Brewerytown

Brewerytown

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19121
Named for	Historic breweries
Boundaries	North: Girard Avenue, South: Fairmount Avenue, East: 25th Street, West: 33rd Street
Adjacent	Fairmount, Strawberry Mansion, Sharswood
Major streets	Girard Avenue, 29th Street, Poplar Street
Transit	Bus Routes 7, 32, 48
Landmarks	Girard Avenue commercial corridor, proximity to Fairmount Park

Brewerytown is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, named for the numerous breweries that operated there from the mid-19th century through Prohibition. The neighborhood borders Fairmount Park and has experienced significant redevelopment since the 2010s, with new construction and renovated housing attracting young professionals while raising concerns about displacement of long-term residents.

History

Brewing Era

Brewerytown earned its name from the concentration of breweries established by German immigrants in the mid-19th century. Major breweries included:

• Bergner & Engel Brewing Company - One of the largest
• F.A. Poth Brewing Company
• Wm. Massey & Co.

At its peak, Brewerytown was one of America's major brewing centers. The breweries employed thousands and shaped neighborhood identity.

Prohibition and Decline

Prohibition (1920-1933) devastated the brewing industry. Most breweries closed and never reopened. The neighborhood declined through the mid-20th century as industry left and population decreased.

Redevelopment

Since approximately 2010, Brewerytown has experienced rapid change:

• New rowhouse construction
• Historic building renovations
• Rising property values
• New restaurants and businesses
• Influx of young professionals

Character

Architecture

• Historic industrial buildings (some converted)
• New construction rowhouses
• Renovated Victorian rowhouses
• Mix of old and new

Current State

Brewerytown is in active transition:

• Blocks of new construction
• Pockets of longtime residents
• Growing commercial scene
• Ongoing construction activity

Girard Avenue

Girard Avenue serves as the commercial spine:

• New restaurants opening
• Cafes and bars
• Local services
• Some longtime businesses

Fairmount Park Access

Brewerytown's eastern edge borders Fairmount Park:

• Trail access
• Green space
• Recreation facilities
• Historic park houses nearby

Getting There

Public Transit

• SEPTA Bus Routes: 7, 32, 48
• No direct subway access (Fairmount Station on Broad Street Line is ~15 minute walk)

Biking

Good connections to Fairmount Park trails.

Living in Brewerytown

Housing

• New construction rowhouses
• Renovated older housing
• Mix of rentals and for-sale
• Rising prices but lower than Fairmount

Demographics

• Young professionals (growing)
• Long-term residents (decreasing)
• Mix of incomes
• Changing rapidly

Concerns

• Displacement of longtime residents
• Gentrification pressures
• Affordability
• Community character changes

See Also

• Fairmount
• Strawberry Mansion
• Fairmount Park
• North Philadelphia