“Everyone around here knows us personally. That’s the essence of being a community developer. Community service is in our blood. We give the community hope.” - J. LeRoy Brown, V

Nancy Brown, J. LeRoy Brown V, Charlotte Brown, and James L. Brown IV

James L. Brown IV and his wife, Charlotte Brown, have been rehabilitating houses in Parkside since 1963. They brought up their two children, Nancy and J. LeRoy, with a deep appreciation for history, and taught them the craft of preservation from an early age. In 1996 the Brown Family won the Preservation Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Today the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation is a true family business, giving back to its community.

In 1961, the Browns moved to Parkside, and soon discovered the rich history of their neighborhood, as well as the passion and concern of its residents for their community. On nights and weekends they renovated apartments and learned about historic renovation from their landlord.

In December, 1963 the Browns purchased 4218 Parkside Avenue, and restored the building’s 6 apartments. In 1967 they bought the Lansdowne building at auction and formed the Parkside Development Corporation, beginning their first major rehabilitation, completed in 1972.

In 1983, the Browns formed the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation (PHPC) and had Parkside nominated as a National Register Historic District. Since then PHPC has been rehabilitating building after building, attracting the interest and cooperation of partner organizations, and creating new avenues for outside investment to improve the neighborhood.

James L. Brown IV, Executive Director
A native of Richmond, Virginia and a graduate of Virginia Union University, James L. Brown IV worked as an associate at Keene, Cam & Brown, Planners and Architects in Philadelphia, and was a Consultant for Mantua Community Planners. From 1967-1972 he was an Urban Renewal Technician for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, and worked closely with Philadelphia’s legendary planning director, Edmund N. Bacon. Mr. Brown is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Philadelphia Historical Commission, Friends of Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's Historic Preservation Task Force, and is a board member of the Philadelphia Zoo.

Charlotte Brown, Treasurer
Charlotte Brown is a Virginia native and graduate of St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She worked as a public school teacher in Virginia, and then in the Philadelphia School District. In 1970 she gave up her teaching career to manage the family business.

J. LeRoy Brown V, President
J. LeRoy Brown V graduated from Virginia Union University and currently works as an Account Executive for Fannie Mae Multi-Family Lending and Investment in Philadelphia. He currently serves as the President for PHPC.

Nancy Brown, Executive Board Member
Nancy Brown graduated from the University of Virginia and received her law degree from Howard University Law School. She currently works as a Staff Attorney for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington D.C.