Commercial Developments

Burgess Building:  GGHDC acquired the 125,000 square foot office and retail complex located at the corner of Chelten and Wayne Avenues in the heart of the Germantown commercial shopping district.  When purchased, the building had retail tenants that occupied 40,000 square feet.  GGHDC renovated 20,000 square feet for our corporate offices and for Germantown Settlement. 

Other tenants in the building include an 18,000 square foot Charter School, a card shop, a bank, doctors' offices and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Financing for the $4.0 million project was provided by a $2.7 million first mortgage from Sovereign Bank, an $800,000 second mortgage from Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and grant funding. This project enables GGHDC and Germantown Settlement to consolidate most of our operations under one roof, increasing our visibility in the community and encouraging business development in the area.

Germantown Charter School: Germantown Settlement was granted a four year charter to operate in the Germantown Community.  Acting as their developer, GGHDC identified and secured the site, and raised the necessary capital to complete Phases I and II.  Planning is currently underway to develop Phase III which includes construction of additional classroom space, an auditorium, and assembly rooms. 

The school is located on a 10-acre site at 4811 Germantown Avenue. The school accommodates 385 students in this first year and 500 in 2001.  Programming will be based on the Micro Society methodology. 

Freedom Square: One of GGHDC's most significant developments, Freedom Square Retail Center plays a significant role in the revitalization of Germantown.  Its presence will continue to exert substantial impact on the neighborhood and its economic future. Local residents have enjoyed easy, convenient shopping at the 20,500 square foot complex since its completion in 1992.  The Center houses a Rite Aid Pharmacy, a privately owned Mini-Market and Variety Store, a restaurant, and a Wine and Spirit Shoppe.  Freedom Square would not have been successful without the strong and continued support of the surrounding community.  Freedom Square demonstrates how a community development corporation can be successful in economic development by acting as a catalyst in the area: attracting outside investment and addressing the needs of local merchants. 

For information about commercial development opportunities in Germantown, please contact:

Ernie Covington
Executive Director
Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation
ecovington@germantown.org
5538 Wayne Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144