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Featured Business: STITCH AND DESTROY

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

When you think of punk rock, sustainability might not be your first port of call. But for Haven DeAnglis, founder of STITCH AND DESTROY, and her partner Corey Heffernan, sustainable clothing is the most punk rock value there is. Their recently opened boutique and studio is located near the center of Philadelphia’s historic punk rock scene at 523 S 4th Street. Here, Haven and Corey are tackling fabric waste hyper-locally, constructing garments out of waste materials, collaborating with other local waste-based makers, and spreading awareness of the destructive side of fashion one t-shirt at a time. In our interview with Haven, we learned more about the business, its underlying ethos, and why she loves Philadelphia. 

Haven and Corey met at MICA, the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. But after graduation, they decided to make Philadelphia their home, moving during the COVID crisis and settling in West Philadelphia. Haven is originally from New Jersey, while Corey is from Delaware. The pair had long liked Philadelphia as a city and were eager to make the move. 

Before moving to Philadelphia, Haven had already created her company, using the experience of her senior fashion show, in which she made a design line exclusively using waste. “My whole senior thesis project was made out of textile waste materials. I consider that our first collection in a way,” Haven explained. 

At the time, the company sold its products at fairs and markets, a fun but exhausting process that required a lot of time spent packing and unpacking stock. Now, with a permanent store and studio space, Haven can work in the boutique and show customers the process of repurposing textiles for clothing creation.

They also plan on using the studio to run workshops, teaching would-be sewers how to use textile waste in their sewing projects. “We’re trying to host workshops once a month. So far, we’ve done one – a hand sewing [workshop] for homemade catnip toys. We want to do mini sewing and upcycling workshops to help people learn to sew themselves,” said Haven. 

Her interest in sewing and sustainability started early. A member of her high school’s environmental club, she had long championed sustainable practices. A high school home economics class got her started in sewing, and she began experimenting from there. As Haven describes it, “There is such a DIY aspect to Punk Rock. This influenced me to want to re-create something that already existed. I loved vintage stores as a kid and shopping, but I didn’t know the full impact of textile waste. After taking classes at MICA in sustainable fashion and materials, the idea was always how we can do better as artists and people.”

Studying fiber and textile art at MICA taught her textile creation. However, the move to making a career out of sustainability-oriented sewing came from experiences she had while interning at TerraCycle, where she made products out of plastic packaging, and MamerSass, a small upcycled fashions company much like STITCH AND DESTROY.

For Haven, the connection between punk rock and fashion is intrinsic. “Punk Rock is a huge part of my life, and I got into music and fashion simultaneously. The music can be aggressive but it’s trying to change our world in certain ways.” Ultimately, your fashion choices are a reflection of who you are and your values. “Punk rock speaks to how we have to do better in this world. Using textile waste is important to me because we’re not contributing to landfills,” adds Haven.  

In the spirit of wearing what you preach, the shop is full of stylish t-shirts made from upcycled clothing items, pleated skirts made from recycled neckties, denim jumpsuits mixing denim pieces, and visible mended pieces.  “We use deadstock fabrics, yardage, and fabric scraps, and we get things from Fabscrap, The Resource Exchange, and even Rabbit Recycling. We also upcycle clothing donations, and something unique about us is that we take things with stains and rips, something traditional thrift stores can’t do. We’ll cut those up, and patch them into something new,” said Haven.

Eventually, they plan to include a textile recycling program of their own, especially as they expand their hours and product lines. “We’re working towards a way for people to drop off existing clothing with us,” explains Haven. 

The store has found a wonderful home on South Street, much to Haven’s delight. “South Street has such a rich history of small businesses and music. This is such a punk rock destination. Everyone has been so welcoming in the small business community here, and it’s been wonderful. I love South Street!” Consumers have also been welcoming and warm. “We have people come in and share their sustainable fashion journey with us, which is wonderful. We’re a unique business, there aren’t too many people making and selling in the same space. So, people come to see that, which is great.” 

Haven and Corey plan to expand the company and even use their space for events highlighting local artists and musicians, pop-ups with other sustainable makers like Get Lit Candles, Revinyl, Vellum Street, and Philly Plastico, all companies working with waste products to re-make so-called garbage into treasures. For a list of upcoming events at the shop, check out their calendar.

If you are interested in sustainable fashion and products, STITCH AND DESTROY should be on your radar. It’s the type of hyperlocal, Philadelphia company that makes our city and community so special and unique. With the holiday season just around the corner, Haven and Corey’s store might be the perfect place to pick up fantastic one-of-a-kind items for the people in your life who deserve sustainably minded and effortlessly cool gifts (i.e. everyone you know). After all, there is nothing more Punk Rock than that! 

Philadelphia Orchard Project: Supporting our Community Gardens

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

William Penn’s vision of a “Green Country Town” got off to a good start with planned public parks that improve the population’s health. However, Penn’s plans did not anticipate late 19th-century industrialization and massive immigration that created overcrowding. This eventually led to a city where access to abundant green space and fresh food is limited. Fortunately, many community-led organizations have since stepped in to change that by creating community gardens and sharing resources with neighbors.

