March 23, 2004
Bart Blatstein Gets Religion
Changing Skyline | Neighbors can live with new Schmidt's
Big boxes are out, mixed use retail and residential are in in Northern Liberties. Inga Saffron details the metamorphasis of one of Philadelphia's largest developers. Now if only I could find some pictures. Why can I never find pictures of these plans. Every plan looks pretty good in a sketch, why don't developers use the Internet to push their projects?
November 02, 2003
Garden State Park to Become a Downtown?
As debris rains down, site's future gets clearer
It's not quite clear how much of a downtown there will be, but that's at least what the local politicos are claiming about the development that will be replacing the Garden State Park race track. The dense development will take up to ten years to complete, will feature at least two big box retail spots but also promises to bring a "sense of space" to Cherry Hill. The plan includes space for civic uses and an outwardly facing public square. Transit will also be part of the plan as the developers hope to capitalize on a New Jersey Transit stop adjacent to the property.
To me it sounds like a lot more words than actions are being tossed towards building a real town.
Politics of Parking
Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/02/2003 | Politics, parking and the fabric of a city
In the last five years, garages and surface lots have proliferated. Eight new parking facilities have either been built or are pending in an 11-block area between Market and Spruce Streets - despite a zoning code meant to discourage garages in Philadelphia's lovely core.
Why? Since 1999 John Street has received $277,500 from garage operators.
And my number one question that is raised here is, how much parking do we need? Do we really not have enough? Last time I remember struggling to find a parking space in Center City was during a SEPTA strike. Even the week before Christmas I've been able to strike a prime spot under Lord & Taylor, an elevator up to the main floor and I was the envy of anyone who's ever tried to get close to the King of Prussia mall in December. So what's the deal? The Planning Commision's report won't be ready till 2005, by then we may become Oklahoma City.
October 31, 2003
Don't give up hope on One Pennsylvania Plaza just yet
Plan on the Plaza
One Pennsylvania Plaza at 17th & JFK isn't dead yet despite a soft real estate market and no primary tenant. In fact it is expected to be completed before the fall of 2007.
October 30, 2003
202 Complete!
Route 202 project complete
As the last ramp was opened mass transit was on the minds of local officials.
Keep Penn's Landing Public
Wharf Rat
I couldn't agree more with this edition of CitySpace. Build great public spaces and the development will come from that. Don't expect developers to create these spaces. From Rittenhouse Square to the mall in Washington. Development follows the definition of the public space.
Keep Penn's Landing Public
Wharf Rat
I couldn't agree more with this edition of CitySpace. Build great public spaces and the development will come from that. Don't expect developers to create these spaces. From Rittenhouse Square to the mall in Washington. Development follows the definition of the public space.
October 18, 2003
Center City Apartments for the Working Poor
Restoring a building to its first mission
Project HOME expands its role and takes on converting the 11 story Italian renaissance tower into apartments for the working poor.
This summer it began to convert the tower into modestly priced studio apartments for what demographers call the working poor - the people who keep the shops, restaurants and hotels humming. The renovation, which is being overseen by Kramer/Marks Architects of Fort Washington, will restore many of the Warburton Hotel's charming historic details, including its triple-arched entry and leaded-glass windows.
October 16, 2003
Penn's Landing, a political pawn?
Penn's Pandering
The Street Administration has hinted it wants to decide on a developer and plan for Penn's Landing before the election, relegating the most valuable real estate in Philadelphia to a pawn in the political process. Even worse are the grandiose plans for the site that ignore what Philadelphians want to see there.
Although having read about the Founder's Square concept from the Brandywine Group I feel at least they get the concept that Penn's Landing should be a public space.
October 14, 2003
Western Union to Go Residential
11th and Locust to get more residences
The Former Western Union Building at 1th & Locust has been purchased by a partnership that intends to convert the formidable building into a mixed-use residential and commercial complex. The transformation would heal the dead 1000 and 1100 blocks of Locust.
October 13, 2003
Parking Doesn't Have to be Ugly
They can be done well
Editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting a couple of cases where parking garages are actually done well.
Parking Doesn't Have to be Ugly
They can be done well
Editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighting a couple of cases where parking garages are actually done well.
City Planning Commision Takes on Parking
In a press release the Philadelphia Planning Commission announces it will evaluate parking policies and regulations in Center City. The study will develop parking policies and regulations that could include revisions to zoning, tax changes, parking rate controls, guidelines for valet, improved information systems, and even remote parking (park & ride).
