Sites like these new houses will soon be commonplace in Northern Liberties.

A series looking at Philly’s fastest-growing neighborhood

If you take a walk down 2nd and American streets in Northern Liberties, an area north of
Old City, you’ll notice a whole lot of construction.

An industrial wasteland that later became a red-light district, Northern Liberties has transformed into a bustling residential area. 5,000 people occupy 1/3 of a square mile, and the current population is estimated to be around 47,000 people. What’s interesting about these numbers is the median age for the
neighborhood is about 31. This is an up and coming neighborhood that’s doing pretty well for itself.

This Northern Liberties night spot is called The Druid’s Keep

The growth doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon. Bart Blatstein of Tower Investments is the primary developer for the area, and he’s on a mission to add rows of houses, shops, cafes and bars to a previously- barren zone.

While rapid development has energized the neighborhood, it has also raised a host of issues concerned citizens grapple with daily. From construction sediment clogging the sewers to the homogenization of an area that prides itself on being unique, the future of Northern Liberties is anyone’s guess.

Check back soon for the next installment, a look at the environmental effects of gentrification in Northern Liberties.

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