Philadelphia’s Community Gardens: A Brief History

Philadelphia’s history of community gardens dates back to the 1890s. That is when the Vacant Lot Cultivation Association (1897-1928) was formed to help people secure and cultivate gardens on the vacant lots of the city. Flash forward to the 1960s, Philadelphia became a national model in the community gardening movement. Hundreds of community gardens were cultivated on neglected vacant lots through the cooperative efforts of neighbors, with support from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Penn State Extension, and others. However, many of these cultivated lots fell victim to development. In 1986, the Neighborhood Garden Association (NGA) was established to address this problem. Between 1986 and 2011, 30 community gardens were saved. In 2012, the NGA was renamed the National Gardens Trust (NGT) to emphasize its land trust function and established a formalized affiliation with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). 

Examples of some of our oldest community gardens include the Summer Winter Community Garden located in Powelton Village which takes its name from nearby Summer and Winter streets. The garden is associated with the NGA and actively supports PHS’ City Harvest, a program to grow food for Philadelphia’s hungry. Other older community gardens include The Spring Gardens Community Garden in Fairmount and the Wiota Street Garden in West Powelton.

Today, PHS provides organic growing supplies, access to tools, educational resources, and other support to help more than 170 community gardens, urban farms, and grow spaces to improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods.

In addition, Parks & Rec hosts 19 community gardens on parkland. At these gardens, 500 community members grow over 10,000 pounds of food each year. However, many of them focus on vegetables and short term crops. This is where the Philadelphia Orchard Project comes in.

The Philadelphia Orchard Project

Founded in 2007 by economic development pioneer Paul Glover, Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) now supports 66 communities. POP works with community-based groups and volunteers to plan and plant orchards filled with useful and edible plants in neighborhoods across the city. POP provides orchard design assistance, plant materials, and training in orchard care. 

So, how does POP benefit the hundreds of community farms and numerous support organizations such as the National Garden Trust, City Harvest and PHS’s Community Garden Progam which existed before its formation in 2007?

“Many neighborhoods in the city already had community gardens,” said Indy Shome, Communications Director of POP, “But most of them were focused on annual vegetables, which means crops need to be planted each year. Trees and perennials on the other hand are planted only once. They are permanent.”

Left: Juneberries harvested by POP. Right: Community Garden Workday.
Images: Philadelphia Orchard Project.

“We plant new orchards as well as support existing gardens, but all of it is done in partnership with a community group,” said Shome. “POP offers support with design, materials, planting, training and ongoing care. As our capacity and partnerships grow, so does the knowledge base. Each space and partnership teaches us something new about nurturing orchards, and this knowledge and experience is then shared and applied.”

“Fruit trees take a long time to mature and bear fruit, but they could live to feed our great grandchildren,” said Shome. “Trees, berries, and herbs do require care, but they are less resource and labor intensive than most other crops. Trees provide shade, improving air quality and reducing air conditioning costs. Fruit and nut trees sequester more carbon emissions than the softwood trees typically planted for carbon offsets.”

POP Learning Orchard at The Woodlands. Image: Philadephia Orchard Project.

Roxborough High’s Greening Club partnered with POP to plant fruit trees, berries and perennials to grow healthy snacks for future generations. Another POP partnership with the Walnut Hill Community Farm in West Philly resulted in the planting of orchard products. And the Hunting Park Community Garden was revitalized, in partnership with POP, Parks & Rec, and the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

In all, POP is responsible for the addition of 68 orchards, over 1,000 planted trees, 4,000 shrubs and 27,000 perennials. Billy Penn would be proud.

Are you a gardener interested in learning other ways you can exercise your green thumb? Check out our article about Watershed, Pollinator, and Bird-Friendly Garden Certification Programs, or explore some of our favorite Philadelphia’s Community Gardens.

Cultural Histories: The Puerto Rican Diaspora and Latinx Heritage Month in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Philadelphia has long been home to a strong and vibrant Latin American population. With Latinx Heritage Month on the horizon, starting Sunday, September 15, 2024, and ending on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, now is the perfect time to consider how deeply intertwined the history of Philadelphia and the history of Latin Americans in Philadelphia are, as well as considering how you might celebrate that history and thriving contemporary communities by engaging with some of the many events celebrating both over the coming weeks. 

Many people in Philadelphia come from various parts of Latin America. However, the largest community with the oldest association in the city is the Puerto Rican community.. Puerto Ricans began to settle in Philadelphia in the 1800s, coming to work as merchants, cigar makers, laborers, students, professionals, and even for political reasons as Revolutionaries supporting the Puerto Rican Independence movement. By 1900, there were an estimated 1,500-2,000 Latin Americans in Philadelphia, many of which were Puerto Rican, and the majority of them settled around Spring Garden, Northern Liberties, and Southwark because it allowed dockworkers, cigar factory workers, and employees at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, located at Broad and Spring Garden at the time, easy access to their places of employment. 

The first massive influx of Puerto Ricans to Philadelphia, and the United States as a whole, came after the passing of the 1917 Jones-Shafrod Act, which declared all Puerto Ricans United States citizens. The ease of migration, coupled with recruiters who visited Puerto Rico encouraging migration to supply US labor needs, caused significant population growth in Philadelphia. Puerto Rican migrants settled in joining family members and friends in the existing Puerto Rican neighborhoods and nearby in Camden, NJ. By the 1950s, Philadelphia had the third largest Puerto Rican population in the United States, many of whom worked in Philadelphia’s once-thriving garment industry, settling around Spring Garden to access the dockyards and the Campbell’s Soup Factory in Camden, or moving up 5th Street towards the garment factories and mills in Kensington and North Philadelphia.

Centro Musical is a neighborhood staple and music store located in El Bloque de Oro. Image: Stephanie Aviles.
Streets in the ‘The Golden Block’ or ‘El Bloque de Oro’ are painted a yellow/gold color. Image: Stephanie Aviles.

