2018 Storefront Challenge

The Storefront Challenge is a citywide contest created by the Collaborative and Commerce to recognize design excellence in storefront façade improvements. Both the Collaborative and Commerce offer grants and technical assistance to support storefront façade improvement projects on Philadelphia’s neighborhood commercial corridors. The Storefront Challenge promotes investment in storefront façade improvements by recognizing recent success stories and providing a blueprint for other businesses. The program marked its 10th anniversary this year with a special exhibition, Storefront Stories: A decade of design with the Storefront Challenge.

“We need to ensure that Philly’s retail renaissance reaches into all neighborhoods,” says Harold T. Epps, Director of Commerce. “This work is vital, because for many small businesses – especially those located along neighborhood commercial corridors – access to capital and other resources can prevent them from making improvements to their storefronts that could greatly impact the trajectory of their establishment.”

“Storefront façades have a huge impact. They increase visibility, customers, safety, and reinvestment by neighboring businesses.  They bring new color, energy, and fun to the corridors we walk and shop along every day,” adds Beth Miller, Executive Director of the Community Design Collaborative.

Eleven storefront façade improvement projects, selected from among 80 nominations, received 2018 Storefront Challenge awards. The Collaborative and Commerce also recognized two leaders for their instrumental roles in revitalizing Philadelphia’s storefront facades and commercial corridors. Meet our honorees and see before-and-after photos of our winning storefronts here. 

Diana Lu of WHYY/PlanPhilly tells the stories of several of these honorees and their challenges, grit, and successes in 20 years after a deadly robbery, a neighborhood market is reborn. 

                                             Thanks to our Storefront Challenge sponsors!