HISTORY PAGE

History of Blackwell Park Homes

The HOMES AT BLACKWELL PARK, a planned community, is a part of the Mill Creek Hope VI Revitalization Project of 2005.

History of Mill Creek Neighborhood

Mill Creek neighborhood is located between 44th and 52nd Streets (east to west), north of Market Street and south of Girard Avenue, in West Philadelphia. The name Mill Creek came from the old creek that rises from Montgomery County and ran through this neighborhood to the Schuylkill River. Due to the severe flooding and erosion caused by Mill Creek, in 1866 it was determined the creek should be drained. Work began in 1869 for the conversion of Mill Creek to a 20-foot diameter drainpipe to manage the existing flow; Construction was completed in 1895. The covering of Mill Creek created opportunities for urban development in Philadelphia.

In 1950s, world renowned architect Louis Khan designed Mill Creek Apartments, a public housing project. The three 17-story highrise towers were later demolished in 2002 to create more suburban style low-rise house that you see today.

National Register of Historic Places

Mill Creek neighborhood is home to 2 famous buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

• Rudolph Blankenburg School
  • Built 1925 – Added to NRHP in 1988
• Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital (Kirkbride’s Hospital)
  • Built 1841 – Added to NRHP in 1966

Documentary

Below is a YouTube video of "The Mill Creek Documentary: Past, Present, & Future". This documentary was created by the Mill Creek Community partnership (MCCP).