It is from this Northward movement that El Bloque de Oro was first born. Beginning as a concentration of Puerto Rican-owned businesses at 5th and Lehigh, the block became a center of Puerto Rican community and culture, and by 1963 Philadelphia had established its own Puerto Rican Day Parade, just five years after the very first Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. But life was not always easy for this community, which faced friction with non-Puerto Rican residents, economic and social discrimination, and violence and police brutality. Organizations like El Concilio, or The Council of Spanish Speaking Associations, Taller Puertorriqueño, and Aspira, and the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, among many others, have served as community advocacy organizations and centers of culture as Philadelphia’s garment and dockyard industries faded and Puerto Rican Philadelphians sought other opportunities and industries. Despite economic instability and countless challenges, Puerto Rican Philadelphians remain the most visible and populous Latin American community in Philadelphia. Joined by growing numbers of Mexican, Dominican, Central, and South American communities, Latin American Philadelphians make up a culturally rich demographic, without which Philadelphia, would be infinitely poorer. Moreover, the physical neighborhoods of Fairhill, Spring Garden, and Northern Liberties would be drastically different without these historic residents. 

Mural Arts project titled: “Semilla de Patria” by Betsy Z. Casañas. Image: Stephanie Aviles
Mural located in South Kensington to highlihgt the Puerto Rican local community. Image: Stephanie Aviles

In celebration of the Puerto Rican community of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño currently has an exhibit specifically focused on the Fairhill neighborhood this Latinx Heritage Month, entitled Estamos Aqui, a collaboration between The Historical Society of Pennsylvania and José Ortiz Pagán documenting the intersection of community and geography in Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Taller Puertorriqueño and The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, an exhibit is opening this month at the Historical Society revisiting Batiendo La Olla, an oral history project produced by Taller Puertorriqueño in the 1970s. 

Outside of these educational opportunities, there are countless chances to celebrate the many facets and communities honored through Latinx Heritage Month in the coming days and weeks. 

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Events in Philadelphia

On the 15th of September, join Philadelphia’s growing Mexican population, among many others, celebrating Mexican Independence Day down at the Delaware River Waterfront. Then, for the rest of the month, dine out at local Latin American restaurants during Dine Latino Restaurant week (September 15, 2024-September 21, 2024) exploring these rich culinary traditions one dish at a time. 

On the 16th of September, enjoy El Mercado Cultural, the last of a series of events sponsored by Fleisher at the Cherry Street Pier, a family-friendly event celebrating art and Latin American arts and crafts.

Then, on the 29th of September, head down to the Parkway to attend or witness the Puerto Rican Day Parade, a joyous explosion of dance, music, and celebration. 

There are many reasons to visit Taller Puertorriqueño this month, but consider attending a poetry workshop they are hosting with the Free Library: Echoes of Heritage: Unveiling the Latin American Poetic Voice in Philadelphia. This workshop exploring Latin American poetry in Philadelphia will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N 5th St.

All through the month, check out events in honor of this month of celebration at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is running programming honoring Latinx Artists throughout Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Tips for August and September Gardening in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Whether you participate in a community garden, have a backyard, or grow plants in containers on your roof or terrace, this is the month to plant vegetables and herbs from seeds and flowers from plants. Unless you’ve spent the entire summer in Iceland, you won’t be surprised to learn that Philly is no longer in Zone 7A but in 7B, reflecting its intense summer heat. That impacts what can be planted and when. 

Secret Garden, 7631 Ridge Ave., recommends planting herbs now and holding off on leafy greens for two or three weeks until the heat subsides. But don’t hesitate to plant “cone flowers” now, such as colorful echinacea which attract butterflies and bees and resemble daisies in a wide range of colors including yellow, red, violet, and white. Before planting new varieties, clear out weeds and debris, and tidy up your garden. Leave the roots of old plants to decompose and enrich the soil. 

Urban Jungle, 5126 Passyunk Ave., concurs that it is too soon to plant leafy greens now. In fact, they do not anticipate having lettuce, kale or broccoli for a couple of weeks. Right now, they recommend succulents which will need to be watered often.

Planting at a community garden. Image courtesy of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) suggests planting vegetables from seeds: carrots, turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, beets, garlic, onions, leeks, and radishes. Most will germinate in 7–10 days, except for carrots, which can take up to 3 weeks. Talk to your local garden center for planting tips.

“It all depends on the amount of light your garden receives,” said Avri at City Planter in Northern Liberties. “If you get six hours of sun, there are many herbs and vegetables you can grow from seeds now, but when it comes to flowers, you will need to buy them as plants. Typically, when you grow flowers from seeds, they do not bloom until the second year.”  

Also, consider starting a herb garden in your kitchen if it gets a lot of sunlight. Depending on your cooking preferences. choose from: Basil, Chives, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano, Dill, and Mint. The Germantown Kitchen Garden, 215 East Penn St., open Saturdays and Sundays, offers herb seedlings organically grown. Right now, everything in their nursery is 50% off. They will have all new plants around Labor Day – just two weeks away! Germantown Kitchen Garden is a half-acre farm and nursery selling organically grown vegetables and herbs, fruit and flowers, perennials and shrubs to neighbors, chefs, and garden enthusiasts. 

If you have the space, whether in your yard or on your roof, you may want to contact Grow Our Food, a Philly company specializing in building raised garden beds, fencing to protect your garden from wildlife, plus irrigation systems. Have a hectic schedule? They will come by bi-weekly to weed, prune, and harvest, leaving the bounty right by your door. They also offer garden coaching for complete beginners and experienced gardeners. From vegetable gardens to fruit orchards and pollinator gardens, there is no limit to what you can do right here in the City!

At the Wyck Historic Home, Garden & Farm, Germantown Ave. & Walnut Lane in Mt. Airy, community members maintain a Home Farm Club  in a quarter-acre “kitchen garden.” Right next to their rows of leafy greens, they plant brightly colored flowers as if anticipating centerpieces for the dinner table. Try for a balance of flowers and vegetables in your home garden. Marigolds not only brighten up your garden but help keep away garden pests and boost growth of your veggies. Other flowers to plant include Lavender, Sedum, and Gazania. Pansies and Violas aren’t just for spring and will bloom until the first freeze.

Gardening in Philly can be a group activity.  Consider joining PHS or Philadelphia Urban Gardens on Facebook. If you live in the northwest, join The Mt. Airy Philadelphia Garden Group on Facebook which now offers free Korean Sweet Potato plants and Adirondack chairs, as well as recipes and gardening tips.

Laurel Hill Gardening Center. Image by Stacia Freedman.

If you do container gardening, whether in a window box, hanging plant or on a back deck, have a conversation with a knowledgeable staff member at your local gardening center about where your container is placed and the amount of sun and shade it gets. The color, drainage, and size of your container matter too. Drainage is important because if your soil stays too moist, it will create fungus and eventually kill your plants. Why does the color of your planter make a difference? Because a black container will contain more heat and dry your plants out faster.

For local organic seeds that are non-GMO, organic, heirloom and open-pollinated choose Philly’s True Love Seeds. You can find them at Weavers Way Farm Market, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Tyler Arboretum. Or order from their online website.  They currently collaborate with over 50 farms across the United States with a particular focus on community farms in the Philadelphia area. 50% of every seed packet sale goes back to the farmer who grew it!  

We hope our coverage of Philadelphia gardening motivates you to start, expand, or upgrade an existing garden and take advantage of Philly’s neighborhood gardening centers and the wealth of information available from PHS.

5 Historic Hotels and B&B Accommodations in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Some of the City’s most enchanting architecture has been preserved and repurposed as boutique hotels, offering a charming alternative to contemporary lodgings. What do they all have in common? Unique histories, authentic architectural details that take guests back in time, and just the right touch of deja vu.

1. Hotel Anna & Bel

Hotel Anna & Bel, opening in August 2024, 1401 E Susquehanna Ave in Fishtown, was originally built in 1769 as a country seat named West Hill. In the 1850s-1890s it became the Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women. That name reflects the losses of the Civil War which left many northern women impoverished widows and single women without options. Later, in 1894, a three-story annex with a bell tower and decorative brickwork was added. It closed its doors as a retirement home in 2020.

A beautiful interior courtyard with tile and lush foliage. Image: Douglas Lyle Thompson. Courtesy of Hotel Anna & Bel.

While the hotel honors its past, it offers contemporary amenities, including an open-air courtyard, seasonal pool, daytime cafe, and evening bar and lounge. Bastia, the hotel’s 70-seat restaurant, named after a commune in Corsica, specializes in coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Come for epic brunch options and luxe evening meals prepared by Chef Akin, formerly of Zahav. 

The new hotel’s outdoor pool. Image: Douglas Lyle Thompson. Courtesy of Hotel Anna & Bel.

After indulging in those meals, you may want to hit the hotel’s fitness room and sauna. Many guest rooms overlook the courtyard, while the living room, adorned with local art and a library, honors the property’s legacy of women-led collaboration. 

2. Morris House Hotel

Morris House Hotel, 225 S. 8th St, built in 1787 is a stunning example of Colonial architecture with its handsome brick facade, wooden shutters, and white Roman Doric columns. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967, Morris House Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Historic District. The Morris family contributed one of the first mayors to the City in the early 18th century. While Washington may not have slept here, there’s a good chance he stopped by to converse with the owner who served as a captain in the Continental Army under Washington’s command.

Morris House Hotel Exterior and Interior. Images courtesy of Morris House Hotel.

Everything inside the Morris Hotel is in keeping with its history, except for attention to creature comforts, including 24-hour concierge service, Jacuzzi Jet Tub, Continental Breakfast, Hi-Speed WiFi, Large Screen TVs, Computers & Printers, and, best of all, afternoon tea with cookies. If you want to feel cozy, you can stay in the Carriage House!

3. La Reserve Bed & Breakfast

La Reserve is a historic boutique hotel that hides in plain sight. Located at 1804-1806 Pine Street, it blends in with the neighborhood’s distinguished red brick townhouses, decorative window boxes, wrought iron stair rails, and wooden shutters. Except for its discrete white sign, you would not know this is a B&B filled with historic furnishings, fireplaces, and architectural details.

La Reserve Bed & Breakfast Exterior and Interior. Images courtesy of La Reserve

Built in the 1800s, it was a family home until 1985 when it first became a B&B. With its chandeliers, Victorian furniture, and oriental carpets, La Reserve is reminiscent of a movie set, one with old-world charm. More importantly, this is one of the only Center City bed and breakfasts within walking distance of the Kimmel Center, Rittenhouse Square, and some of the top-rated restaurants in the City.

