by Charlotte Merrick
February 27, 2025
This year marks a thrilling milestone for The Navy Yard and Philadelphia: 25 years since PIDC–the public-private economic development partner of the City of Philadelphia–began transforming a historic naval base into one of the city’s most vibrant economic hubs that supports thousands of jobs. We’re not just recounting our past; we’re inviting you to a series of celebrations that showcase our journey and unveil exciting future plans. We’re starting with a bang! City Council has proclaimed March 31-April 6 as “Navy Yard Week” in Philadelphia.
Stay tuned for more details!
Join Us for Special Events
As we commemorate this 25-year milestone, we’re launching an exciting year-long celebration that includes:
- Special Recognition: City Council has designated March 31-April 6 as Navy Yard Week in Philadelphia
- Groundbreaking Developments: Showcasing the continued evolution of the Navy Yard
- Engaging Community Events: Bringing people together to experience the vibrancy of this unique space
- A Documentary Series: Telling the compelling story of the Navy Yard’s past, present, and future
Stay tuned for more details!
The Journey from Naval Base to Innovation Hub
Once the nation’s first shipbuilding facility in 1868, The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was a powerhouse of American naval prowess and local industry. During its peak in World War II, it employed 40,000 workers who built and repaired over 1,200 ships, playing a critical role in our national defense.
Witness Our Story
As part of the anniversary celebrations, we are excited to premiere a special documentary series, “The Navy Yard: 25 Years of Transformation.” This series will delve into our rich history, recent innovations, and the vibrant community impact through personal stories, archival footage, and expert interviews.
A Quarter-Century of Impact
Here’s what 25 years of revitalization have brought to our community:
$2B
invested in redevelopment
8M
SQ FT of new development
5
public parks & recreational spaces created
150
Companies now thriving at the Navy Yard
15K+
workers employed, surpassing the jobs lost in 1996 when the Naval Base closed
$1.4B
Generated annually in earnings
$71.9M
Contributed annually in City tax revenue
Behind these numbers are countless stories of resilience, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Today, The Navy Yard stands as a beacon of innovation, home to industries leading in shipbuilding, manufacturing, biotechnology, and fashion.
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
As we honor our 25-year legacy, we’re also planning for the next chapter. The Navy Yard Plan promises a $6 billion expansion to create Philadelphia’s newest mixed-use neighborhood, aiming to double employment to over 30,000 jobs and introduce vibrant new public spaces, housing, and retail options.
Be Part of Our Story
This celebration is about more than just looking back—it’s about stepping into the future together. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just getting to know The Navy Yard, we invite you to join the festivities and help shape what comes next.
Stay tuned for updates on special events, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and opportunities to get involved with The Navy Yard’s evolving story.
thank youLet’s make this year unforgettable!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Follow our year of celebration on social media by using #NavyYardPhiladelphia25, and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest.