PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Hartranft Community Center, the long-shuttered 60,000-square foot facility that once served as a much-needed safe space for neighbors and children on the blocks surrounding its location on West Cumberland Street, has finally been restored to its former glory.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority, along with a number of other local officials, unveiled the new-and-improved facility on Tuesday after a yearslong redevelopment to the tune of $11.5 million.
Philadelphia Housing Authority Kelvin Jeremiah said the reopened community center fills a void.
"For a community that didn't have this space that missed this space it was a central location for so many of the good things that were happening in the community,” he said. “I think it’s incredible.”
The space boasts two levels. One with large multi-purpose classrooms and a kitchen. The other has an indoor swimming pool.
Juanita Beasley is an area community activist and grew up in the community, and was especially excited about the new swimming pool.
"I swam in the swimming pool and now I have grandchildren that I'm going to bring right back to this swimming pool, so this means a lot to me,” she said.
The newly-developed Hartranft Community Center Programming and Operations Committee will be responsible for events and programs at the center. Nearby resident Eugene Seizer said this is exactly what the community needs right now.
"This is one of the positive things that's happening in this neighborhood,” he said. “We're always hearing about what's bad, let's hear about something good.”