4. Guild House Hotel

Guild House, 1307 Locust, owes its creation to members of the New Century Guild, founded in 1882 by Eliza Sproat Turner on Girard Avenue. A writer, abolitionist, suffragist, and feminist, Turner changed the course of American history at a time when women could not vote, own a home, or even have lunch in a restaurant without a male family member. Members didn’t just talk about progress, they published a newspaper, The New Century for Women. 

Guild House Interior. Image: Jason Varney. Courtesy of Guild House.

In 1893, the Club moved to the 1200 block of Arch Street. When Turner died in 1903, she willed her fortune to the Guild so they could purchase the Italianate building that is now The Guild House on Locust Street. In 1915, the Guild president led 100 suffragists in a parade down Broad Street. 

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993, The Guild House opened as a boutique hotel in 2020 with twelve luxury rooms and suites in the heart of the Gayborhood. Named by Travel & Leisure as one of the world’s best new hotels, “…for its impeccable details, invisible luxury services and sound infrastructure.” 

5. Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast

Cornerstone, 3300 Barring, was built as an extravagant country estate when the Powelton section of the City was lush farmland. The lavish stone home was built for a wealthy widow, the grandmother of Maxfield Parish, one of the most popular artists of his day. Parrish visited the house as a child and returned there when he studied at Drexel University.

Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast exterior. Image: Jumping Rock Photography. Courtesy of Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast.

The house passed through different owners in the late 19th century until it became a rental property in the 1960s. The current owner of The Cornerstone, Jill Moody, grew up admiring her grandmother who owned a B&B in New Hope, and decided to get into the business herself. However, Moody doesn’t run the Cornerstone by herself. It’s a full-fledged family endeavor that includes her parents as well. All the rooms have high ceilings and period furnishings.

Enjoy a full breakfast in your cozy bedroom or on the beautiful porch. Image: Jumping Rock Photography. Courtesy of Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast.

Here, Chef Brian whips up Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes, and Avocado Toast for breakfast. All are served with La Colombe Coffee. But if you want a change of pace (and a Bloody Mary) Sabrina’s Cafe is just across the street.

Consider these charming boutique hotels when inviting friends and relatives to Philly. They will surely appreciate the uniqueness and intimacy of these historic digs.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Rental

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Whether your pet is a parrot, a large breed mutt, or a cat with over a thousand followers on TikTok, moving to a new apartment can be daunting. What exactly does “Pet Friendly” mean? Why is there a “Pet Fee”? And how can you tell in advance if this is the right move for you and Fluffy? As realtors who work with hundreds of landlords throughout the City, we understand your concerns and want to help you find the best home for you and your pet. What’s more, at Solo Real Estate, we are pet lovers ourselves and understand that your pet is an important member of your family.

Read the fine print

There is no shortage of ads for pet-friendly apartments in Philly. A few even offer pet spas and doggie parks. But these seemingly animal-friendly places come with fine print. For instance, an online ad for a new apartment building announces “cats and dogs welcome” and even touts a rooftop dog park but in smaller type it states, “Please note that dog breed restrictions apply.” 

Restrictions are often placed on large breeds: Pitbulls, Chow Chows, Great Danes, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Bulldogs, German Shepherds, etc. Even if your pup is a mutt of unknown mixed breeds, be aware that landlords still may veto your application. You may have to get Geronimo a DNA test to show that he is more Poodle than Husky. This requirement isn’t backed by science and can be frustrating, especially if you are the owner of a Great Dane with the disposition of a Bichon Frisee but it’s a common thing to encounter as a renter. 

Size and weight restrictions may also be something you encounter as some units limit pets to under 20 pounds but do not be discouraged. There is no City ordinance regarding pets so it’s up to the landlord’s discretion.

Noise Issues

Unless you work at home and never go out at night, you may not be aware of your pet’s nonstop barking, yowling, or squawking. However, your neighbors may report these annoying sounds to your landlord, who could demand that you stop the problem or move. Not to worry. The American Kennel Club offers humane tips on resolving the problem without resorting to a shock bark collar. Chewy also has tips on stopping separation anxiety in your cat. As for your highly vocal parrot, check out the suggestions on Wiki How.

Exotic Pets

Whether you have a pet carp, turtles, or tropical sea creatures, fish tanks of any size may be a no-no in some apartments. Again, it’s up to each landlord and apartment manager. They may impose a limit on the size of the aquarium. Believe it or not, the noise from the filter and pump may be a disturbance to neighbors in adjacent units of floors. 

The same goes for your child’s pet snake, ferret, hamster, or guinea pig. Do not assume because they are gentle, quiet, and “part of the family,” that they are allowed. Every rental property has its own rules.

Oscar, Solo’s office cat oversees important work. Image by Happy Hour Headshot for Solo Real Estate.

Landlord Concerns

Put yourself in a landlord’s position. They have to replace carpeting and flooring in apartments that have been irreparably stained by an incontinent dog or cat. Fleas are another headache and expense. Let your prospective landlord know that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet and home. Provide written proof that your pet is spayed or neutered. It helps to show that your pet is healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance. You may also want to provide proof that your pet is up to date on its vaccines.

Pet Fees

Whether you have a docile, senior cat or a Chihuahua puppy, you may be asked to pay an additional fee for your pet. Whatever verbal agreement you have with your new landlord or leasing agent, get it in writing. If the written lease has a no-pets clause, verbal approval will not be sufficient. Don’t under any circumstance try to sneak your pet in. You may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.

Respect other tenants

Introduce yourself and your pet to your new neighbors, exchange contact information, and encourage them to let you know if they have any concerns. You want them to call you before they issue a complaint to management. Always leash your dog before you leave your apartment. Don’t just carry the leash in your hand. Be aware of other tenants’ comfort level when taking your pet inside elevators, hallways or the lobby. 

