A return to form along the 52nd St. Corridor
The 52nd street corridor, which is a few blocks west of Haverford House, has long been known as a place fraught with crime, poverty, and fear. However, it wasn’t always that way. According to Shirely Randleman, a long-time west Philly resident and President of the 52nd Street Business Association, it was the place to be in the 1950s. Yet, shifting demographics devastated the area and the 52nd street corridor lost its commercial appeal.
But a return to form is already underway. Overcoming a crime-ridden stigma that has defined the strip for years, savvy business owners are reclaiming its history. Check out Hidden City’s recent article that details the rebirth of the 52nd street corridor through interviews with local business owners (including Ms. Randleman!): hiddencityphila.org/2012/04/the-skinny-and-everything-more-on-52nd-street/
Meet Adhanom Tesfamariam, owner of produce truck at 52nd & Cedar