With a name dating back to 1895, Point Breeze was designated as one of the original Green Countrie Towns sponsored by Philadelphia Green, a program dedicated to increasing planted urban spaces. Important neighborhood institutions include the YMCA at 17th and Christian Streets, which has served African Americans since 1889, and the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center, which was founded in 1984.
Named in honor of a Philadelphia optician, pioneer microscope maker and philanthropist, the James W. Queen Memorial Library was founded in 1907. It was originally housed in the Hope Presbyterian Church at 33rd and Wharton Streets. This library became the Queen Memorial Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on December 13, 1912. In 1945, it was relocated to a rented building at 1313-15 Point Breeze Avenue.
Queen Memorial Branch opened on Tuesday, January 17, 1995 in the Landreth Apartments, a residence for seniors. The building, built in 1889, is a renovated elementary school - —the former Landreth School. Mamie Nichols, Executive Director of the Point Breeze Federation, was a prime leader behind the renovation of the school into a "multi-purpose achievement center."
