Logan, named after the plantation that once called the area home, is a neighborhood in upper North Philadelphia. Bordered by Godfrey Avenue to the North, Wingohocking Street to the South, North Broad Street to the West and North Fairhill Street to the East. James Logan, a wealthy linguist who was appointed as William Penn’s secretary, owned the plantation and played a vital role in developing many cultural establishments within the city of Philadelphia. One of Logan’s biggest accomplishments was his public library, which in 1750 held an unparalleled 2,000 volumes of books. The neighborhood was not considered “urban” until 1928 when the first subway and streetcar lines were incorporated into the area. During the industrial revolution factories spread throughout the area, producing everything from pies to gum, the area saw a huge economic boom. However like most other areas in Philadelphia, deindustrialization and the “white flight” left many factories vacant. In recent years the area has developed a vibrant shopping and retail district located along Broad Street. Today the area cherishes its deeply rooted history and fights to protect not only their heritage but their well being.
RESOURCES
Logan Redevelopment Plan [PDF]
Logan Neighborhood Wikipedia Article
PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future