Lancaster Walk

Lancaster is considered one of the most important streets in the United States. It was the first official highway built in our country. I am lucky enough to open my door each morning on this very street. The diagonal pathway provides an easy transportation from Market and J.F. Kennedy Highway all the way to Lancaster. Back when it was first built, it was very critical for merchants, farmers, and families to exchange produce and goods. Today lancaster is much different. A very short part, which is located in west Philadelphia, once the most vital section, is now vacant, quiet, and becoming invisible. From Market till 38th Street it is mostly populated by Drexel University students, where at the 38th street mark the residents abruptly change to African American families. Historical buildings still stand, but are not taken care of. Many of them are covered and camouflaged by new construction, painted bright random colors, are shut off and are decaying. In my neighborhood narratives class we had a chance to get a guided tour of lancaster from 43rd street and below. It was amazing to see how many buildings are shut off in fear of someone breaking in the owner's store on the first floor. Another interesting fact is the nickname of the street. "The Black Bottom" is only one section, primarily 42nd street, of "The Bottom". Many gang fights would take place in the 60s and 70s resulting in a rapid increase in crack use. This particular intersection is a historic part of Lancaster. Being that Martin Luther King spoke at that exact spot. Revolutionary energy and spirits lived and grew on this street. It is an avenue that brings many memories for these residents. The street separates a Caucasian population from an African American population. Further west is occupied by African Americans, and north, towards Market St. is primarily white. The neighborhood is rapidly changing, organizations are funding for the renewal of store fronts, streets, sidewalk, and aesthetic elements for the neighborhood. The question is, will this push away the dominant African American population out of the neighborhood in cause of driving more white college students towards their way? The key is to find a balance of maintaining a neighborhood feel that has existed for decades, and renewing it at the same time.