Congrats! Germantown just won that preservation money

Thanks to the public’s votes, Germantown has earned $150,000 from American Express for the preservation of two historic properties.

The “Vote Your Main Street” entry was proposed by Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) and included Parker Hall (5801 Germantown Ave.), also known as the ACES Museum for Black and Minority Veterans of WWII, and John Trower’s building (5706 Germantown Ave.). Both buildings were built in the 1870s and house active businesses.

Voting closed on Tuesday and winners were announced Thursday. Germantown was the top vote-getter of 11 “main streets” to win the prize money.

GUCDC Executive Director Andy Trackman said first up, the CDC would be meeting with the owners of both properties and contractors to plan construction. Parker Hall, with the more serious structural needs, is already being repaired; John Trower’s building will undergo cosmetic updates. Construction must begin by July 2018 and be completed by June 30, 2019.

But how is the GUCDC team feeling?

“We knew that as long as we were within the top 10, we would have an excellent chance of having our grant funding awarded,” Trackman said. “But to be number one — and to see the way the city pulled together and supported our effort — words can’t describe. It was just pretty amazing, and it was exciting to see the rest of the city finally gets Germantown, too.”

In you’re in the mood to celebrate, join the ACES Museum for its Veterans Day programing next Saturday.

🏆Philly won!🏆 Thanks to your support, Germantown will receive a $150k #historicpreservation grant from the #VoteYourMainStreet competition! pic.twitter.com/BLVbH0IAjA

From our Partners

— Citizen Planners (@PhilaCPI) November 2, 2017