Preserving a Legacy: Restoring John Coltrane’s Historic Strawberry Mansion
John Coltrane, the legendary jazz saxophonist and civil rights champion, influenced both the global music scene and the culture of Philadelphia. Born in Hamlet, North Carolina, Coltrane moved to Philadelphia at the age of seventeen, immersing himself in the Philadelphia jazz community. He attended school at Ornstein School of Music and began performing in local jazz clubs, laying the foundation for his distinguished career.
Located on 1511 North 33rd Street, Coltrane resided in his Strawberry Mansion row home between 1952 to 1958. During his time, Coltrane composed several of his famous works, including Blue Train and the seminal album Giant Steps. The house was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1999 for its historical and cultural significance in the Philadelphia community.
Despite its significance to the community, the house has faced years of neglect and has required repair. In March 2024, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF), part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), designated the John Coltrane House as the first beneficiary of the Descendant & Family Stewardship Initiative. This program includes a $5.2 million grant that will fund improvements in the house, alongside preservation planning, local and national events, and preserving family-led projects. The National Trust seeks to support and highlight Black history as an "integral part of the Full American story."
Senior Manager of Preservation Projects for NTHP Melissa Jest, emphasized the importance of the planning process, before the repairs begin, claiming, “The planning process is a pretty valuable process—though I know that oftentimes we just want to see hammers swinging and hear drills going. But having a plan is really the most respectful way to approach a property like this.”
After several transitions of ownership, the Coltrane family regained ownership of the house, expressing their intention to open the site to the public. The family intends to serve the Strawberry Mansion as both a preservation site and a place to honor Coltrane's legacy.
Architect and founder of Preservation Design Partnership Dominique Hawkins conducted a structure report to determine the building's history and future uses. As development and renovation efforts progress, the Strawberry Mansion CDC plans to host performances in The Yard, a community space adjacent to the house.
Philadelphia's designation as a World Heritage City extends beyond its well-known landmarks like Independence Hall. The city’s history is rich, diverse, and filled with stories that deserve greater recognition within the broader narrative of collective heritage. GPA is committed to uncovering and sharing these stories while supporting Philadelphia’s impressive network of 67 National Historic Landmarks through events, community tours, digital storytelling, and network building. Among these important histories, John Coltrane’s profound impact on African American communities and culture in North Philadelphia stands as a vital and compelling chapter.