When strangers, especially children, reach out to pet your dog, let them know if it’s okay or not. Be prepared for your dog’s reaction to other dogs and cats in the building. (Yes, cat owners sometimes let their kitty prowl the hallway.) In some cases, you may need to muzzle your dog, or carry it, until you exit the building, as much to protect your pet as to protect other tenants.

Agents Alex and Becca with their former dog, Hansi. Image from Solo archives.

Speak with fellow animal lovers

Your best leads on pet-friendly apartments will come from other animal lovers. Chat with them at your local dog park, veterinarian, pet shop or animal rescue. Or stop by Solo Real Estate where you will be welcomed by our pet-friendly team, including Oscar, our office cat, and Hobey, Denise’s dog who comes in twice a week. While not all of the apartments we lease are pet-friendly (it’s up to the individual owners and landlords) we will do our best to help you find the perfect rental for you and your companion. Contact us at info@solorealty.com to get in touch.

Watershed, Pollinator, and Bird-Friendly Garden Certification Programs

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Among the many positive aspects of gardening, is the pride you take in knowing that your efforts support wildlife and pollinators, conserve water, and add to the beauty of the natural environment. To encourage sustainable gardening, we’d like to introduce you to several programs and certifications that you can apply to whether your garden is on a terrace, rooftop, or backyard.

Why Pollinator Gardens?

According to the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS), pollination is essential to life on earth. 90% of plants, including fruits and vegetables, rely on pollinators to produce fruit and seeds. Without these animals, life on Earth would be drastically different. 

The monarch butterfly was once common all across the country but is now at risk of extinction. Pollinator-friendly habitats in backyards, balconies, and along sidewalks help bring this species back from the brink of extinction and support many other pollinator species.  Butterflies fly great distances between flowers, moving pollen with them and sustaining genetic diversity, even though they are often not as efficient at pollinating as bees.

Bee flying over to Goldenrod at the Emerald Wildflower Garden in Kensington, Philadelphia. Image: Stephanie Aviles
Pollinator-Friendly Garden at the PHS Flower Show, FDR Park, Philadelphia. Image: Stephanie Aviles
Pollinator-friendly Garden at the PHS Flower Show. FDR Park, Philadelphia. Image: Stephanie Aviles

Over the past two years, the National Wildlife Federation has been working with PHS to transform a network of 26 vacant lots in West and Northwest Philadelphia into 50 climate-resilient pollinator gardens.  These gardens reduce the impacts of climate change through heat absorption and flooding mitigation — while also serving as a stop for migrating pollinators, which enriches biodiversity and supports a stronger ecosystem. 

Create a Butterfly Garden

You do not need a lot of space to have a butterfly garden or Monarch Waystation. A container garden on a terrace is sufficient. Laurel Hill Gardens in Chestnut Hill says it’s too early to plant a butterfly garden. They suggest you wait a couple of weeks until more native plants are available such as asters, zinnias, goldenrods, violet, sunflower, marigold, snapdragon, milkweed, and phlox. These are just a few of the many plants that attract butterflies. For a more complete list, visit your local nursery or visit Gardening for Butterflies. 

A butterfly-friendly garden contains both adult nectar plants and caterpillar host plants. A few common vegetables and herbs, including dill, oregano, and parsley, also serve as caterpillar host plants. Many butterfly gardeners plant extra vegetables, enough for themselves and their caterpillars. As a bonus, butterfly gardens often attract hummingbirds.

Since butterflies are cold-blooded and need to be warm to fly and feed, you should plant your garden in a sunny area sheltered from the wind. Storms and windy days can batter a butterfly to bits. If there is no natural shelter, plant a windscreen such as Spicebush or another flowering shrub that can provide both food and shelter.

Adult butterflies prefer purple, red, yellow, orange, or pink blossoms; flat-topped or clustered flowers; and short flower tubes. As a result, your butterfly garden will be colorful!

Get Certified!

To qualify for the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Certification Program at least three different nectar sources must be grown, preferably at least three of each selected species so caterpillars can find adequate food. Plus at least one milkweed plant to attract Monarchs. Because butterflies and many other beneficial pollinators are insects, insecticides and pesticides should not be used in your butterfly gardens, including Organic pesticides (they kill too). Gardeners may be certified online or by mail.

Once certified, you will receive a customized NABA Butterfly Garden and Habitat certificate. Certified butterfly gardeners may buy an outdoor, weatherproof certification sign with a Monarch image if their gardens contain at least one milkweed plant.  You may also register your Monarch Waystation by filing out a Waystation Certification Application for a donation of $18. Penn State also has a Pollinator Garden Certification Program for $10. To apply visit Pollinator Habitat Certification.

Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat

Audubon Pennsylvania provides Bird-Friendly Garden Designs for different types of light, soil, and moisture conditions. If your garden receives full sun with dry soil, they recommend planting Mountain Mint, Butterfly Weed, Aromatic Aster, Black-eyed Susan, Purple Cornflower,  Little Bluestem, and Prairie Dropseed. The result is an aromatic, colorful, varied garden sure to attract a variety of birds. For part sun and average soil which is probably common to most Philly gardens, they suggest Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, Black-eyed Susan, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Eastern Red Columbine, Arrowwood Viburnum, and Hairy Alumroot. For other light and soil combinations, refer to your local nursery or visit Audubon’s site.

