In late 2011, we reported the West Philly-based real estate developers, the Orens Brothers, plan to revitalize the infamous Croydon Building into a seemingly-affordable 127-unit apartment complex. Work on the extensive project is now underway.

The air surrounding the looming 25,875 square-foot structure on 49th Street between Locust and Spruce Streets was heavy with raucous construction clatter when we visited the location Thursday afternoon. According to one worker on site, renovations of the Croydon began four months ago and should last two years, with the two wings hopefully completed by the fall. Representatives from the Orens Brothers could not be reached for comment.

The Orens Brothers bought the Croydon Building in 2011 for $1.75 million, with renovations budgeted at about $10 million. The once homogenous development, built in the early 20^th century, became known by squatters as “Paradise City” after it was abandoned in the late 1990s. It was also the site of 2007 murder that resulted from a fight between two squatters. The building had been a focus of community concern for many years.

– Annamarya Scaccia

One of the most popular events in the ‘hood, the Go West! Craft Fest, is returning this weekend with a large group of talented folks who will be showcasing beautiful, handmade gifts and wares. We hear that this will be the biggest and best Go West! yet with over 100 Philly region’s finest artists and craftspeople participating. The festival will take place at the beautiful historic Woodlands mansion and cemetery (40th & Woodland) on Saturday, Apr. 20, 11 a.m. -5 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Apr. 21).

If you’re looking for a unique gift check out Go West! where you can find jewelry, art prints & originals, paper goods, clothing, bath & body products, candles, home wares, children’s items and more (see the full vendor list here).

The festival will also feature great performers, like the well-known Tinycircus by Tangle Movement Arts, presenting artful acrobatics, music by Cassendre Xavier and Sour Mash and songs and entertainment for children by Jay Sand of All Around This World, Ann from the Green Tambourine, juggling throughout the day and free face painting (for the full line-up of entertainers go here).

For your palate there will be various food options provided by local eateries, including the debut of Taco Angeleno, West Philly’s new mobile taqueria serving LA-style Mexican cuisine.

Tinycircus performing at Go West! Craft Fest.

Update (Apr 17): The pre-sale deadline has been extended until Friday, Apr 19 and orders can be picked up at  PIC (4205 Spruce St) during sale days on May 3 and 4.

Thursday, Apr 4: The annual Parent Infant Center (PIC) plant sale is back and better than ever! There is an enormous selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, hanging baskets, and more, all supplied by local growers, so it’s a great chance to help West Philly go greener this spring and also support PIC that has been in the neighborhood for 35 years. Every penny raised from the sale will go to the PIC Scholarship Fund, established in 1986 so that more neighborhood families could afford high-quality child care.

The success of this event depends on pre-sales that are going on right now. Orders can be placed online at picplantsale.org.

If you would like to learn more about the sale and what it supports, visit www.parentinfantcenter.org or email rcrossot@parentinfantcenter.org.

Congressman Chaka Fattah is hosting an informal meet and greet for local residents on Friday, Apr. 19, at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th & Baltimore). Rep. Fattah will share his work in Congress and provide information about how you can get assistance from his office with federal related issues, including social security, IRS, immigration, Veteran Administration, and others. Staffers will also be on site to answer your questions.

Rep. Fattah is one of the longest serving representatives, beginning his work for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District in 1995.

For more information please contact Algernong Allen III at 267-934-5551.

Coffee & Chat with Congressman Chaka Fattah
Friday, Apr. 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Calvary Center for Culture and Community
815 S. 48th Street

West Philly Runners are joining running clubs around the city tomorrow (Thursday, Apr. 18) for a run to honor those impacted by the tragedy in Boston.

Anyone interested in joining the run should meet at the West Philly Runners usual starting spot at 45th and Locust at 7 p.m. The run will proceed to City Hall where runners from different clubs around the city will meet up and run for a little while together.

Runners who do not typically run as part of a group are also encouraged to join in and invite friends who might be interested.

The run is “meant to be a show of strength and unity for our community,” according to the West Philly Runners website.
 

Rep. Roebuck presents Ms. Hills (center) with a citation. She is joined by granddaughter Bridgette Jones, and neighbors Joan Spellman and Angela Shomate (left to right). Shomate said: “[Rosetta] told me she was here so long because God has a plan for her and she hasn’t did it yet.”

When Rosetta Hills moved here from Georgia in 1951, Philadelphia was a flashy destination. The Eagles were coming off two straight league championships. The city hit a peak population of 2.07 million people, placing behind only New York and Chicago. A few years earlier a young man named John Coltrane made a similar journey from North Carolina to North Philly.

Ms. Hills celebrated her 100^th birthday with a warmhearted party Friday afternoon at Renaissance Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center near 47th and Chester, where she has stayed since January. She was joined by her family and friends, as well as workers and residents of the center.

Ms. Hills with granddaughter Bridgette and great granddaughter, Tavonna Jones.

“She’s 100 years old and feisty as ever,” said her granddaughter, Bridgette Jones, who traveled from North Carolina to celebrate. “She said the reason why she’s still here is because she speaks her mind and don’t hold nothing in.”

Ms. Hills received a citation from State Representative James R. Roebuck, recognizing “the momentous occasion of her 100th birthday” and contribution to “the enrichment and betterment of succeeding generations.” The Georgia native, who moved to Philadelphia with her husband to look for work, was visibly teary-eyed and seemed overwhelmed with joy. She was also presented with a decorative “Happy 100th Birthday” cake.

“I speak it. I can’t hold it,” echoed Ms. Hills, a long-time resident of South Philadelphia. “If I have something to say, I’m gonna say it and it comes from the heart.”

– Annamarya Scaccia