The Uptown Entertainment and Development Corporation (UEDC) is a Community Development Corporation that was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1995 and received it's IRS 501(c) 3 status in 2002. The mission is to stimulate the economy in blighted areas in Philadelphia by creating commercial enterprises, developing neighborhood revitalization projects and managing moderate and housing.
The UEDC has identified the historic Uptown Theater
as its first acquisition and revitalization project.
The 50,000 square foot theater, with a 2,040 seat auditorium located at
2240 N. Broad Street, was acquired in 2002. The development plans include
renovating the theater into a technology center, artist lofts and office
space. Proposed tenants include a faith-based institution, high school,
record production facility and restaurant.
The technology center will create jobs for 200 youth and adults and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for disadvantaged members of the community. Project participants include Berean Institute, Base Group and the Uptown Cultural District Group. The linchpin of the program strategy will be the creation of a film and media center, technology center and film stage.
Our on-going activities include a mural memorializing the late Georgie Woods and expanding the documentary about the history of the theater. The documentary will be used as content for a museum in the theater dedicated to the legends of soul music and to promote the activities of the UEDC. We provide training in performing arts and filmmaking to neighborhood youth. The Board of the UEDC includes Corbitt Banks, Andrea Brown, Jimmy Bishop, Lynnette Crews, Alan Cannon, Wanda Bailey-Green, Judith Robinson, Michael Young and Yumy Odom Our Advisory Board includes community leaders and concerned residents such as Henry Magaziner, AIA (retired) son of the original architect of the theater; Ruth Birchett and Ms Kay Thompson.
Please call 215.238.1878
to for more information, make a contribution or be placed on our mailing
list.
Hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
