The William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center was formed in 1996, when a group of community leaders came together with the goal of creating a stronger, more stable community center out of Penguin Place, the community center at the time.  In addition to securing a permanent home, these leaders saw a need for greater unity and cooperation in our community.  Fostering this sense of community is a fundamental part of the Community Center's mission.

After an extensive search, the Community Center purchased the former Engineers' Club of Philadelphia in March 1997.  Soon after, renovations began. The building opened to the public in July 1997.  Since then, nine community organizations have moved into the Community Center and have their offices in the building.   The Community Center also offers several of its own programs.  In addition, over 30 groups meet at the Community Center on a regular basis, and many more use the facility for special events.  The building is open seven days a week and is currently used by over 2,500 people each month.

Directions to the Community Center

By Car:

From the Main Line and points west:
Take the Schuykill Expressway (Route 76) east into Center City, exiting onto the Vine Street Expressway (Route 676). Exit off of the Vine Street Expressway at Broad Street. Bear to the right at exit, taking a right onto 15th Street. Proceed south on 15th Street to Pine Street. Take a left onto Pine Street. Go east on Pine Street to 13th Street. Make left onto 13th Street. At next light (Spruce Street), make left. Community Center is on the right.

From Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Cheltenham or points north of the city:
Proceed south on Route 611, which becomes Broad Street. Take Broad Street into Center City, following it around City Hall. At Pine Street, take a left. Go east on Pine Street to 13th Street. Make left onto 13th Street. At next light (Spruce Street), make left. Community Center is on the right.

From Germantown, Mount Airy or Chestnut Hill:
Take Lincoln Drive or Route 1 to the Schuykill Expressway (Route 76). Proceed east on the Schuykill toward Center City. Exit onto the Vine Street Expressway (Route 676). Exit off of the Vine Street Expressway at Broad Street. Bear to the right at exit, taking a right onto 15th Street. Proceed south on 15th Street to Pine Street. Take a left onto Pine Street. Go east on Pine Street to 13th Street. Make left onto 13th Street. At next light (Spruce Street), make left. Community Center is on the right.

From Bucks County and the Greater Northeast:
Take Route 95 South toward Center City. Exit onto the Vine Street Expressway (Route 676). Exit at Broad Street. Take a left onto Broad Street proceeding toward and around City Hall. At Pine Street, take a left. Go east on Pine Street to 13th Street. Make left onto 13th Street. At next light (Spruce Street), make left. Community Center is on the right.

From the Airport, Delaware and points south:
Proceed north on Route 95 to Washington Avenue/Columbus Boulevard exit. At exit, proceed north (to the left) on Columbus Boulevard (also known as Delaware Avenue) to Spruce Street (across from Penn's Landing). Take a left onto Spruce Street. Follow Spruce Street west past 13th Street. The Community Center is on the right.

From New Jersey:
Enter Center City over the Ben Franklin Bridge. At the exit ramp, remain toward the right and exit onto 6th Street. To do this, you will exit to the right and make a circle. Proceed south on 6th Street past Independence Mall and Constitution Hall. At Spruce Street, take a right. Follow Spruce Street west past 13th Street. The Community Center is on the right.

Parking:

Some metered street parking is available in the area surrounding the Community Center. Most of it has a two-hour limit during much of the day. There is a parking lot across from the Community Center. Rates vary depending on the time of the day. There are also several other parking lots and garages in the blocks surrounding the Community Center. Please note that the Community Center DOES NOT own the parking which adjoins its building on Juniper Street. If you park here, you risk being towed.

By regional rail:

Take any Regional Rail line into Center City, and exit at Market East Station.   Exit through the Convention Center.  Walk south on 12th Street to Spruce Street.  Turn right.  Community Center is 1-1/2 blocks on the right.

By subway:

Broad Street Line:
Take Broad Street Subway to Walnut-Locust stop. Exit at the southern end of the station. Proceed south on Broad Street to Spruce. Turn left on Spruce. Community Center is on the left 1/2 block ahead.

Market/Frankford El:
Take Market/Frankford El to 13th Street stop. Proceed down 13th Street to Spruce Street. Take right. Community Center is on the right 1/2 block ahead.