I would love to see a study of exactly how many parking spaces there are and what is considered to be needed.
October 09, 2003
Liberty Bell Gets New Home
Bell's new home grand, but falls short of its goal
The Liberty Bell received a new home today. I already miss the old one. Its transparent edges making it possible to visit the bell at any time. To see the bell and Independence hall in one shot at anytime was something special. Often when friends visited they would remark that they didn't think they'd be able to see the bell at whatever hour we happened by. And even the low-tech presentation by the park personnel was just great. Low key, sober, and immensely powerful.
October 05, 2003
The Housing Borg
Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/05/2003 | Bob Toll's housing developments lure buyers, irk locals
Toll said. The popular notion of "smart growth," or clustering homes, to curb so-called suburban sprawl is a code phrase for "no growth,"
Toll Bros. comes across, and deliberately so, as a company that cares about the bottom line first, second and third.
October 01, 2003
New Study Highlights Gridlock
The traffic commute? Hey, it could be worse
We now have an idea of just how much worse the region's traffic would be if one million people did not hop on a bus or train every morning. The answer: Without mass transit, your commute would be about one-third longer overall.
Rush Hour travelers in Philadelphia spent 44 hours stuck in traffic in 2001, up 2 hours from the previous year. Nationally, Philadelphia's rush hour congestion was just below the national average.
September 29, 2003
M. Night Signs on to Revival
Filmmaker, city collaborate on revival
M. Night Shyamalan has given the neighborhood featured prominantly in his Movie Signs $1.5 million to improve the area. The city has anted up another $1.2 million as part of its anti-blight program.
The South Philadelphia neighborhood centered around 23rd & Fitzwater is wedged between the edge of the burgeoning Center City South and Toll Bros. proposed Naval Home property. It would be great to see this unique neighborhood flurish.
September 28, 2003
Camden Hub Strategic Plan initiative
Recognizing the value of regional planning
John Hasse, geography professor from Rowan University, highlights the needs for planning and for communities to be responsible for their future vision and not leave it up to developers.
Infrastructure Woes
A decaying foundation
46% of PA roads are rated in poor or mediocre condition according to a Society of Civil Engineers report. Nationwide 27% of the nation's bridges are considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
The price tag to bring the nation infrastructure up to snuff is estimated at $1.6 trillion.
September 26, 2003
Yo, Back Door
Trader Joe's shows pedestrians the back door
Center City's new Trader Joe's turns it's back on Market Street. Yes, Trader Joe's doesn't have a door on Market, but rather have put the entrance on the other side facing out by trash bins and away from all that sidewalk traffic.
Would the Gap put a store in a mall that didn't open out on to the main concourse? Why would Trader Joe's turn away from Market?
Hope for North Broad
The mansions, old Victorians and mamouth factories of north Broad street have always fascinated me. Trying to imagine a time when the street was bustling with success. Their remains are a reminder of a different era. It must have been a site to see. Trying to imagine the Divine Lorraine and Metropolitan restored is an exciting thought. But almost as difficult to picture as that earlier Broad Street.
September 24, 2003
Mayoral Forum on Parks
Monday, October 20th at the Free Library at Logan Square. Starting at 7:00 PM (Seating opens at 6:15 PM).
Come and hear John Street and Sam Katz discuss their plans and commitment to Philadelphia’s parks.
September 22, 2003
Birthplace of Liberty to be Fenced In?
Fight over historic site plans is revived
The Park Service's plan is to fence off the block bordered by Fifth, Sixth, Chestnut and Market Streets. The fence would be similar to others in the area, typically a low Colonial brick base with black iron spires rising to about eight feet, though the height could vary. About half of the park area south of Independence Hall on Chestnut Street would be closed off by a similar fence.
Group looks to keep Independence Square park and the grounds in front of Independence Hall available to the people of Old City and Society Hill.
September 19, 2003
Pride of Place of Place Tonight
The Design Advocacy Group is hosting a candidates forum on current urban design topics. Download flyer. (596 KB PDF)
Sam Katz has confirmed, Mayor Street has been invited.
5:30-7:30
at the Sterns Auditorium, the Franklin Institute Museum
Benjamin Franklin Parkway and N. 20th St.
Penn's Landing Plans Available for Review
Penn's Landing Plans
Well I haven't been able to get to any phila.gov site for closing in on two full days but luckily we can visit the plans in person.
