The building at 3000 Kensington Ave. has served many purposes over the years — a string of restaurants, jewelry stores, and even a police substation in 2021. Now, it has been transformed into the Kensington Engagement Center, a community space designed to foster conversation and connect residents with resources.
The new center is part of the New Kensington Community Development Corporation’s (NKCDC) “Co-creating Kensington” initiative, an ongoing planning process that prioritizes the needs and interests of community members and residents. The initiative uses trauma-informed approaches to engage neighborhood stakeholders in developing long-term solutions to Kensington’s problems.
The engagement center, which opened in mid-January, will host exhibitions, community meetings, workshops, and other events. Beginning in February, it will also serve as a hub for NKCDC’s satellite services, including community health initiatives, housing counseling, legal assistance, and utility support. The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Community members and organizations are also invited to host their events and meetings in the space.
Located across from McPherson Square Library and the McPherson Gateway Garden, the center was strategically positioned to improve access to resources and introduce residents to nearby spaces, according to NKCDC’s Executive Director, Dr. Bill McKinney.
“There's a number of different assets, and when a bunch of assets are next to each other, essentially, it lifts them all up,” McKinney said “So we want to add to the concentration at these really significant anchor points.”
The center’s current exhibition, Kensington Avenue: Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future, highlights the history and evolution of Kensington Avenue’s small business community. The exhibit includes archived photos of past businesses, a 1942 map of the avenue, and portraits of current small business owners.
Above the engagement center, two rental properties are available for local organizations or community groups seeking permanent office or meeting spaces.
The second floor offers 1,026 square feet, including a large open area, a lounge, a bathroom, and wiring for Wi-Fi and other office needs. The third floor, at 670 square feet, features one main room with a similar setup. Both floors have insulated walls to minimize noise from outside.
The engagement center’s grand opening was held on January 15, coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday. During a morning press conference, McKinney said the date was chosen intentionally to reflect the space's community orientation.
“This building's purpose is about a constant engagement process with the community, and it's about the center of the community. And that is all very much in the spirit of Dr King,” McKinney said.
Several eElected officials attended the press conference to share warm regards for the engagement center. Speakers included Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, Senator Christine Tartaglione, Senator Nikil Saval, District Attorney Larry Krasner, and Chief of Public Safety Director Adam Greer.
Senator Tartaglione, who played a key role in securing city and state funding for the center, expressed enthusiasm for the project.
“For years, I fought for funding to make projects like this possible because I believe in the power of investing in our neighborhoods,” Tartaglione said. “This center will not only serve as a space to reflect on Kensington's past, but also as a place to engage in building a better future.”
The night following the press conference, community members, local organizations, and NKCDC staff danced, shared laughter and hugs, and enjoyed food catered by local restaurants Cantina La Martina, Vientiane Bistro, LJ’s Cafe and El Coqui.
Longtime resident Gwendolyn Walker described the engagement center as “beautiful,” reflecting on the building’s transformation over the years. She said the space symbolizes “hope” for the neighborhood and its residents.
“People can look forward to having resources that they could grab ahold of,” Walker said. “People can come and ask different questions, and they always got somebody that guides them somewhere.”
