16 minute read
WINTER 2021
There’s No Place Like Manayunk
The evolution of the neighborhood - and the people who call it “home”
Manayunk Gets Lit | The Cozy Couch Tomato Say, “I Do” to Manayunk
By Ryan Hartnett
Holidays in Manayunk
Key dates include:
Nov. 18: Tree Lighting Ceremony (6:30 p.m.), Manayunk Gets LIT Launch Nov. 27: Small Business Saturday Dec. 5: Santa Paws Dec. 11: Rudolph Run Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Holiday Light Nights (5-9 p.m.)
Come shop and dine small this holiday season with us in Manayunk! This holiday season will be kicked of with our annual tree lighting ceremony and ofcial launch of “Manayunk Gets LIT” decorating contest on November 18, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 27. During the month of December, Manayunk will be hosting and partnering up with small businesses for many merry events, including Latitudes & Longitudes’ and Pet Friendly Dog Bakery’s Santa Paws on December 5, along with Philadelphia Runner’s Rudolph Run on December 11. Every Thursday night in December leading up to Christmas, everyone is encouraged and welcomed to come to Holiday Light Nights, featuring the Jolly Trolley and strolling entertainment.
Founders Philly Freeze-Out February 5, 11 a.m. -4 p.m.
On Saturday, February 5, we are welcoming back a special event! Founders Brewing Company is coming back to Manayunk for our 5th Annual Founders Philly Freeze-Out. Get ready and bundle up for Manayunk’s own little winter wonderland. Come down and stroll Main Street to witness live ice carving demonstrations, ice sculptures, Founders Brewing Company specials in restaurants and bars, and giveaways. Bring the whole family for live music, entertainment, and more!
We’re Getting Lit in Manayunk!
…No, not that kind of getting lit…
By Leo Dillinger
The term “Getting Lit in Manayunk” has taken on a brand new meaning in 2021 as a series of lighting installations brightened our community in the last year.
New Main Street Pedestrian Lighting
Starting back in February 2021 and recently completed this November, Main Street’s $4.29 Million Streetscape Project completely transformed the district’s appearance. Featuring the installation and illumination of brand new Victorian-style pedestrian streetlights, the center of Main Street’s commercial corridor is now brighter than ever before.
In addition to new lighting and the removal of the old lighting fixtures, this months-long project also included brand new paving along the entire length of Main Street as well as Shurs Lane between Ridge Avenue and Main Street, improved pedestrian crosswalks and bump outs with flashing beacons, and ADA ramps.
This work could not have been done without the tireless work from Ramos & Associates Contractors, Armour & Sons Electric Inc., Michael Baker International, James J Anderson Construction Inc., and the City of Philadelphia’s Streets Department.
Illuminating the Manayunk Bridge
Ever since the Manayunk Bridge Trail first opened to pedestrians and cyclists back in 2015, the trail could only remain open during daylight hours due to a lack of sufcient lighting on the bridge between dusk and dawn, especially during the winter months.
But all of that is going to change with a project that broke ground in October 2021.
Cozy Allof for YourGiftingNeeds Guide A
Manayunk is your one-stop-shop for every occasion this season, from holiday gifts, to housewarming gifts, wedding gifts, and Valentine’s Day gifts.
By Alex Cohen, Ryan Hartnett, and Brigette Wolf Photography by Susan Beard Design Co (susanbearddesign.com)
What Makes a Home, A Home?
Manayunk has evolved many times over the last few decades, but the last 10 years might be the most signifcant yet.
By Noel Bartocci Photography by Leo Joseph Photography (leojosephphotography.com)
What makes a home, a home?
One’s understanding of “home” is as definable as love, fear, or musical preference — nebulous and sometimes fleeting. Specifics about what makes a home a home can vary wildly from person to person, making the notion of a home (that is not explicitly a building) in a constant state of flux, or more so in consistent need of balance — remove one factor, and it can all fall apart. Despite the inconsistency of people’s definition, common themes do reveal themselves when they discuss what makes a home, e.g. comfort, familiarity, safety, convenience, and love.
