Wynnefield

Stately stone homes grace the tree-lined streets of Wynnefield. Once settled by the Jewish immigrants from Russia and Germany, it is now an African American enclave of upper Middle Class residents. In fact, many of the current churches were once home to Jewish synagogues. A number of faiths have houses of worship in the community including Catholic, Holiness, Muslim, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Baha’i.

Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia was the long-time city councilman from the 4th District. Currently, Curtis Jones holds the district seat and at-large councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and her family reside there.

Members of the entertainment world who hail from Wynnefield include: Will Smith, Lee Daniels, Will Mega, and Charles Stone III. Mr. Stone is the son of long-time Philadelphia Daily News Columnist Chuck Stone, who was known for as providing a safe haven for confessing criminals.

St. Joseph’s University is located on the border at City Line Avenue. Wynnefield Academy and the Settlement Music School are located in the heart of Wynnefield.

Transportation is accessible although it may involve a walk. Nearby City Line Avenue is known for its shopping areas and upscale stores including Lord & Taylor and Bonwit Teller. First Lady Jackie Kennedy was known to order millinery from a shop on City Line.

Wynnefield, also referred to as “The Field” by local residents, is a predominantly middle-class African American neighborhood located in West Philadelphia. It is bound by City Avenue to the north, 53rd Street to the south, Fairmount Park to the east and the Amtrak Main Line tracks to the west. The neighborhood is named after William Penn’s doctor, Thomas Wynne.
This largely residential area enjoys a taste of suburban living and has many tree-lined streets and large homes. It is also home to St. Joseph University, so many students live in the area as well.
Will Smith might have moved to Bellaire, but his childhood home was in Wynnefield. Another famous resident of the neighborhood is film producer Lee Daniels, who did Monster’s Ball and The Woodman.
During the 1980’s, Wynnewood suffered from high violence and drug crime because of the crack epidemic. Thanks to gentrification, the area has improved, but there are still gangs located in the southern section of the neighborhood.
Wynnewood used to be a major draw for Main Line women because of its numerous shops and boutiques. The area still has major potential and is slowly healing from the crimes it endured during the 1970’s and 1980’s.