Frankford
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeast Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19124, 19135, 19137 |
| Established | 1683 |
| Named for | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Boundaries | Complex; roughly Tacony Creek to the Juniata Park area |
| Adjacent | Juniata Park, Holmesburg, Bridesburg, Kensington |
| Major streets | Frankford Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Margaret Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (multiple stations ending at Frankford Transportation Center) |
| Landmarks | Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue commercial district |
Frankford is a historic neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, serving as the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"). Originally founded as an independent borough in 1683, Frankford is one of Philadelphia's oldest settlements. The neighborhood centers on Frankford Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and the Frankford Transportation Center, a critical transit hub.[1]
History
Colonial Era
Frankford was settled in 1683 by German and Swedish colonists along the Frankford Creek. The settlement was named for Frankfurt, Germany, home of many early residents. Frankford became a milling and manufacturing center, using water power from the creek.
Borough Era
Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and remained independent until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. The town had its own character and identity, centered on Frankford Avenue.
Industrial Era
Frankford became a manufacturing center:
- Textile mills
- Arsenal (Frankford Arsenal, 1816-1977)
- Various factories
- Working-class employment
Modern Era
Deindustrialization hit Frankford hard. The closing of Frankford Arsenal in 1977 removed a major employer. The neighborhood has struggled economically while remaining a critical transit hub.
Frankford Transportation Center
The Frankford Transportation Center is the terminal station for the Market-Frankford Line:
- Major transit hub
- Bus connections
- Thousands of daily commuters
- Commercial activity around station
The El runs along Market Street in Center City, then along Front Street and Kensington, terminating at Frankford.
Frankford Avenue
Frankford Avenue is one of Philadelphia's oldest roads and the neighborhood's commercial corridor:
- Retail shops
- Restaurants
- Services
- Mix of occupied and vacant storefronts
The avenue extends from Old City through Kensington and into Frankford.
Character
Architecture
- Rowhouses (dominant)
- Some Victorian-era buildings
- Commercial buildings along Frankford Avenue
- Former industrial sites
Challenges
Frankford faces economic challenges:
- Commercial vacancies
- Poverty
- Crime concerns
- Disinvestment
Community
Despite challenges:
- Strong community organizations
- Long-term residents
- Neighborhood pride
- Revitalization efforts
Living in Frankford
Housing
- Affordable rowhouses
- Lower prices than most Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Mix of owner-occupied and rental
- Some vacant properties
Demographics
- Diverse by race and ethnicity
- Working-class
- Long-term residents
- Some newcomers seeking affordability
Getting There
Market-Frankford Line
Multiple El stations serve Frankford:
- Frankford Transportation Center (terminal)
- Arrott Transportation Center
- Church Street***
- Margaret-Orthodox
Bus Routes
Numerous bus routes connect at Frankford Transportation Center.