These are concepts that don’t have an applicable, mathematical equation to figure out or are even tactile by nature, but ones of which you can’t deny being real. Home is something you just know when you feel it. In this article, I’d like to explore the question, “What makes Manayunk a great home?” Considering that’s impossible to answer for anyone else, I’m more accurately going to talk about what makes Manayunk a great home for me. Maybe along the way, you just might agree.
You live in Manayunk, but your address says, “Philadelphia” … I don’t get it.
When I’m talking to family outside of Pennsylvania, it’s easy to just say, “I live in Philly.” It’s technically accurate and saves me from delivering the overly complicated spiel about Philadelphia being a “city of neighborhoods,” that we don’t have a “downtown” (it’s Center City), and how you can travel just a few blocks and have a completely diferent experience. But for anyone familiar with the area and/or resides closer to Center City, they say, “Oh, you live in Manayunk — that’s not really Philly.” While some may consider this logistical and subjective “correction” a slight, I find it to be a point of pride. I mean, they aren’t wrong. While Manayunk proudly displays the shared, foundational culture of Philadelphia, we still maintain a specificity all our own. We’re a little more art obsessed and have a little more of a neighborhood vibe. We’re a little more community based and a little more small business supported. Sure, this unique alchemy of attributes is built upon a common foundation of “Philadelphia-strong,” but supports its own identity and interpretation of the notion, turning it into something truly special.
The Cozy Couch Tomato
Comfort Food for the Health Conscious
By Samantha Costa Photography by Alexa Nahas Photography (alexanahas.com)
The Couch Tomato, lovingly and simply dubbed “Couch” by locals, is ofcially an adult. The business just celebrated 18 years positioned along the cobblestone of Rector and Main Street. This Manayunk mainstay has cultivated comfort food for the health-conscious foodie over several years.
Deciding to go into business nearly two decades ago had a lot to do with Michael Cassano, CEO of The Couch Tomato Restaurant Group, and his business partner, Craig Mosmen, living in Manayunk.
“We had just graduated college, and we were always hanging out,” Michael said. “And anytime we wanted to grab something quick, the quick-casual concept was not in the area yet.”
Right out of the gate, Manayunk welcomed Craig and Michael’s budding business with a hungry belly, open arms, and a craving for food that made them feel good.
“People were like, ‘This is exactly what this area needed,’” Michael said. “There’s something to be said about what Manayunk has to ofer.”
The Couch Tomato was the first in their “family” in a sense. They have a second location in West Chester, with a third planned for Conshohocken in 2022.
“Manayunk will always be our first. It’s home because of that,” Michael said.
Evolving With Manayunk
Of course, Manayunk has changed since Michael and Craig’s college and early post-college days. People in their 30s and 40s are purchasing new homes, and new businesses are catering to a beyond-college-aged crowd. The watering hole that is Manayunk may have its stereotypes, but it’s matured alongside The Couch Tomato’s growing demand for healthy, organic, and dietary restriction-friendly food.
Nowadays, the business partner friends have their own families and a renewed perspective compared to nearly 20 years ago.
“We’ve evolved our menu quite a bit to not only meet the demands of the street but also to an extension of how we eat at home,” Michael said. “We like our kids to eat healthy. We try to eat a lot of vegetables and fruit, and organic when we can do that.”
There are plenty of places to grab a slice of pizza or a burger, it’s true. But, there are few places where you can get tacos made of hearts of palm that resemble a fish taco, Michael said.
“We were trying to be an extension of how we eat, but at the same time, we felt like there was a void in this neighborhood we could capitalize on. I would like to think that we are not doing anything diferently except listening to our customers,” he said.
There’s No Place Like Manayunk
Where Urban Living Meets Small Town Charm
By Brian Anderson Photos by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com)
Manayunk is more than a name on a map. It’s where restaurants, cafes, and drinking holes fill us up. It’s the hills, paths, and trails that make us sweat. It’s the public art that inspires and captivates us. It’s Main Street, Venice Island, the Towpath, Pretzel Park, and more.
And for so many of us, it’s where we call home. While guests will always be attracted to Manayunk, there are still many that truly call this neighborhood home.
The people that help us find homes in Manayunk have a deep appreciation and passion for all the properties of 19127, too.
Christine Ertz, a realtor with Compass and the MyPhilly.House team — and Manayunk homeowner — is passionate about helping clients buy homes in Manayunk. In many ways, the neighborhood sells itself.
“A lot of people say they rent here, they buy here and they get sucked into the community — in a good way” Ertz said. “There are so many good ways to get involved in the community. Manayunk has a really good sense of community and neighborhood.”
And while it’s certainly true that Manayunk is a neighborhood where communities thrive, there’s more to the story. With more than 100 years of history, there are hidden gems and relics of times gone by. As a realtor, Ertz said she’s captivated by houses with transoms, stained glass windows, exposed brick, and other architectural features that are still common in the neighborhood. Even with renovations and upgrades, those details are preserved and maintained.
“There are amazing contractors who take care of houses in this neighborhood,” she said. “If they can’t preserve a house’s character, they add to it.”
What advice does Ertz have for people looking to buy in Manayunk? First, get ofine.
“Don’t go to those home buying websites,” she said.
She also recommends getting a referral. Your realtor should really know the area, which gives you more information about buying in Manayunk or further up the hill. They’ll know the upsides (like the neighborhood hangouts and the pocket parks) and downsides (unfortunately, the parking woes so many of us have experienced) and can help you make better choices in your search. A website search may give you dozens of homes to look at, but a realtor will show you the neighborhood and what makes this area a joy to live in.
And if you want a realtor that loves dogs, Ertz could be for you (just search for her on Instagram and you’ll find her adorable puppet, Phin).
Steve Buzogany, another realtor and resident of the neighborhood, said most of his business is helping clients buy in Manayunk. He calls the neighborhood, “Philadelphia’s last undiscovered treasure.” But how could that be?
For one, the homes are afordable for their sizes (and many have yards). Next, Manayunk ofers plenty to do — shopping, eating, exercising, volunteering — that some people overlook when thinking about the neighborhood. Manayunk is serviced by SEPTA and is only a few train or bus stops away from Center City. And lastly, there are houses with driveways or alleys, which is one cure to parking problems.
Try finding all that anywhere else in Philadelphia for an afordable price tag.
“Manayunk has such a variety,” Steve said. “It’s all here. There’s going to be something here for you.”
Manayunk is very friendly for our four-legged friends, too.
“Anything you want for your dog is here,” Steve said, highlighting the local dog parks, the Wissahickon and other trails, and the overall friendly atmosphere Manayunk has for dogs.
“There’s no better community in the city for dogs.”
Many of his clients are former-renters-turned-homeowners who moved to Manayunk shortly after college and haven’t left.
“It doesn’t take a ton of convincing to stay,” he said.
An under-appreciated aspect of Manayunk real estate is the variety, Steve said. If you’re looking for character, you can find rowhomes with exposed brick or original hardwood floors. But if you want clean lines and modern furnishings, there are homes that have been updated recently, too. There are very few cookie-cutter designs in Manayunk, as years of renovations, updates and repairs have created diversity in the neighborhood’s housing stock.
Tyler Bradley is a realtor with the Cooley Bradley Group, and he said Manayunk’s vibrant Main Street, filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, gyms, and more, plus it’s convenience to Center City and the suburbs, make the neighborhood an incredibly desirable place to live.
“It has an urban vibe yet is quieter, more manageable, and less expensive than living in the actual city itself,” he said.
Tyler said if you’re looking to buy in Manayunk (or anywhere, really), start by getting pre-approved by a reputable lender before your search. And don’t be afraid of open houses.
“Open houses are a great and casual way to check out places on the weekends as well as to possibly meet a buyer-agent if you don’t have one yet,” he said.
Here in Philadelphia, the The City of Neighborhoods, Manayunk does stand out as one neighborhood that has it all. From cheesesteaks and pizza to fitness studios and parks to beer gardens and hiking trails, Manayunk has something for everyone, and more. There’s a real sense of community here and a character that attracts people from so many parts of the city and the region.
“New people moving into our area only enhances the lifestyle and makes it that much more interesting and integrated,” Tyler said. “It’s always truly fascinating to hear what is bringing them to the City of Brotherly Love — and to our beloved Manayunk.”
“I don’t know another neighborhood that meets all of those needs,” Steve said. “There’s something for everyone here.”
Say, “I Do” to Manayunk
Your one-stop shop for all things weddings.
By Megan Douress
Photography by Melissa Kelly Photography (melissakellyphotography.com) JPG Photo & Video (jpgphotoandvideo.com)
Urban Experience, Small Town Charm
By Megan Douress
We asked, and you answered! Millennials, empty-nesters, and recent college grads alike all responded to our call when we asked what our readers love about living in Manayunk. The answers varied, from the trails, to the locally-sourced food and beer, and the personal relationships with neighbors. Here’s what our readers had to say.
“My husband and I call it our little mountain town with a big city zip code. It’s funny, I didn’t grow up here, but I’ve never felt more at home anywhere I have lived. This being the most densely populated place, we always get small town vibes bumping into people we have met, whether just out for a walk, at the park, or on a hike. You really get to know your neighbors and they become like family.” - Morgan, age 28, resident for 3 years
By Brigette Wolf
Aliza Schlabach Photography | 4347 Main St Aliza Schlaback specializes in studio photography and does occasional outdoor shoots in gorgeous locations in the surrounding area. Aliza seeks to capture images that stand out while remaining honest, alive, and intriguing.
Anne Judge Aesthetics | 132 Levering St With an extensive background working in health care, Anne Judge provides cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine. Book your consultation today to learn more about how you can look good and feel great.
Sulimay’s Studio on Main | 4227 Main St Same great service, brand new location! Catering to women and men, Sulimay’s Studio on Main is both a salon and a barbershop that moved just a few doors down from their original Manayunk location. Sulimay’s also ofers makeup and waxing services at their location.
RIZE Movement & Arts Center
126 Leverington Ave In partnership with Central PA Digital Learning Foundation, RIZE Movement & Arts Center has opened a new school and performance space in Manayunk on Leverington Street! RIZE is a perfect place to bring your creative talents and join classes that empower you. RIZE ofers dance, acting, artist residences, and fitness.
The Wall Cycling Studio | 132 Levering St The Wall Cycling Studio has reopened in a familiar spot! Back on Levering Street, the spin and barre studio now includes Luminosity Beauty Studio and Anne Judge Aesthetics.
The Emporium by Lady Holiday | 4235 Main St Enjoy a personalized shopping experience where you will find unique, edgy, and quality jewelry. Lady Holliday emphasizes the importance of self love and makes each customer experience special.
Kismet Cowork | 4131 Main St Approaching productivity in a new light, this workspace ofers a beautiful space for great minds to work in. Kismet Cowork serves entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and freelancers who are seeking an innovative environment. Launchpad Fitness | 106 Gay St Fitness without the intimidation, catered to you! Launchpad Fitness is Manayunk’s newest fitness studio, which aims to encourage members and work with them to find the most approachable and efective program for them.
Fat Lady Brewing | 4323 Main ST Come visit the circus! Fat Lady Brewing is a circus-themed brewpub ofering local brews made in-house or curated from their favorite breweries. Stop by to give them a taste, along with their craft cocktails and in-house concession stand.
Luminosity Beauty Studio | 132 Levering St Manayunk is now home to a beauty, cosmetic, and personal care hub in Manayunk. Luminosity Beauty Studio ofers custom tanning and teeth whitening to make you feel fresh!
RealPage | 4230 Main St A leading provider for property management software making all aspects of property management feasible. RealPage takes an innovative approach to creating technology to change how the world experiences, utilizes and monetizes rental space for working, living, and vacationing.
