Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) community development corporation founded in 1983. OARC’s mission is to create and stimulate sustainable economic development through innovative and creative use of our available resources while improving the quality of life for residents in West Oak Lane and other neighborhoods throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia.
We take a holistic approach toward community revitalization, by focusing on our five Pillars: Business & Economic Development, Housing Development, Community Engagement, Arts & Culture, and Greening Solutions for Sustainable Living.
From the very beginning, OARC realized there was a need to give Ogontz Avenue a new look, a new feel. We started working with community leaders and various organizations to encourage new business development and home ownership in West Oak Lane, and share in our vision to revitalize our neighborhood. More than 38 years later, the fruits of our labor can still be seen in the mix of businesses that exist here; including a variety of service and retail shops, a fine dining restaurant featuring live jazz, a number of take-out food establishments, civic and political organizations, and churches.
Our success is built on our ability to collaborate with government agencies, elected officials, other community organizations, private developers, local universities, and neighborhood schools. These collaborations have allowed us to access the resources needed to solve difficult problems and improve the quality of life in our community.
We welcome the opportunity to share more about our revitalization with others who have an interest in making West Oak Lane a better place to live. If you would like to partner with us, we invite you to join in our effort to bring innovative programs and services to the community, giving hope and inspiration to families here and throughout the region.
Please contact us at info@oarcphilly.org