Audubon also offers certification for bird-friendly gardens. Visit their Certified Backyard Program for application and details. If you live in a hi-rise, get involved with Bird Safe Philly which encourages residents to pull down their window shades at night to avoid birds flying into windows.

Protect Philly’s Watershed: Watershed-Friendly Certification

Reducing stormwater runoff and water pollution, conserving water, and supporting wildlife and pollinators are critical elements of healthy, watershed-friendly properties. Watershed-Friendly PA offers guidance and resources and allows property owners to fill out a simple online application to qualify for watershed-friendly property certification.

Watershed-Friendly Certification - Image: Stephanie Aviles
A certificate that verifies landscape is watershed-friendly. Image: Stephanie Aviles

To qualify, install rain barrels and rain gardens, use only native plants, never use chemicals or insecticides, and divert downspouts to the garden, away from sidewalks and driveways. Also, fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and install low-flow shower heads. For more information about saving water and having your garden certified, visit Certifying Your Urban Small Lot.

We hope these tips on creating sustainable garden habitats for butterflies and birds while conserving your use of water, encourage you to rethink your Spring gardening plans, whether its limited to a few containers or an entire yard. For more gardening tips check out our post on planning your spring garden.

Passive House: The Future of Sustainable Housing

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

A Passive House is a sustainable building that is built adhering to rigorous energy-efficiency standards and requires minimal energy for heating or cooling. It employs the use of smart architectural design and clever engineering to generate heat and avoid losing it.

If you’ve not yet heard of a passive house, you are not alone. They are less common in the US than in Europe where energy costs are very high. However, as more homeowners seek out ways to make their homes more efficient, they are beginning to gain traction in US cities like Philadelphia and revolutionizing sustainable development. We hope this guide inspires you to retrofit your home with energy-efficient technology and, perhaps, consider someday owning a passive house.

Diagram showing Passive House principles for a retrofit. Source: Bright Common

What is a Passive House?

The concept of Passive House was developed by Swedish structural engineer Bo Adamson and German physicist Wolfgang Feist. They were based in Europe, but their studies began by investigating North American projects of the 1970s that were responding to the oil embargo. The first Passive House in North America was built in Urbana, Illinois, in 2003 by German architect Katrin Klingenberg. These early passive house projects helped pioneer energy-efficient housing and led the way to new building standards. 

A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually airtight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gains and internal heat gains from occupants, cooking, bathing, electrical equipment, etc. Control of summer heat through passive and active shading, window orientation, and passive ventilation helps to limit the cooling load. The remaining minimized heating or cooling demand can then be provided by a small source instead of a larger conventional HVAC system.

Shading your home, particularly windows, can have a significant impact on summer comfort and energy costs. Think of the use of wooden shutters in homes in the Sun Belt. Shading can also be provided by eaves, trees, adjustable louvers, and light-blocking blinds. The same goes for sealing drafts in winter.

To be officially called a passive house, the home must meet strict criteria. Some of the requirements from the International Passive House Association include using 86% less energy for heating and 46% less for cooling compared with other buildings in the same climate. PHIUS certifies the majority of passive house projects in North America with a locally tailored, globally applicable passive building standard.

Passive George

Solo Real Estate collaborated with Jeremy Avellino, principal and design director at Bright Common Architecture & Design previously on the development of Kensington Yards and we’re excited to share that we are working together again on a new sustainable multi-family housing project. Solo’s first passive house development, Passive George, at 1931-1933 W. George Street in Francisville will not be completed until the Spring of 2025, but it generated excitement when a preview was shared with attendees at SBN’s latest sustainable walking tour.

Solo Real Estate and Bright Common worked together on the development of Kensington Yards. Image: Solo archives.

“Solo came to me and said they had two small parcels which we re-created to give the 3,200 sq. ft. space the appearance of a single structure,” said Avellino. “Deborah Solo has been a real devotee of sustainability, since before it was cool. Alejandro said ‘it has to be passive.’ They are as passionate about achieving zero energy as I am.”

Sketches for Passive George. Source: Bright Common

Passive George is intended to be perceived as one building, while it is actually a semidetached structure, and Avellino’s design is based on quilts. “The exterior design borrows from established quilting practices,” he said. “The blue terracotta cladding of the primary facade is complimented by the materials which weave and bound its edges.” The main entry and electric vehicle parking space are tucked strategically under the upper levels to provide protection from the elements. A solar array contributes to the project’s goal of zero energy use.

Elevations and Section for Passive Geroge.  Source: Bright Common

As one of Philly’s leading designers of passive houses, Avellino explained, “It’s taken us years of research and design iterations to understand how Passive House opportunities interact with the complexities of urban development constraints, market fluctuations, and workforce conventions. I’m happy to see the industry begin to take the climate crisis seriously, but it has not been fast enough. We need everyone involved in the education, policy, regulatory, development, design, and construction sectors, as well as individuals in the market, to demand a built environment that supports the welfare of people, communities, and the planet.”

Meanwhile, the demand in urban cities like Philadelphia is growing. “Clients are coming to us with different requests. Some are concerned about noise levels, others want a house that will be resilient during power outages and some just don’t want to pay energy bills.  More recently, we have been asked about eliminating natural gas from homes or how to control indoor air quality when forest fires from across the country impact the air quality here in Philadelphia.  Passive House does a remarkable job of addressing each of these concerns not just individually, but as a holistic integrated process.”

