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Northern Liberties'
Emerging Entrepreneurs
Owner of "Made 2 Order: Sole Food Boutique," coined as an
ultra-modern specialty clothing and sneaker outlet, Justin Waller, 24,
was born in the neighborhood during a different era. Now, Waller is
just one of many young entrepreneurs flocking to Northern Liberties
to capture a diverse, young and more importantly, growing market.
By Jonathan Todd, Kurt West and Cody Glenn
As recently as 10 years ago, Northern Liberties was a dark, dangerous and dilapadated neighborhood. Today, it is becoming one of the most sought-after real estate markets, both commercial and residential. What happened to turn these mean streets into "Hipster Heaven?"
When Justin Waller and his father decided on the location of their new fashion botique "Made 2 Order," several factors determined their decision: clientele, availability, safety, surrounding businesses and location. With all that in mind, they settled on a property located at 817A N. Second St., better known as the "main strip" of Northern Liberties.
"We picked Northern Liberties because of the diversity for one, the art demographic, the age demographic, and race. And I'm from close to the area."
In addition, he acknowledged the fact that places like Old City or South Street are more desirable, the rent is overpriced and the areas are becoming a bit "played out." He wanted to discover some new, uncharted territory.
"Everyone obviously wants to be on 16th and Chestnut, downtown, but that rent is just not resonable," Waller said. "There aren't many botiques in this area (Northern Liberties). We think this area has a alot of potential. We hope to take it to the next level."
Waller, along with other young adults and business owners, are pouring into a community that has regained its swagger.
Historically, much of the neighborhood's heritage had deep parallels to its present state. Early on, the neighborhood had a reputation for being a liberal, less-restrictive area with a healthy mix of young artisans and laborers as well as small-time crooks and hoods, according to a Northern Liberties Neighbors Association.
In 1682, William Penn was thinking of ways to attract colonists to the newly created city of Philadelphia. He decided to offer northern estates to wealthy investors and thus created Northern Liberties, Philly's newest community.
In the mid-20th century, Northern Liberties was dealt a devasting blow to its residents and economy when the industrial plants located in the area closed. Years of degredation, strife, crime and overall poverty ensued.
Fortunately, a strong economy in the late 1990s along with a new City Council measure giving a 10-year tax abatement on new construction and the revitilization of Old City all gave Northern Liberties the ability to breathe life back to its dilapidated conditions.
Today, Northern Liberties has bounced back from decades of decay and post-industrial fallout to become an attractive destination for young professionals, trendy artisans and small-business owners. At week's end on June 20, the average listing price for homes in Northern Liberties/ Fishtown on trulia.com, a real estate Web site, was $502,454, while the city as a whole hovered down to $333,805.
On Northern Liberties' main strip (located between Second and Girard and Second and Spring Gardern), one could buy groceries, shop for the latest fashion in a clothing botique, get a bite to eat at a local cafe, play a few frames of bowling at the local bowling alley and buy a six-pack of beer from six different countries for the apartment fridge.
These shopping options are possible because numerous small businesses have opened on the main strip. The Palm Tree Market supplies healthy groceries and vegan alternatives to meat, so locals can have a taste of everything. Denim Society has the latest clothing and styles available for one to purchase. Azure Restaurant provides delectible entrees and a pleasent atmosphere for patrons. North Bowl is a hotspot for those interested in a good game of bowling in a fun, hip atmosphere. Last but not least, Foodery Northern Liberties is home to beers from all over the world and has a "make your own six-pack" feature where one can fill up a holder with any beer of their choice. All of these stores are located on the main strip on Second Street and within a block's walking distance.
These places, along with other new hotspots and an abundance of new condiminiums and other residences have contributed greatly to the resurrection of Northern Liberties.
MURL takes a close look at one such young entrepreneur, Justin Waller, owner of the brand-new "Made 2 Order" Clothing and Sneaker Boutique to follow his dreams into reality. |
Neighborhood Resource Links:
Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA)