A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Community Resource Hub was held on Wednesday.

After more than two years in development and construction, a new Community Resource Hub has opened at 277 South 52nd St. The grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by state and local officials, like State Sen. Vincent  Hughes and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, was held on Wednesday. The new three-story structure replaced a dilapidated former business.

The project represents a significant milestone for The Enterprise Center  Community Development Corporation as the organization moves into a new phase of growth and larger strategic reinvestment plan for the historic 52nd Street commercial corridor.

The new Community Resource Hub will house offices for The Enterprise Center CDC on the first floor, extending outreach for business services along the corridor. The second and third floors will house market rate apartments, providing housing for individuals living and working along the corridor. The Enterprise Center is planning to utilize this model for more projects.

Only minority contractors were involved in the project development and construction.

“We set out with one singular goal when we first conceived of this project – make proof of concept around a holistic commitment to minority contracting,” said Della Clark, President and CEO of The Enterprise Center. “From the fully excavated basement to the tip of the roof, the Community Resource Hub project utilized 100 percent minority contractors of, by and for the community we are rebuilding here in West Philadelphia.”

Through a combination of public and philanthropic funding totaling approximately $2.5 million, The Enterprise Center was able to complete construction of its new Community Resource Hub using 16 different MBE contractors. Participating MBEs were provided with mentorship from prime contractor LF Driscoll, wraparound business advisory services and matchmaking from the PA MBDA Business Center.

More information about the 277 South 52nd Street Project can be found here.