A major component of the 2020 Bartram Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan was the implementation of several Early Action Activities, which are smaller scale physical investments into a neighborhood.

Early Action Activities in Kingsessing funded by Bartram Choice include the following projects:

Murals:

‘Philly Swing’ —

is a music-themed piece by Parris Stancell that celebrates the heritage of music in the Southwest and the siting of music production facilities on the 5100 block of Grays Avenue.

‘The Mother’ —

located at 5515 Chester Avenue by artist Walé Oyéjidé He is a designer, writer, musician, and lawyer who uses creative storytelling to combat bias. Born in Nigeria and residing in West Philadelphia, he is the founder of the brand Ikiré Jones. Through his brand, he utilizes fashion design to celebrate the perspectives of immigrants and other marginalized communities.

Other Beautification Efforts:

56th St Gateway: Phase 1 —

Led by Empowered CDC, the 56th Street Gateway project aims to reimagine the intersection of 56th Street, Lindbergh Boulevard, and Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. The site sits at a busy intersection across the street from Bartram Village. Phase 1 of the project: Outdoor Exhibition Space, Theme: Biodiversity, underground (ceramicist), and above ground – highlighting native and medicinal plants (painter). Artists: Laura Lyn Stern (Ceramicist), Kala Hagopian, Hagopian Arts (Painter).

Floatlab —

It is a 75-foot floating environmental education facility and architectural wonder, designed by artist J. Meejin Yoon and her associates at Howeler+Yoon Architecture, to be constructed through the Spring of 2026. The facility is managed by the John Bartram Association (JBA) and Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP). FloatLab will be accessed from the base of the existing 56th Street riverfront plaza, creating, along with the 56th Street Gateway, exciting bookends along this completely transformed corridor. Bartram Choice funds will be used for the fabrication of the FloatLab platform.

Economic Investment:

Southwest Storefront Improvement Program – In partnership with the Department of Commerce and ACANA, PHA funded the façade improvements of 7 storefronts along Woodland and Chester Avenues.

Businesses that recieved facade Improvements:

• Serenity Safe Haven – 5521-5523 Chester Ave

• AFI Hair Braiding African Clothing – 5511 Chester Ave

• Evelyn Graves Academy Daycare – 5501 Chester Ave

• Trendsetters Lounge – 5301 Woodland Ave

• ACANA – 5515 Chester Ave

• Tropical Finest Restaurant, LLC – 5513 Chester Ave

• ALARM & TINT – 5315 Woodland Ave