Pictured above: Eleanor Ingersoll with SSHD business Black and Nobel (All photo credits: Beaumonde Originals)
Community Leader Eleanor Ingersoll to Join The South Street Headhouse District
Philadelphia, PA (December 13, 2023) – The South Street Headhouse District is delighted to announce that community leader and Queen Village resident Eleanor Ingersoll will serve as the district’s incoming Executive Director, effective January 2, 2024. As a neighbor for over 20 years, as well as a parent and local volunteer, Ingersoll has witnessed the many transformations of South Street, and she eagerly looks forward to being a part of and contributing to its continued evolution as a cultural and community hub for small businesses, stakeholders, neighbors, and visitors.
After 11 years of stewardship, Michael Harris stepped down as the Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) in 2023. He continues to live in the district and is excited to watch the neighborhood continue to grow and flourish under Ingersoll’s leadership.
“After an extensive search of over 100 qualified candidates, Eleanor distinguished herself by a wide margin. Her many years as a resident, her familiarity with the South Street Headhouse District, her track record with the Queen Village Neighborhood Association, along with her extensive contacts within the greater Philadelphia area quickly made her the perfect candidate for the position,” said Ken Silver, president of Jim’s Steaks South Street, which is currently under development with plans to re-open in 2024. “I couldn’t be more ecstatic about our choice.”
As she transitions into the role, Ingersoll will focus on strengthening the organization’s mission of creating and maintaining an engaging and enticing place to work, visit, shop, invest, and live.
“What I love most about the South Street Headhouse District is its adaptability. There have been so many unique phases over the years; from the South Street renaissance to the artistry of the hippies and the imprint of the punk counterculture. I believe we are on the cusp of another definitive era of South Street, one focused on community, creativity, positivity, and of course, support for small businesses. South Street has an undeniable magnetism. People choose to be here every single day, and we want to support and enliven this commercial corridor with everything we’ve got so that more people make the decision to call South Street home, like I do” says Eleanor Ingersoll, South Street Headhouse District Executive Director.
Prior to joining the South Street Headhouse District, Eleanor served as the President of the Queen Village Neighborhood Association between 2017-2022, as well as serving on its board of directors since 2014. Additionally, Ingersoll is currently closing out her tenure as the Editor-in-Chief for a local publication, the Queen Village Quarterly Crier magazine. Having started her career in broadcast news, Ingersoll is uniquely positioned to understand the importance of communication, storytelling, public relations, and hard work, especially when it comes to building resilient communities.
“Eleanor has been a longtime resident, active civically, and has maintained a great relationship with the South Street Headhouse District. It’s a win-win for everyone,” says John Foy, co-owner of neighborhood restaurant Bridget Foy’s.
Ingersoll transitioned into volunteering in the neighborhood when her kids entered elementary school. As Chair of Meredith Elementary School Advisory Council, she advocated for collaboration amongst student programming, instructor support, and staff retention. Ingersoll also served as a Board Member and the Vice President for CHOICE, a community-based organization dedicated to increasing awareness of and access to reproductive, sexual, and maternal/child health services. Currently, Ingersoll serves as a committee member for the city’s Historical Bethel Burying Ground Memorial site, located in Queen Village.
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Follow the South Street Headhouse District on Instagram and watch the #MeetMeOnSouthStreet hashtag for more information on upcoming events, block parties, night markets, and more! You can also follow South Street Headhouse District on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. For more information, you can visit SouthStreet.com. For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact Lina@PhillyPRGirl.
About The South Street Headhouse District
The South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) is a business improvement district, or BID, which aims to provide a safer, cleaner, & well-managed community for the benefit of local business owners, residents, and visitors of the South Street Area. The SSHD has a rich history that has revolved around providing public safety, sanitation, and other services in addition to the helpful services provided by the City of Philadelphia. Now, SSHD continues planning improvements in the urban area by developing and emphasizing the artistic and creative aesthetic within the dynamic and diverse business community. Located between Queen Village and Society Hill, the SSHD is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Philadelphia and is home to over 400 businesses. The Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, Philly AIDS Thrift, Repo Records, and the Historic Fabric Row are some of the many attractions that can be found in this area. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, a new favorite spot to shop, or simply a chance to learn about the interesting history behind the area, the South Street Headhouse District has many opportunities for fun and exciting experiences.
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