South of South Street: From An Eyesore To An Art Canvas

A lone sculpture begins taking shape in the large, empty lot at Broad and Washington Ave.

Resting along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the 4.5-acre vacant lot on the corner of Broad Street and Washington Avenue serves as a local artists canvas for a soon-to-be sculpture.

University of The Arts student Pap Souleye works on his sculpture.
University of The Arts student Pap Souleye works on his sculpture.

Cirque du Soleil once occupied the gargantuan eyesore, using it as a tent station every-so-often. Hudson Reality Capital, LLC currently owns the land. This means it’s private property.

Pap Souleye, a student at the University of the Arts, said he received permission from authorities to build a sculpture smack-dab in the middle of the empty lot. 

“I’ve been building for a little over a week,” said Souleye. “It’s hard to find time with school, but I get some friends to help me out.”

Skateboarders ans sculptors are the only people occupying this 4.5 acre lot in Hawthorne.
Skateboarders ans sculptors are the only people occupying this 4.5 acre lot in Hawthorne.

He picks the trash out of dumpsters, and then uses the materials to build his project.

So far, Soleye’s sculpture looks like a giant white zigzag-like object. He said it’s not close to being finished.

“Philly needs something like this,” said Souleye. “I would like to see this land turn into an area for abstract art.”

Ironically, South Philly resident and teacher at the Boys & Girls Club, Elisabeth Garson, is seeking to buy and beautify the lot. She needs permission from Hudson Reality Capital, LCC first.

Have you seen the sculpture? What are your thoughts on this vacant lot? Tweet us @Philaneighbors

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