roxborough’s central business location in NW Philadelphia, as well as its close proximity to the Montgomery County suburbs.

If you haven’t been to our neighborhood for a while, take a drive down Ridge Ave and see all of the positive changes that are taking place for yourself.

The Foodery gets real in Roxborough

That’s right. You heard me correctly.

Philadelphia’s Famous Foodery (try saying that 5 times fast) is looking to make a splash in my own neighborhood; and what a splash it would be.

Ridge Avenue in Roxborough has been going through some changes over the past few years. The main drag is about to be improved through a streetscape grant, new local businesses have been opening up, and more people are seen walking in the central business district (both day and night).

As reported by Newsworks, The Foodery is in the process of moving into the building where the Roxborough Development Corporation currently resides. It’s in the middle of Ridge Avenue, it offers plenty of space, and The Foodery may even offer beer-paring workshops.

Stay tuned for more details…

New Pocket Park?

 
A potential pocket park on Ridge Ave in Roxborough, temporarily titled the “Leverington Gathering Place,” may become a reality in the near future.

This is an idea that is being kicked around all over Philadelphia. Replace vacant/unused lots and spaces with mini parks for the neighbors to enjoy. It’s a great concept; let’s see if it can happen.