Callowhill

Callowhill could best be described as a neighborhood of extremes. In many areas, Callowhill is mostly vacant lots and abandoned railroad tracks, with a few empty factories mixed in. In other areas, Callowhill is filled with bars, lofts, bike lanes, and street life. Callowhill's borders are Broad Street, Vine Street, Spring Garden Street, and 8th Street. The area's population is rapidly increasing, and new apartments are built left and right. Although the neighborhood was traditionally industrial, not much of this industry remains today. However, much of this vacant land is being occupied again, especially on Ridge by Noble. In fact, today Callowhill is often called the "Loft District". Notable features of the neighborhood include the almost total absence of the Philadelphia rowhouse, SEPTA's only abandoned rail station, Spring Garden on the Broad-Ridge Spur, and the Reading Viaduct, an abandoned elevated railway line. The area is fairly walkable, and bike lanes are present on 13th and Spring Garden. SEPTA Rail and SEPTA City Division serve the neighborhood through the Broad Street Subway's Spring Garden and Race-Vine stations, served by Local and Express trains, as well as the 23, 43, 47, 47M, and 61 buses.