Mantua

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

See Also

• Powelton Village
• University City
• West Philadelphia