OUR MISSION:
Established in 1966, PCDC is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential, and business community. During our history, we have fought against the marginalization of immigrant families, workers, youth and seniors. As the only Community Development Corporation (CDC) serving a
minority population in Center City Philadelphia, PCDC has carried out a place-based strategy to grow deep roots for the community so that outside forces would not displace our community. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES:
To meet the needs of a low-income immigrant community, PCDC offers a comprehensive array of programs and projects that fall into five main categories: Neighborhood Planning, Community Organizing and Advocacy, the Chinatown Homeownership Initiative, Economic Revitalization, and Family and Youth Services. HISTORY:
The history of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) is inextricably tied to the history of Chinatown. In 1966, the proposed Vine Street Expressway would demolish the Holy Redeemer Church and School, a valuable and cherished religious, education and recreation center for Chinatown. Subsequently, the first town meeting was held and a committee was formed which was later incorporated in 1969 as PCDC. A mandate was given to PCDC to represent Chinatown in matters of urban renewal and community development. For over a quarter century, Chinatown has been buffeted by development projects such as the Ninth Street Ramp, The Gallery, and Foxwood Casino. Altogether, Chinatown has lost over one-quarter of its land, housing and commercial stock. As a result of PCDC’s efforts, a master study was done in 1975. This was the first constructive step taken in planning for the survival and needs of Chinatown. On the basis of the urban design plans and policy recommendations made for Chinatown in this study, PCDC began to initiate and implement many residential and commercial developments.
