Trolley Portal Gardens West Philadelphia Public space crowd

Trolley Portal Gardens

Trolley Portal Gardens is the culmination of years of fundraising, planning, and construction to transform the 40th Street Trolley Portal into a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood amenity. Enjoy native plants, plenty of seating, and pop-up performances and events, or head to Renata’s Kitchen for a meal or beverage.

Members of the band Ants on a Log in a promotional image

Pop-ups at The Portal.

Pop-Ups at the Portal are returning to Trolley Portal Gardens! Enjoy five weeks of free, family-friendly entertainment on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 PM starting May 8th, 2025.

Pop-Ups at the Portal
An evening view of Trolley Portal Gardens with colorful chairs, string lights, and trees creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A community oasis.

UCD answered a community call for a vibrant public space at the busiest at-grade rail station in the city. The project turned a bleak expanse of concrete into a vibrant and social gathering space that has improved pedestrian safety while using cutting-edge stormwater management techniques and lush plantings, all of which enhance the commutes of the thousands of riders who pass through the Portal each day.

A bustling community event at the Trolley Portal Gardens opening, featuring people gathered at colorful tables and chairs, socializing and celebrating.
Origins.

How Trolley Portal Gardens came together.

Through a unique public-private partnership with SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia, and neighborhood stakeholders, UCD raised $2.1 million to transform the 40th Street Trolley Portal, the busiest at-grade rail station in the city. By combining great urban design, infrastructure renewal and community engagement, UCD transformed the space from an unsightly expanse of concrete into a vibrant and social space featuring beautiful landscaping, movable seating, and a new restaurant that serves as a community asset for thousands of neighbors, commuters and local employees.

Trolley Portal Gardens officially opened to the public in 2018 and serves as a beautiful gateway for West Philadelphia trolley passengers and a welcoming public space for neighbors. The site design emphasizes safety and comfort for the thousands of riders who board or exit trolleys at the Portal each day. The project improves pedestrian circulation while using cutting-edge stormwater management techniques that replace impervious surfaces with lush wildflower meadow-like mounds planted with native species. The overall aesthetic improvements enhance the commutes for the riders who pass through the Portal each day.

We program Trolley Portal Gardens with events including pop-up performances, seasonal arts and crafts activations, and more. Renata’s Kitchen, the restaurant space at Trolley Portal Gardens, is open year-round with hours from 10 AM to 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sundays.

Renata’s offers Mediterranean fare, homemade desserts, and an extensive menu for brunch and dinner.

Learn more by visiting their website or or getting to know owners Kate and Yasser in this video.