The proposals are available for public review at the Penn's Landing Visitor Center, 301 S. Columbus Blvd (adjacent to the Olympia and Moshulu ships).
The development proposals will be available for viewing on the following
dates:
- Wednesday, September 10th through Friday, September 12th, from noon until 7 p.m.
- Saturday, September 13th, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Monday, September 15th through Friday, September 19th, from noon until 7 p.m.
- Saturday, September 20th, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Monday, September 22nd through Wednesday, September 24th, from noon until 7 p.m.
Additionally, the development teams will present their proposals in a public forum on Tuesday, September 23rd at 5:30 p.m. The forum will be held in the Independence Seaport Museum auditorium.
September 16, 2003
Boyd to Live Again
Old SamEric Getting a New Start
The SamEric theater, formerly the Boyd Theater, looks like its going to be refurbished as a "multi-purpose entertainment facility" by Clear Channel Entertainment. An organization that until now I thought might just the be the most evil company on Earth!
The $25 million deal should be officially announced Monday by the Goldenberg group.
September 15, 2003
New York Minute Getting Shorter?
Cities, Swarms, Cell Phones: The Birth of Urban Informatics
Townsend believes the pace of urban life is quickening. "As every person completes more tasks, communicates with more people, coordinates activities among more social networks in the same amount of time, the aggregate effect is an acceleration of the urban metabolism." If Townsend is right, today's New York minute will seem too leisurely for tomorrow's crowds of hypercoordinated and autoscheduled city-dwellers. One key challenge to civic leaders and urban planners is to create more public spaces that attract transient communities of wireless urban nomads who serve as creativity and conviviality magnets, attracting vitality to the social heart of the city.
Parking Perceptions
Main Streets aim to curb parking concerns
As suburban downtowns attempt to bring people back from the malls to their upscale restaurants and appelaing boutiques they face complaints about parking. But it turns out the problem is more perception than reality.
September 14, 2003
Penn's Landing Plans Reviewed
Inga Saffron reviews the ambitious plans unveiled for Penn's Landing and laments the lack of a unified plan defining what the city is looking for at Penn's Landing.
While the proposals contain a few nuggets of merit, taken cumulatively they seem to lack seriousness. It's as if the developers don't really believe that Mayor Street is ready to crack the great nut that is Penn's Landing.That the four proposals are largely unbuildable is no accident. These schemes are the logical product of a flawed process that has emphasized the quick, income-generating deal over thoughtful, consensus- building, long-term planning.
Inga Saffron also gives a biting round up of each plan panning them all.
September 10, 2003
$100 Million City Living Room
A $100 million plan to make over library
The Mayor and library officials announced four world renowned architects have been commisioned to design an addition to Philadelphia's main library. The designs will be made public in October
Recent library projects have turned the long rows of dusty volumes into a community's living room. A place to gather, lounge, listen, and communicate.
September 09, 2003
Pride of Place
The Design Advocacy Group is hosting a candidates forum on current urban design topics. Download flyer. (596 KB PDF)
September 08, 2003
Atlantis on the Delaware?
Of the four proposals submitted to the city for developing Penn's Landing it will be difficult for one to be more aggressive than this.
A $3 billion plan that would cover I-95, include two theaters, 20 movie screens, and a 600 foot residential tower.
Harry Eng, the executive director of Atlantis New York Group, Inc. claims it can be done with all private funds. The initial Atlantis concept was proposed for Manhattan's Upper West Side.
September 06, 2003
Available: One Bell Pavillion
Bell pavilion: Move it, own it
When the Liberty Bell moves to its new home in October the current Bell pavillion will become available, and the Park Service is offering it for free. Just pay to move it and you can own it.
This of course raises the issue, what would you do with it? Designed for such a specific purpose and location, what else could it become?
I've come to understand the genius of the building, accomodating the masses who visited the bell, but not just those who came through during the appointed hours. The bell remained visible and on display at any time of day. Plus the view through the glass wall framing Independence Hall made for an inspiring vista.
September 05, 2003
Parkominium
For $35-40,000 per space, plus a monthly fee you can have your very own parking space in Philadelpha's first condominium for cars. "It's much nicer than any other parking garage in the city."
I always thought if you wanted your own parking spot in Philadelphia you just got handicapped tags. Seems a lot cheaper.
