About the Project 

This project is located on the underpass of SEPTA’s Wayne Junction train station, on busy Germantown Avenue, on the border between Germantown and Nicetown neighborhoods.

These concepts were based on community discussions and the themes and references that arose from these conversations, as well as community feedback based on Matt’s preliminary designs. A common theme for the community was transportation because of the site’s proximity to the Wayne Junction train station. Halm wanted to incorporate historical elements of the local transportation systems and meld them with other themes of diversity, revitalization, the evolution of the neighborhoods, and the civil rights movements in the area. Halm sought to introduce his own artistic voice and style, while honoring the themes of the community.

Time Line 23 

This concept was developed with the help of community input on the cultural and social progression of the Germantown and Nicetown neighborhoods. Due to the location of the mural site, this concept also utilizes the evolution of transportation, and specifically the trolley line 23, (which at one time was the longest trolley line in Philadelphia). The West wall concept uses the street car as the visual representation of the journey of the neighborhood, collaging historical imagery with contemporary figures and patterning. The sketch aims to show a timeline of the neighborhood, and honors the progression of the African American community from the civil rights era through the present day, and on to the future.

Junction 

Continuing with the theme of transportation as a metaphorical link between the past, present and future, this section uses train cars as it’s main image. This piece explores the history of travel through the filter of personal and community connections. The collage style again mixes patterning, stylized treatments, and historical realism, with local references.

Both murals incorporate a “wayfinding” Welcome to Germantown and Welcome to Nicetown signage to enhance the sense of place in the area.