Passive House Benefits

  • Airtight design and balanced ventilation provide superior indoor air quality
  • Thermal control helps keep the inside warmer when it’s cold outside, and cooler when it’s hot outside reducing heating and cooling costs
  • The material and mechanical systems employed maintain appropriate moisture levels in the space to reduce mold and provide comfort
  • Some of these projects have operational carbon neutrality and are set up for energy independence
  • Easy to use and maintain

Even if you are not in the market – yet – for a passive house, we encourage you to explore the many ways of making your current home more energy-efficient. Not ready to install solar panels? Invest in energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and the best windows you can afford. As winter approaches, seal off drafts and make sure that both your roof and basement are in good condition. If you are a renter, consider the advantages of renting in a low-energy building.

Featured Business: Good Buy Supply

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Featured image courtesy of Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.

For Emily Rodia and Jason Rusnack, founders of Good Buy Supply, 1737 E. Passyunk Ave, having a general store was a long-held dream. “We met as students at UArts,” said Emily. “The inspiration came to us on a trip to Canada. We discovered several amazing zero-waste stores and we wondered, “Why don’t we have something like this?”

Emily has always been interested in environmental conservation. “Even after we graduated and had jobs, we kept writing down ideas about our shared vision. We wanted to have a place that provided products that were good for the earth and good for people.” Those dreams had to be put on hold while Emily worked as a manager for another business. “I did a lot of buying and customer service, so I learned the ins and outs while running someone else business,” she said. In 2020, they opened Good Buy Supply in the heart of East Passyunk and the middle of the pandemic. 

Owners Emily Rodia and Jason Rusnack opened Good Buy Supply in East Passyunk in 2020. Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.
Owners Emily Rodia and Jason Rusnack opened Good Buy Supply in East Passyunk in 2020. Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.

Today, Emily handles the day-to-day ordering, inventory, and assisting customers while Jason does the photography for the website and handles what Emily dubs “the heavy work,” refilling 30-gallon drums. They hired their first part-time employee a month ago. A good sign that business is growing.

“We have a lot more products than when we initially opened,” said Emily. “What’s cool is that the recycling and sustainability movement is evolving and we are constantly finding new items. For instance, we have a reusable paper towel. It’s a cotton cloth that has the same thinness and absorbency as a paper towel, but you can put it in a washing machine and use it to repeatedly wipe off counters.” 

Their most popular products are found at the refill bar: hand soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and body wash. These bulk products come in unscented as well as popular aromas such as Citrus, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Lavender, and Rosemary Mint Vanilla. To earn 20% off your tenth in-store refill, bring your own clean, dry containers; refill them with any bulk products; and receive a Refill Rewards card and stamp for each container filled. 

You’ll also find things like bamboo toothbrushes and lip balm, plus an extensive selection of food-related items that can really help create a waste-free kitchen. These include reusable beeswax wraps, linen coffee filters, and stainless steel coffee filters instead of plastic ones.

Good Buy Supply features a refill bar with hand soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and body wash. They also stock sustainable household products like bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax wraps, and stainless steel coffee filters Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.
Good Buy Supply features a refill bar with hand soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and body wash. They also stock sustainable household products like bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax wraps, and stainless steel coffee filters
Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.

In their home, Emily and Jason cook a mostly plant-based diet and compost all food scraps to reduce waste which is why they made it a point to stock the shop with attractive stainless steel kitchen compost bins with a carbon filter to reduce odors.

The interior of Good Buy Supply, a sustainable general store in East Passyunk, Philadelphia. Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.
The interior of Good Buy Supply, a sustainable general store in East Passyunk, Philadelphia.
Image: Jason Rusnock of Good Buy Supply.

Good Buy Supply is located in East Passyunk, a great neighborhood with a thriving and eclectic suite of small businesses just steps away from each other. “Next door is Philly Typewriter repair shop; their customer base is similar to ours. Nearby is A Novel Idea bookstore and August Moon, a woman’s boutique,” said Emily. “You can get everything you need for your home on the Avenue, from plants at Urban Jungle to flowers at Creations by Coppola. Over half our customers live in the immediate neighborhood,” said Emily who lives with her husband just a ten-minute walk from her shop.  

Another plus? “We are all independent businesses, protected by the business district so we’ll never get a Starbucks or other chain store. It’s also the highest concentration of women owners and we all support one another,” she said.

“We are proud to say that very little waste makes it to the curb at Good Buy Supply,” said Emily. “We have set up programs with Circle Compost, Bottle Underground, Rabbit Recycling, and TerraCycle to keep the shop waste from heading to the landfill. We reuse as much of our vendor packaging as possible for things like our online shipments, business cards, etc.” 

“We ship completely plastic-free! Our packaging is reused from other shipments, so packaging will vary from time to time,” said Emily. “We also have an option for carbon-neutral shipping through Cloverly.”

An interesting footnote for urban anthropologists: Going back to the 1950s, East Passyunk Avenue had previously been filled with mom-and-pop shops serving the needs of local residents. While many are gone, they have been replaced by young owners equally invested in the well-being of the community.

SBN Sustainable and Local Guided Tour of East Passyunk

Good Buy Supply is one of the featured shops that will be part of the Sustainable Business Network’s 2nd Annual Sustainable & Local Tour of East Passyunk. The event will be held on Saturday, September 30, from 11 am – 3 pm and is sponsored by Solo Real Estate. Guided tours begin at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm. Self-guided tours will be throughout the day, as well as scavenger hunts. Stop by to visit Emily and Jason at Good Buy Supply and support sustainable businesses in Philadelphia.