New Era Begins at Philadelphia's Historic Frankford Arsenal: Demolition Began Today to Make Way for The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL

PHILADELPHIA, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Demolition began today in a section of the former Frankford Arsenal to make way for The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL.  Buildings formerly used for military research, heavy manufacturing, munitions manufacturing and munitions storage will be replaced by a diversity of large and small retailers and restaurants that will serve Northeast Philadelphia communities and beyond.  Shoppers will have direct access to the center via a new Bridge Street exit that is included in PennDot's I-95 reconstruction and improvement project.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (Pa.-13th), Philadelphia Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Addison (Tad) D. Davis IV and other elected officials and dignitaries from the state legislature and the city joined Mark Hankin, president of Hankin Management Company and owner of the Arsenal property, as he greeted more than 250 guests and signaled the beginning of the demolition.

The demolition of the first building (#149) began with two clawed demolition machines taking down the first wall as The Verdi Band of Norristown played highlights from the 1812 Overture.  The Arsenal originally was built in 1816 in response to the War of 1812.

"Over its nearly two-century history, the Arsenal has time and time again reinvented itself to best serve the region," said Hankin, who has owned the Arsenal property since 1983.  "The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL will bring a suburban shopping experience to Philadelphia, support job growth for the future and help preserve an important part of Philadelphia history."

Hankin thanked Pa. Gov. Edward Rendell, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and Congresswoman Schwartz for their long-time support of the Arsenal revitalization and for helping to secure initial funding for the demolition to begin.  He also recognized other officials for their help and gave special thanks to Councilwoman Krajewski, in whose district the Arsenal is located.  

The Councilwoman was present in 1984 when Hankin first announced the revitalization of the Frankford Arsenal with the development of the Arsenal Business Center.

The creation of the 500,000-square-foot shopping center, endorsed by the community and local business and civic associations, is expected to create at least 250 construction jobs during its development and, upon completion, more than 1,000 retail jobs.  

The $50 million shopping center is key to preserving the historical infrastructure of the Arsenal.  Funds generated from the development of The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL will help maintain and preserve the "Certified Historic Structures" in the southern section of the Arsenal.  These include several 194-year-old buildings that by 1940 served as the preeminent site for the production of military ammunition in the United States.  These buildings now are home to two charter schools -- Maritime Academy Charter School and The Franklin Town Charter High School -- as well as several businesses including Thomson Reuters and The Philadelphia Rare Books and Manuscripts Company.

During the ceremony, Hankin thanked the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for their foresight and cooperation throughout the years for this worthwhile project as it ensures the preservation of the important historic properties in the southern portion of the Arsenal.

In addition, a portion of the shopping center's annual tenant fees will fund a $50,000 annual contribution for important neighborhood investments as well as the development and maintenance of a collection of public parks and pathways along the Delaware River in Northeast Philadelphia.

The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL will be conveniently located minutes from Center City Philadelphia via Interstate 95, in walking distance from commuter rail and bus stations, and easily accessible for New Jersey residents via the Betsy Ross and Tacony-Palmyra bridges.  The Arsenal also will be accessible from the soon-to-be extended Delaware Avenue, a very well traveled and important city artery, as well from State Road (Route 73) southbound, which becomes Tacony Street passing directly in front of the site.

Established in 1816 as a direct result of the War of 1812, the Frankford Arsenal was situated originally on 20 acres that fronted on Frankford Creek. When active, the Arsenal largely served as a small arms production site during the Civil War, World War I and World War II. It is currently the home of the Arsenal Business Center, where 1.4 million square feet of light industrial and office space span more than one hundred buildings on 86 acres.  Many of the buildings are nearly two centuries old.

Since 1972, the Arsenal has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  It contains buildings of various degrees of historical importance, representing a broad range of architectural styles, and reflecting the changing function and technology of the Arsenal through its decades of expansion.

SOURCE The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL