The first phase of The African Center, a $23 million mixed-use project in Southwest Philadelphia, is expected to begin construction soon after several years in development, writes Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza for WHYY.

With the Black immigrant community having grown considerably in the past two decades, the complex is being dubbed “a beacon of cultural pride” in the community.

“Philadelphia has been more welcoming to us than many other cities in the United States, now we have found our niche,” said Voffee Jabateh, founder and executive director of the Africa Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA).

There are an estimated 125,000 Black immigrants in the Philadelphia metro area, according to Pew Charitable Trust data. Between 2000 and 2019, Philly’s population of Black immigrants grew by at least 121 percent.

The African Center will span 37,000 square feet, with plans to include a community center, restaurant, health clinic, day care, and office space.

On the ground floor, an old dry cleaners will become a full service restaurant and more retail shops, while the second floor will become ACANA’s headquarters. 

Behind the dry cleaners, the current vacant lot will become the new community center, cultural performance venue, health clinic, and daycare.

Construction is expected to take between 18-20 months to complete.

Read more about The African Center and prevalence of Black immigrants in Philly in WHYY.

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