Manayunk Business Owner Donates $100k To 'Start A Movement'

Norristown native, real estate investor, businessman and professional artist Lenny Bazemore is making a donation that he hopes will motivate others to invest in his hometown.

The Bazemore Family Foundation is donating $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County (HFHMC) to provide a home to one deserving family.

On Thursday at 1 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the donation and the birth of the project.

The gift includes a residence at 52 West Basin Street and $50,000 for its rehabilitation. Not just any house, this property was the home of Curt Henning, his childhood best friend. It was the safe haven across the street where Lenny received advice that shaped him as a man.

After considering a ‘flip,’ he decided to give the property away to support someone else’s dreams. The donation is being made in memory of Curt’s parents, Bill and Janice Henning.

“Lenny knew that renting the property wouldn’t provide a family with the opportunities for growth and reflection that he had growing up,” says Marianne Lynch, Executive Director of HFHMC.“The neighborhood needs the stability that homes with owners can provide and the property needs a family that will own it, love it and create a home for a child to grow and thrive. We will be working tirelessly through the winter and spring so that a deserving family will call 52 W. Basin Street home next June.”

The former Norristown High School football star is the owner of Bazemore Enterprises, The Bazemore Gallery and The Juice Merchant restaurant, all in Manayunk. Now, he says he is giving back to the community that gave him so much, and wants others to recognize the potential of Norristown.

“My hometown is ready for investors and business people to rediscover it,” he says. “I grew up in such a wonderful place, at a wonderful time. Now it’s time for others to know that Norristown is a beautiful community where you can raise a family and have a successful business.”

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing. In partnership with caring individuals and organizations, Habitat constructs simple, decent affordable homes and empowers hardworking, low-income families to become homeowners by providing no-interest mortgages. Habitat also completes critical home repairs, provides financial literacy and life skills classes, and is revitalizing neighborhoods.