August 30, 2003
New Residents Arrive in Camden
Victor's first tenants boost an area that isn't conditioned to move-ins
The city's touristy waterfront officially became a residential neighborhood yesterday, its first residents squeezing through a mob of politicians and cameras to settle into their new luxury lofts.
Does the addition of residents to Camden's riverfront signal a renaissance or is thinking of Camden as the next Hoboken a little premature? After all, it wasn't till just about every square foot of Manhattan was occupied before the Jersey side really took off, and there's still a lot of open in land in just Northern Liberties.
August 29, 2003
City Diet
Suburban Residents Walk Less, Weigh More
According to studies cited here city dwellers weigh six pounds less than their suburban counterparts. Unfortunately pedestrians in the United States are six times as likely to be killed in traffic as Dutch pedestrians. The other interesting statistic in the Inquirer article is that Portland, OR increased bike ridership 143% in the last decade without increasing crashes.
August 28, 2003
Database of Philadelphia's Murals
Speaking of cool web applications, muralBase is an interactive database of murals produced by Philadelphia's Mural Arts program.
Public Art in Philadelphia
The Fairmount Park Art Association has a nifty interactive map of public artwork in Philadelphia. Take a look, I'm sure you'll be surprised how much there is, and how you've been taking it for granted.
August 26, 2003
Relief on I76, US202 & PA422
Ramps linking Schuylkill, Route 202 set to open
The 5 year PennDOT project is winding up and today is a big day as new ramps will open easing the daily commute for thousands.
By 5 a.m. today, drivers will be able to use a ramp along the westbound Schuylkill that connects to westbound Route 422 and Swedesford Road. The other ramp will connect drivers on southbound Route 202 to westbound Route 422 and Swedesford Road. By 5 a.m. Friday, PennDot will open a ramp along the eastbound Schuylkill to westbound Route 422 and Swedesford Road. Another eastbound ramp will link drivers to southbound Route 202.
August 25, 2003
Drowning in Their Own Success?
Old City tries to keep its cool
Interesting article about Old City and it's battles to not turn into South Street. Zoning overlays, higher police presence, are among the steps being taken to control the fun in Old City.
August 21, 2003
Gushing About the Constitution Center
City Paper declares the Constitution Center "a stunning Success."
The National Constitution Center is a class act, respectful, restrained and gentle, bold and benign, elegant and intelligent -- a modest monument. How fitting for a building that celebrates what is arguably America's greatest contribution to Western civilization: words on paper that begin "We the People."
August 15, 2003
Toll Bros. Reveals Plan for Historic Naval Home
Bland plan: Old Georgetown on the Schuylkill
Inga Saffron's column paints a picture of Toll Bros. "hackneyed" plan for the historic Naval Home's grounds.
On the good side the plan would extend Center City along the Schuylkill with up to 1,200 townhouses and apartments.
August 14, 2003
Universities Should Anchor Redevelopment
Declaration of Inter-dependence
There is enormous potential here. Philadelphia's industrial age has left it with a rich legacy of colleges, universities and hospitals scattered widely around the city. Each could become the catalyst for improvements in its host neighborhood, and each would find its own institutional situation improved in turn.
August 11, 2003
Divine Intervention
The Sale of storied hotel recalls legacy of Father Divine
The sale of the Divine Lorraine by New York developer Tony Goldman has the Inquirer waxing nostalgic about Father Devine, the interesting one-time owner of the hotel, but doesn't mention who bought the hotel. I hope they know what they were doing, each time I drove past the Divine Lorraine the past couple of years I was excited remembering, designer and one-time Cindy Crawford sidekick, Todd Oldham was reportedly to design the restoration for Goldman. I guess this never came to pass, but the impressive building at Broad & Fairmount deserves a fresh start.
August 08, 2003
Jefferson Garage Faces Battle
Battle ahead for Jefferson plan
For its supporters, the garage is the catalyst that will generate retail stores throughout the area - and complement the revival of the Victory Building, the Second Empire marvel that has been rotting away for three decades. To critics, the garage would be a monstrosity that would doom three blocks of Chestnut - the blocks between Ninth and 12th - that already are gloomy enough.
Jefferson has a rotten history of creating and maintaining retail space in its buildings, but the good news is the long neglected Victory Building is being refurbished.
August 06, 2003
Innovative Idea on Sharing Cars
Only a year ago, PhillyCarShare was just an idea. Today, the nonprofit group that lets people rent cars by the hour has vehicles available for pickup at 10 locations. With a new $260,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the group will add over 50 locations in the next three years. "What the grantmakers want is a reduction in air pollution," explains Clayton Lane, a PhillyCarShare co-founder. Since members pay by the ride, there's an economic incentive to use cars only out of necessity, like for a furniture-shopping outing. Since members regularly walk, bike or take public transportation, car emissions are reduced. But Lane says the grant will also help his group meet two other goals: Serving low- and middle-income communities in Philadelphia and linking car-sharing with transit.
People love their cars, but is this a viable alternative to those who only need a car from time to time.
August 04, 2003
Obsessed about Old City
Umm guys, sure OCD has a nice ring to it. Maybe because you've heard of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Well hopefully they'll be obsessive about keeping the streets cleen.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
New stadium's design blends luxury, metal and minimalism
The Eagles' owner, Jeffrey Lurie, could have chosen any architectural style for his team's new $512 million home, the most expensive to date in professional football. But Lurie, who swooped in from Boston via Hollywood to buy the Eagles in 1994, decided to appeal to the boutique-hotel set rather than the Union League crowd. The result is a stadium - called the Linc - that forges far beyond the wood-paneled world of conservative Philadelphia and looks boldly into a dynamic future.
Inga Saffron, the Inquirer's architecture critic, may like the Linc, but my first impression is definately Philadelphia, BOO!
As Ms. Saffron points out the stadium does not pay hommage to its Philadelphia roots but instead is inspired by the Luries' California roots. Unfortunately it feels as if Otho, the interior designer from the movie Beetlejuice has been brought in. Gray and black dominate the interior and much of the exterior of the Linc. The continuity of the upper deck is broken up, you cannot walk around the stadium at the upper level. And if you would like to meet your friend in 210 and you sit in 204, it'll take you a good 10-12 minutes of walking through an endless Escher inspired serpantine to get down to the first level where you could meet him. The endzone seats of the lower level don't come all the way back to the scoreboard creating an alley way that I believe will smell as bad as City Hall Station before the Birds off-week. There are even convenient drains in this alley way, as if the architects anticipated the hoards relieving themselves behind their seats.
The TVs, sound system, and jumbotrons were remarkable, but glitches remain. Our section 204 was mislabeled as 203 and there was woefully inadequate directional signage throughout the concourses making finding a way to the upper level a challenge.
All in all, it was a bit underwelming. Especially considering the over the top oppulence of the Wachovia/First Union/CoreStates Center that sits across the street.
July 29, 2003
Can Light Rail Trigger Community Development?
Line's challenge: Finding riders
In part three of the Inquirer's series on South Jersey's light rail project, the line's potential for creating residential development is explored.
Amtrak to be Scrapped?
Bush team seeks funding changes at Amtrak
The Bush administration is proposing to scrap direct federal funding of Amtrak and turn over much of the responsibility for national passenger rail service to state governments, officials said yesterday.
Hey we could call it the Pennsylvania Railroad. That has a nice ring to it!
July 27, 2003
South Jersey Light Rail: Development Boon or Transit Boondoggle
Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/27/2003 | N.J.'s $1 Billion Gamble
In part 1 of 3 the Philadelphia Inquirer describes the big gamble that is the Southern New Jersey Light Rail Transit. Supporters say the new light rail line will promote community development. Transit officials say a rail line should not be expected to serve that purpose.
Among the obstacles in its path, experts say, is that the line does not connect directly into Philadelphia, the area's major job center. At its northern end, in Trenton, the line will stop 1.5 miles from the Statehouse complex, library and state museum, and more than a half-mile from the Hughes Justice Complex.The number of expected riders has plummeted to 2,950 a day, about half the original estimates.
If those numbers hold, the line's fare-box revenues, when measured against operating expenses, would tie it with Detroit's for dead last among the nation's 25 light rail lines, according to figures supplied by the American Public Transportation Association, the transit industry's lobbying arm.
Given such numbers, the line is expected to generate only about $1.5 million in revenue in its first full year of operation. Meanwhile, taxpayers will be handing over $73 million annually to pay for it, according to state officials.
July 21, 2003
New York's Central Park Turns 150
CNN.com - Central Park: Reason to celebrate - Jul. 18, 2003
150 years old, park rebounds to former glory.
CNN Travel does a good piece describing the creation, fall and rebirth of America's most famous city park.