Mantua: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:27, 23 December 2025

Mantua

Type	Neighborhood
Location	West Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19104
Named for	Mantua, Italy
Boundaries	Roughly Spring Garden Street to Market Street, 34th Street to 44th Street
Adjacent	Powelton Village, University City, Belmont Village
Major streets	Lancaster Avenue, Haverford Avenue, 40th Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (40th Street Station), SEPTA bus routes
Landmarks	Promise Zone designation, historic housing stock

Mantua is a neighborhood in West Philadelphia that has been designated a federal Promise Zone, recognizing its need for targeted investment and development. The neighborhood has faced significant challenges including poverty and disinvestment, but community organizations and city initiatives are working toward revitalization.

History

Mantua was developed in the 19th century and became home to working-class and middle-class African-American families. The neighborhood declined significantly in the late 20th century but has been the focus of renewed attention and investment.

Promise Zone

In 2014, Mantua was designated a federal Promise Zone, one of the first in the nation:

Federal investment priority
Grant preferences
Community development focus
Partnership between city, residents, and institutions

Character

Challenges

Poverty
Property vacancies
Limited commercial services
Crime concerns

Assets

Strong community organizations
Proximity to universities
Historic housing stock
Federal investment attention

Living in Mantua

Affordable housing
Community development efforts
Improving conditions
Close to University City

Getting There

Market-Frankford Line:*** 40th Street Station
SEPTA bus routes:*** 31, 40, 43

Template:FAQ

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 * '''Market-Frankford Line:*** 40th Street Station
 * '''SEPTA bus routes:*** 31, 40, 43
+{{FAQ
+| q1 = What is a Promise Zone?
+| a1 = A Promise Zone is a federal designation for high-poverty communities that receive priority for federal investment, grants, and technical assistance. Mantua was designated one of the first Promise Zones in the nation in 2014.
+| q2 = Where is Mantua?
+| a2 = Mantua is in West Philadelphia, bounded roughly by Spring Garden Street (north), Market Street (south), 34th Street (east), and 44th Street (west). It's adjacent to Powelton Village and University City.
+| q3 = What is being done in Mantua?
+| a3 = Mantua's Promise Zone designation has brought federal investment, city attention, and partnerships between residents, community organizations, and institutions. Efforts focus on community development, housing improvements, and economic opportunities.
+}}
 == See Also ==