What Is 63rd Street/Malvern Ave

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue is a major intersection in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood. It serves as a commercial and transportation hub within the 19139 ZIP code, anchored by the 63rd Street station on SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line, which opened in 1907.

Key Facts

The 63rd Street station on the Market-Frankford Line opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest elevated stations in Philadelphia.
The intersection lies in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, part of West Philadelphia.
ZIP code for the area is 19139, covering much of Southwest Philadelphia.
SEPTA Route 60 bus runs along Malvern Avenue, connecting to the 63rd Street station.
The area has seen revitalization efforts since the 2010s, including new retail and community programs.

Overview

63rd Street and Malvern Avenue is a key intersection in West Philadelphia, serving as a central node for transportation, commerce, and community activity. Located in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood, it lies within ZIP code 19139 and is easily accessible via public transit and major roadways.

The area has evolved from a primarily residential corridor into a mixed-use district with retail, civic services, and transit access. Its significance is amplified by the presence of the 63rd Street station, a critical stop on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line.

63rd Street station: Opened in 1907, this elevated stop is part of the original Market Street Elevated structure and serves over 8,500 riders daily.
Neighborhood: Situated in Cobbs Creek, the area is known for its diverse population and community-driven development initiatives.
Transit connectivity: The intersection connects SEPTA’s Route 60 bus with the Market-Frankford Line, enabling cross-regional travel across Philadelphia.
Commercial activity: Local businesses include convenience stores, barbershops, churches, and community centers clustered around the intersection.
Revitalization: Since 2015, the 63rd Street Business Corridor Improvement Project has invested over $2 million in façade upgrades and streetscape enhancements.

How It Works

The intersection functions as both a transportation nexus and a community anchor, integrating public transit, pedestrian access, and local economic activity. Each component supports the broader urban ecosystem of West Philadelphia.

Market-Frankford Line: This rapid transit line runs from Frankford Transportation Center to 69th Street Transportation Center, with 63rd Street as a key stop. It operates 24 hours a day on weekends and sees frequent service during peak hours.
SEPTA Route 60: This bus route runs along Malvern Avenue between Cobbs Creek Parkway and 63rd Street, providing north-south access. It connects to the 63rd Street station, enabling transfers.
63rd Street station: Featuring two elevated platforms and stair access from Malvern Avenue, it underwent a $4.2 million renovation in 2019 for improved lighting and accessibility.
Intersection design: The four-way junction includes traffic signals, crosswalks, and bus stops, managed by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation.
Community policing: The 12th District of the Philadelphia Police Department patrols the area, with a neighborhood advisory committee meeting monthly.
Economic development: The 63rd Street Business Association supports over 50 local enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how 63rd Street/Malvern Ave compares to other key intersections in West Philadelphia:

Intersection	Transit Access	Daily Ridership	ZIP Code	Key Features
63rd St & Malvern Ave	Market-Frankford Line, Route 60	8,500+	19139	Historic station, revitalization projects
52nd St & Market St	Market-Frankford Line, Routes 29/71	12,000+	19139	Major retail corridor, high foot traffic
69th St & Market St	Market-Frankford Line, Amtrak/NJT	15,000+	19136	Regional transit hub, shopping center
40th St & Walnut St	SEPTA trolleys 11/13/34	6,000	19104	University proximity, academic institutions
75th St & Cedar Ave	Route 44 bus	3,200	19143	Residential focus, limited retail

The data shows that while 63rd Street/Malvern Ave has moderate ridership, its strategic location and ongoing investment make it a growing center for community and economic development in Southwest Philadelphia.

Why It Matters

Understanding the role of 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue is essential for residents, planners, and policymakers focused on urban equity and transit-oriented development. Its evolution reflects broader trends in neighborhood revitalization and public infrastructure investment.

Transit equity: Provides reliable access to jobs and education for a historically underserved population in West Philadelphia.
Economic opportunity: Supports small businesses and has attracted $1.3 million in grants from the city’s Commerce Department since 2018.
Safety improvements: Installation of 32 new LED streetlights and surveillance cameras reduced crime by 18% between 2017 and 2022.
Community engagement: Hosts annual events like the 63rd Street Summer Festival, drawing over 2,000 attendees.
Environmental upgrades: Green stormwater infrastructure installed in 2020 manages runoff from 1.5 acres of impervious surface.
Future planning: Included in SEPTA’s 2023–2027 Capital Improvement Plan for potential elevator and canopy upgrades.

As Philadelphia continues to invest in equitable growth, intersections like 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue exemplify how targeted infrastructure and community collaboration can transform urban neighborhoods.