ABOUT

Over a century ago, two industrial buildings were built to serve as economic engines for a tight-knit working class community in the Harrowgate neighborhood of North Kensington, Philadelphia. Inside these buildings textiles were milled and sold, candy mints were manufactured, and even tins that held bomb fuses and detonators were produced for the US Army during World War I.

One hundred years later, these two buildings, now known as MaKen Studios North and South, have been re-imagined by SHIFT Capital for socially-minded makers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community-serving organizations. MaKen, short for Made in Kensington, pays tribute to the neighborhood’s historic moniker – Workshop to the World.

The redevelopment of MaKen North and South reflects the heritage of the buildings and expresses it in a modern way. These buildings weave the iconic architecture of the past with forward-thinking studios, office, and manufacturing spaces.

These historic spaces and SHIFT’s continued investment exist to support the future of a stronger, healthier Kensington.

Richardson Mint's factory Harrowgate Philadelphia MaKen

MaKen South philadelphia Workshop to the World industrial

Harrowgate History Philadelphia JOMAR MaKen industrial

MaKen North industrial philadelphia history workshop makerspace

Space for opportunities and possibilities

Today, Maken Studios' 300,000 square feet is home to nearly 70 artists, small and large businesses, makers, non-profits, and entrepreneurs – ranging from woodworkers and mixed-media artists to fashion designers and food retailers to research & development and life sciences to creative production studios.

MaKen North and South thrive on the heart and soul of the passionate businesses and idea makers who call it home. The buildings themselves hum from the sounds of lathes, kitchen racks, music production, and conversations with small businesses looking for a start. Then there's the eclectic mix of scents in the making – coffee, hot sauce, chocolate, bagels, ice cream, and a variety of culinary expressions. And you may also see sugar oozing along the walls, the walls literally dripping of production from when it was the Richardson’s Mints factory.

The MaKens have evolved from textiles and tins to household names like JOMAR and Richardson's Mints and now to Philly-made makers and game changers like Kismet Bagels, BioAnalysis, Safe Hub Philadelphia, Witty Gritty, Càphê Roasters, and Felt+Fat. This is just a few. Come meet the rest of our community. Check out the evolution of MaKen Studios North and South and FAME Philly below.

MaKen studios affordable philadelphia rent industrial

Evolution of MaKen Studios North

FAME event space rent affordable philadelphia weddings

Transformation of MaKen Studios South

Creating a one-of-a-kind event venue at FAME Philly

Our buildings

MaKen North industrial affordable rent studios workspace philadelphia

MaKen Studios North is home to various art-based entrepreneurs and small, creative businesses looking for studio spaces from 500 to 3,500 square feet.

3525 I St, Philadelphia, PA

MaKen Studios South is geared toward small-batch manufacturers, large-scale visual artists, or businesses looking to expand and need 1,500 square feet to grow.

3401 I St, Philadelphia, PA

Find a space for you

Interested in joining the MaKen Community? Visit out our leasing page to see all we have to offer.

Learn more

The neighborhood

MaKen North and South call Philadelphia’s Harrowgate and Kensington neighborhoods home. MaKen Studios are less than a block apart, and share close proximity to a SEPTA EL Tioga stop with easy access and a short commute to Philadelphia’s Center City and surrounding neighborhoods. Both buildings have been carefully designed to be part of the community’s fabric and connect with local establishments, including the neighborhood’s shopping center, residences, Caphê Roasters – a beloved cafe, and J-centrel – a similar re-energized industrial space.

MaKen Studios is designed and cared for by SHIFT Capital. Team SHIFT at MaKen is composed of dedicated professionals who ensure the smooth operations of MaKen Studios and who work tirelessly to provide exceptional service to our MaKen community. Get to know our team.