Culturally rich and vibrant, the Black Bottom community's physical neighborhood was demolished in the 1950s and '60s to make way for the nation's first science and technology center, now known as the University City Science Center, and to expand the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel campuses. From 32nd Street in the east to 40th Street in the west, Lancaster Avenue in the north, and University Avenue in the south, some 5,000 persons — mostly African American — were dispersed across the city. In the face of physical destruction, the community remains strong and determined to thrive. The Black Bottom Lives On! Jazz Series celebrates that community. Black Bottom partners are currently producing an internet digital mobile tour of the historic neighborhood. Follow this page for updates about the tour.
Market Street looking east from 36th Street 3D reconstruction — the elevated rail line ran above this corridor until it was put underground, 1948–1955
Club Zell-Mar — 37th & Market Streets 3D reconstruction of one of Black Bottom's landmark venues
3D models by Aayush Singh, student, Drexel University • The Black Bottom Lives On!