Coltrane House Philadelphia
Thank you for joining us in Strawberry Mansion to celebrate the next chapter of Coltrane House Philadelphia
On October 10, community members, artists, and partners came together to honor John Coltrane’s legacy and the ongoing restoration of his Philadelphia home.
About the Project
The Coltrane House at 1511 N. 33rd Street is being restored and reimagined as a place where artistry, community, and cultural heritage thrive.
“Preserving this house is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about honoring a legacy of genius and resilience that continues to inspire people around the world.”
– The Coltrane Family
Event Recap (October 10, 2025)
On October 10, 2025, the Coltrane Family, AACHAF, Ars Nova Workshop, and community collaborators hosted a day-long celebration marking the ongoing restoration of Coltrane House Philadelphia.
Press Event Coltrane House, 1511 N. 33rd Street
Community members, preservation leaders, and artists gathered for a public announcement of the next phase of restoration and programming.
Young People’s Concert | The Yard at Coltrane Street
Led by Lovett Hines, local youth musicians performed in tribute to Coltrane’s enduring influence on Philadelphia’s cultural community.
Evening Benefit Concert ft. Ravi Coltrane | Solar Myth
Produced by Ars Nova Workshop, the benefit concert raised awareness and support for the ongoing restoration of the Coltrane House.
Event Highlights
On this historic day, the community came together to celebrate progress, music, and the spirit of collaboration that defines the Coltrane legacy.
“Philadelphia’s jazz legacy lives through the preservation of this home.”
“The Coltrane House is a symbol of perseverance and creativity that continues to guide us.
Historical Significance
The rowhouse at 1511 N. 33rd Street is where John Coltrane lived from 1952 to 1958, a period of extraordinary transformation.
- He studied under Philadelphia teacher Dennis Sandole, absorbed lessons from pianist Hasaan Ibn Ali, and honed his craft on the road with Earl Bostic and Johnny Hodges.
- By 1955, he joined Miles Davis’s “First Great Quintet” and recorded the iconic Prestige sessions of 1956.
- In 1957, after being dismissed by Davis, Coltrane returned to this home to confront addiction and embrace a spiritual awakening — leading to his masterpiece Blue Train.
- By 1958, he emerged with a renewed vision that would reshape the future of jazz.
This National Historic Landmark is not only a physical structure but also a witness to Coltrane’s journey from struggle to innovation, from sideman to visionary.
Acknowledgement
As the Coltrane estate moves forward with the project, we honor and acknowledge the decades of dedication by community members, advocates, and partners whose determination and steadfast efforts have safeguarded the Coltrane House and its meaning for Philadelphia and the world. We are committed to the process of opening the House and working together.
What’s Coming
Interpretation & Creative Programming
The house will be preserved and activated as a cultural resource for Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia, and the world.
Interactive & Educational Experiences
Music education, workshops, community gatherings, and performances will bring Coltrane’s spirit to life for new generations.
Ongoing Updates
Visitors can expect continued restoration progress and programming announcements.
Facade Restoration (In Progress)
In addition to long-term planning, immediate physical improvements are underway. The Strawberry Mansion Community Development Corporation (SMCDC) is spearheading a façade restoration project to stabilize and beautify the house.
The Coltrane Estate has already invested in securing the physical stability and safety of the site, clearing the backyard, and completing the Historic Structures Report with Dominique M. Hawkins of Preservation Design Partnership.
Current façade renovation is being led by Thomas McPoyle of Sustain Preservation LLC, in collaboration with SMCDC, Watchdog Project Management, AACHAF, the Pennsylvania Blight Remediation Program of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, and with funding support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
What’s Next
With the momentum from the October 10 celebration, the work continues. Restoration and interpretation efforts are moving forward, and new community programming will begin to take shape.