History, Commerce, Community: A Short Retrospective on Germantown

Local residents are collaborating on a new on a new mural that speaks to Germantown’s past, present, and future.

artist Jared Bader

History, Commerce, Community: A Short Retrospective on Germantown by Jared Bader. Photo by Steve Weinik.

About the Project 

At a pivotal moment of development in Germantown, a historic neighborhood and thriving cultural community, local residents have collaborated on a new mural that speaks to Germantown’s past, present, and future. A recent vote to choose the artist for this project attracted 400 participants, who selected Jared Bader as the muralist. Exemplifying Mural Arts Philadelphia’s community process, this project is spearheaded by a volunteer committee of Germantown leaders and stakeholders, coming together to steer democratic decision-making and build joint ownership of public space in this geographically diverse neighborhood.

The mural was dedicated in August, 2017.  The final artwork includes a depiction of Germantown native and Harlem Globetrotter Frank Washington, who was previously represented in a mural at this location—the new mural honors the history of this neighborhood and its heroes, while looking forward to the possibilities of a bold future.

Sponsors 

Germantown Special Services District
Germantown United CDC
Mosbacher Properties LLC
West Chelten LLC
Rite Aid
Big G Laundry
City of Philadelphia

Partners 

Chelten Market IGA
Joseph E. Coleman Regional Library
Maplewood Neighbors
SoLo/Germantown Civic Association