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Blue Ribbon Finalist: Reimagining Margaret-Orthodox, Frankford CDC

Frankford CDC works to improve economic and social conditions in the Frankford neighborhood with a focus on Frankford Avenue Commercial Corridor. Their work includes a longstanding corridor management program assisting businesses with accessing grant programs, financing, and business management resources. In recent years they have turned to focus on real estate development to provide high quality, affordable commercial and residential space along the avenue, including their renovation of the historic Daral Building, stewardship of the Frankford Pause Park as part of the Reimagine Margaret-Orthodox project, and recently finishing two complete renovations on the same block of Paul Street.

Frankford Avenue and the Margaret-Orthodox transit hub have lacked high-quality real estate investments for years. The CDC and their project partners took on a difficult project in acquiring and renovating 4663-65 Paul Street, navigating environmental challenges stemming from previous site uses as well as a large fire that occurred in the middle of the project. Meeting the requirements for state and federal funds (CDBG and PHFA grants) is no small task for the best of projects and Kim showed great leadership in driving this project through every hurdle to deliver two brand-new commercial spaces and 8 affordable residential rental units at an accessible location, with a managed park space on the same block. One commercial space is currently leased out to a healthcare agency that serves and hires from within the neighborhood. Completing this project has given the CDC valuable experience that has opened doors to larger projects and continued to build a reputation for delivering high quality services to the Frankford neighborhood.

PACDC celebrates Frankford CDC for being recognized as a finalist for the Blue Ribbon Award for Community Development Excellence.