Fishtown History
Fishtown is a neighborhood immediately northeast of Center City in Philadelphia. Fish is served by the Market–Frankford Line rapid transit subway/elevated of the SEPTA system and Fishtown is known as a working class Irish Catholic neighborhood. The name “Fishtown” is derived from the area’s former role as the center of the shad fishing industry on the Delaware River. The name comes from the fact that a number of 18th and early 19th centuries German and German-American families bought up the fishing rights on both sides of the Delaware River from Trenton Falls down to Cape May, New Jersey. In recent years Fishtown has experienced moderate gentrification characterized by significant rises in housing prices and the opening of upscale art, entertainment, and dining establishments. An influx of artists and professionals has joined the ranks of police officers, fire fighters, nurses, carpenters, electricians, stonemasons, plumbers, sheet-metal workers, and teamsters. The Fishtown neighborhood was chosen by the state of Pennsylvania to be the site of the SugarHouse Casino gaming complex on Delaware Avenue near Frankford Avenue. This choice deeply divided the neighborhood, causing conflict between those who believe it will bring jobs and economic development and those who believe it will lead to increased crime, addiction, and other social problems which negatively impact on quality of life. A Community Benefits Agreement was reached between SugarHouse Casino and the membership of Fishtown Action and the New Kensington CDC, which will provide money for community projects that would not otherwise be available to the residents.
Fishtown Area Boundaries
Fishtown’s boundaries for real estate purposes are roughly defined by the triangle created by the intersection of the Delaware River, Frankford Avenue, and York Avenue.
Shackamaxon Court – 1227 Shackamaxon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Steel Factory Lofts – 1524 North Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Memphis Flats – 1714 Memphis Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
The Nine – 1702-1718 Tulip Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Frank L. DeFazio, Esq.
Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors
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