New Habitat for Humanity ReStore Coming to Washington Avenue in June

Rendering via Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia blog

Point Breeze and Grays Ferry are two of Philly’s many up-and-coming ‘hoods, and we just caught wind of a small project adding to that slow but sustained spark of revitalization that may soon catch on: a Habitat for Humanity ReStore is coming to 23rd and Washington.

The latest addition to Washington Avenue is a mark of change on the South Philly strip, which locals like the Washington Avenue Property Owners Association have been trying to transform into a bustling business / retail corridor. As of recently, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission voted in favor of recommending “a new zoning overlay for Washington Avenue west of Broad Street,” according to Jared Brey over at PlanPhilly. The temporary overlay blocks undesirables from setting up shop on the avenue while community groups, the Commission, and the office of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson “work on long-term planning.” Undesirables include strip clubs, junk yards, storage facilities, car-oriented uses and more.

According to the Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia blog, the new ReStore building, which was previously a bulk grocery store, is currently undergoing renovation (it will have a “bright new storefront” for one thing), with an anticipated June opening around the 12th or 13th. And while DIYers and Zero Waste Lifers might be happy to hear about this, locals unfamiliar with the new thrift store should know their gently-used inventory–furniture, home goods, and building supplies–goes for 50 to 75% off their original cost! Bonus? Proceeds from donations to the Habitat ReStore go “straight back into Habitat’s affordable housing work.”

Why the New South Philly ReStore is Worth Getting Excited About [Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Blog]