From Blight to Bloom: How North Roots x Bossed Up Is Reclaiming Space and Building Wealth in North Philadelphia

In North Philadelphia, where vacant lots and blight have long reflected patterns of systemic disinvestment, a different story is beginning to unfold. Led by Garrison Hines and Brandy Fortune, the duo behind North Roots x Bossed Up, a bold new project is transforming underutilized land into vibrant, community-centered spaces. Their flagship project, Soil and Soul, is a creative response to the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia’s Fair City Challenge, which called on local leaders to develop a community-driven solution to make neighborhoods more equitable and inclusive.
 

A Community-Led Vision for Transformation

Hines and Fortune, both lifelong residents of North Philadelphia, launched North Roots x Bossed Up with a belief that meaningful change must be shaped by those who know the community best. Their goal is to reclaim neglected land, restore neighborhood pride, and build pathways to homeownership that close the racial wealth gap.
 

This work is especially urgent in a city where only 48 percent of Black residents own their homes, compared to 56 percent of White residents. North Roots x Bossed Up is working to reverse that disparity by investing in land, leadership, and place-based strategies that build wealth from within the community.
 

At the heart of their work, Soil and Soul reimagines vacant lots as spaces for gathering, connection, and economic opportunity. Their vision includes establishing an open-air market along North 9th Street, stretching from W. Cortland to W. Loudoun Street. The space would feature a community farm, small business opportunities, and social gathering areas.
 

A Plan for Growth

If selected as the recipient of the Fair City Challenge’s $50,000 grand prize, North Roots x Bossed Up will move forward with a multi-phase expansion plan focused on revitalizing Logan Triangle.
 

The first phase will include the development of a community farm and orchard, anchored by a bi-weekly farm stand providing fresh, seasonal produce. The team plans to plant fruit trees and berry bushes to create a permanent food forest.
 

The second phase will launch the North Roots x Bossed Up Champions Program. This will serve as a workforce development opportunity for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Participants will be employed during the growing season and receive hands-on training in urban agriculture, creative placemaking, and professional development.
 

Future phases will build on this foundation and include volunteer workdays, community harvest events, educational workshops, and public art installations. These activities are designed to strengthen neighborhood pride, expand youth opportunity, and create lasting infrastructure for shared ownership and economic mobility.
 

Looking Ahead

North Roots x Bossed Up has already received mentorship and $10,000 in early-stage funding from the Economy League. 
 

Learn more about their pilot project during the Fair City Challenge Accelerator and their ongoing work by following them on Instagram or visit their website: 
 

North Roots

Website: www.northroots.life

Instagram: @north_roots 
 

Bossed Up

Website: www.bossedup215.com

Instagram: @bossed___up