The South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) is a Business Improvement District (BID) and one of 16 such BIDs in Philadelphia. BIDs are present in many cities and countries all over the world, and are localized efforts where commercial property owners pay an assessment to create a budget for revitalizing a defined commercial footprint.

SSHD works to provide a safer, cleaner, well managed business district through:

• Contracted daily street cleaning services. 
• Beautification projects: street trees, utility box art, and lamppost art banners. 
• Community events throughout the year including night markets and festivals.
• Support for new and existing businesses with development resources. 
• Marketing and social media initiatives for District businesses. 
• Partnership with the South Street Police Mini-Station for strategic safety initiatives.

SSHD reports public safety and quality-of-life concerns to the appropriate City agencies, and keeps businesses and the community informed about public works projects or other City matters that affect the District. SSHD can liaise for District businesses and property owners with various City agencies such as Licenses and Inspections, the Health Department, the Sanitation Department, the Streets Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department. The District advocates with the understanding that City agencies make the final decisions in all matters.

The most recognizable boundaries of SSHD include businesses on South Street from 11th to Front Street, 4th Street from Lombard to Christian Street, and 2nd Street from Pine to Bainbridge Street. Please see our District Property Search for a more detailed visual of which properties and businesses are within the District’s footprint.

Please email our Office Manager at [email protected] for all property inquiries regarding assessments, liens, taxes, and fee waiver affidavits.

As of Spring 2026, stewardship of Headhouse and the Shambles transitioned from SSHD to the New Market & Head House Conservancy, which recently received a $1.5 million grant to restore this historic landmark. To inquire about renting the space, please visit the NMHHC website.

To be part of SSHD, you must own a business or property within the District’s boundaries.

If you’re interested in opening a business in the District, email us at [email protected]. We’d be happy to discuss the benefits of locating your business within our BID, as well as recommend or assist in arranging tours of available properties that align with your needs.  

You can fill out our vendor application form. Please note that filling out an application does not guarantee you will be accepted for the event(s) you select. 

If you would like to donate to SSHD or be sponsor at one of our events, please visit our Donate page.

Additionally, tag us on Instagram @southstreetphilly when you share photos from our festivals and community events, District business events, or your time exploring the South Street District.

You can sign up for our newsletter, which goes out every week and includes information on neighborhood updates, upcoming events, and festival lineups, or you can follow us on Instagram, @southstreetphilly. 

You can also attend our public Board meetings, which are on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 10AM. Feel free to join virtually or in person at 407 South Street.