Future Projects
Learn more about future projects at Africatown
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is crucial for Southwest Philadelphia since it addresses the significant housing cost burden faced by many residents. With only 35% of renters able to afford the current rental rates, affordable housing will ensure local residents have stable and secure living conditions and can stay in the community.
Tourism
Launch food tours, mural tours, and landmark tours in 2025 to showcase South Philadelphia’s unique cultural and historical assets, attract visitors, and boost local businesses. These tours will create a positive image, foster community pride, and stimulate economic development by drawing tourists, encouraging investment, and attracting new businesses to open in Southwest Philadelphia.
Shopping Mall
The Africatown Shopping Mall will transform the community by addressing long-standing gaps in accessible retail, essential services, and employment opportunities. It will be much more than a collection of stores—it is a visionary project set to revitalize the local economy, and foster community empowerment.
By creating a vibrant shopping destination, providing local employment opportunities, and situating critical services right where they’re needed,.
Auto Mechanic Workshop
The Africatown Auto Mechanics Workshop will be more than an auto repair facility; it’s a visionary project that will consolidate fragmented auto shops, equip the local workforce with cutting-edge technical skills through strategic educational partnerships, and create lucrative job opportunities. By uniting diverse auto repair services with a focus on sustainability and innovation, this initiative promises to drive local economic empowerment and set a benchmark for collaborative community development.
Performing Arts Center
Philadelphia has long been a hub for Black culture, entertainment, and education. With the arrival of Black immigrants from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, the city has become an even richer tapestry of artistic expression, blending diverse influences with African American performing arts. However, the growing Black artistic and cultural community faces a shortage of dedicated performance spaces. The Africatown Performing Arts Center will bridge this gap, establishing Philadelphia as a premier destination for the global African Diaspora to showcase and celebrate its vibrant artistic heritage.
Trade Center
The Africatown Trade Center aims to connect African and Caribbean businesses with firms across the U.S., leveraging Philadelphia’s strategic location as a trade gateway. The Center will provide office and showroom spaces for international companies seeking access to U.S. markets. It will also serve American firms looking to expand into African and Caribbean regions. Equipped with professional business support, the center will foster trade, creates jobs, generate tax revenue, and establish Philadelphia as a hub for global commerce with Africa and the Caribbean.
African & Caribbean Hotel
The anticipated Africatown’s economic development, thriving arts, and rich cultural scene will attract more visitors. Its proximity to the 30th Street train station and Philadelphia International airport makes Africatown an easily accessible destination.
As tourism and visitor numbers grow in southwest Philadelphia, so will the demand for additional hotel space thus creating opportunities to celebrate identity and culture while generating jobs.
Shipping & Warehousing
Africatown currently lacks a state-of-the-art shipping and warehouse center, with warehouses scattered across business corridors.
Most are individually owned, limiting their ability to scale, resulting in businesses relying on small, independent storage spaces. The planned shipping and warehouse facility aims to resolve this issue, providing a centralized, efficient solution for businesses to expand and streamline their operations.