The Bellwether District Dispatch
Summer is on the horizon, bringing longer days, clear skies, and even more momentum to The Bellwether District. As the season changes, so does the landscape - both literally and figuratively - at our site. The energy is high, and the progress is unmistakable.
So far in 2025, our project team has made major progress transforming the site, including:
• Two buildings on the Industrial Campus are nearing completion, marking major milestones in our development. This is the first time we have seen new vertical structures on the site since deconstruction was completed nearly 2 years ago.
• We’ve also made significant infrastructure improvements, building out roads and utilities that will soon connect The Bellwether District seamlessly to the surrounding city. The new lanes we have been building along 26th Street to improve access and support growing activity at our site are officially active, paving the way for an opening of a new signalized intersection in partnership with the City of Philadelphia in the coming months.
• Meanwhile, earthwork on the Innovation Campus is nearly finished, laying the groundwork for the next phase of transformation.
• To date, over 500 trees have been planted across the site.
More exciting milestones are ahead as building continues at The Bellwether District! Our most recent development update was shared during our March 2025 Community Meeting. You can view the presentation here
Recognizing Women in Leadership
Amelia Chasse Alcivar and Mia Fioravanti were honored by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson as part of his annual Women on the Move! Luncheon, recognizing women making a difference in the Philadelphia region.
What’s more, Chasse Alcivar was named one of City & State PA’s top 100 in Government Relations. Her recognition as a driving force in government relations is a testament to her hard work, leadership, and dedication to making an impact in our communities.
Connecting Our Kids to Careers
• In February, our team had a great time connecting with Construction, Design and Manufacturing CTE students during a Senior Success Seminar hosted by the School District of Philadelphia, the Department of Commerce, and LiUNA! MidAtlantic, which represents 40,000 construction craft laborers.
• April 14 - April 17, a group of 8th graders from Delaplaine McDaniel School spent their spring break at The Bellwether District for a paid internship where they took part in professional development workshops (e.g., financial literacy), classes on different career pathways in real estate and development, guest speakers, and tailored hands-on activities. Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. helped kick off the first day of the internship.
• On April 28, The Bellwether District team took part in a Union Experience Fair at South Philadelphia High School. The fair brought together union leaders from across the building and construction trades, and leaders from both the public and private sector, to educate and empower Philadelphia students with real pathways into union careers.
Summer Internship Alert!
Our summer paid internship program for incoming high school juniors and seniors returns in July! Over the course of eight weeks, our interns learn more about career opportunities in real estate and development while supporting the HRP Group team with a variety of projects related to the transformation of The Bellwether District. If you know a student living or attending school in the 19142, 19143, 19145, 19146, 19147, or 19153 zipcode, encourage them to apply by emailing: mfioravanti@hilcoglobal.com or cdelva-phillips@hilcoglobal.com
Investing $75,000 in South and Southwest Philadelphia Parks
This Earth Day, The Bellwether District furthered our commitment to creating a more sustainable environment by investing in the following projects:
• Stinger Square Park: $10,000 Contribution and Volunteer Activation. In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, The Bellwether District contributed $10,000 to support enhancements at Stinger Square Park in the Grays Ferry neighborhood. Additionally, a team of volunteers participated in a planting and clean-up project aimed at revitalizing the park and creating a more welcoming environment for local residents.
• Resident Action Committee II: $15,000 Contribution for New Community Park. The Bellwether District supported the early development of a new community park located in Grays Ferry. As part of this initiative, HRP is funding the installation of a new perimeter fence that will help define and secure the future park site; and
• Bartram’s Garden Tree Partnership: $50,000 Contribution. Now in its second year, The Bellwether District’s partnership with Bartram’s Garden continues with a $50,000 contribution in 2025. These funds will support ongoing efforts to plant and maintain hundreds of trees throughout South and Southwest Philadelphia, helping to expand the urban canopy, improve air quality, and promote biodiversity.
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