Metro Philadelphia
- Metro wonders what will come of the over twenty school buildings that will close their doors this year. Reflecting on the long turnaround of buildings like the Robert Clemente school (which has remained vacant for the past 14 years), Danielle Floyd, the School District’s deputy for strategic initiatives, stresses that the district is “not looking to go back into that cycle moving forward.” Yet it won’t be so easy for some shuttered buildings, as developers often see little opportunity for converting buildings in for residential use in blighted neighborhoods.
- NewsWorks reports that Iron Stone Strategic Capital Partners has presented plans for a 32-unit, $13 million residential complex at 7048 Germantown Avenue. The project, which has been reduced in scale after the community voiced some concerns, would replace the 1830s Italianate Garrett-Dunn summer retreat house that burned to the ground after lightning struck it in August 2009.
- ArtPlace, a nation-wide art fundraising collaboration, will grant over $1 million to three projects that it deems successful takes at creative placemaking. Chinatown North Social Practice Lab ($450,000), the Porch at Thirtieth Street Station ($375,000), and the Numen/For Use Public Art Project at the Race Street Pier ($200,000) all “demonstrate a deep understanding of how smart investments in art, design and culture as part of a larger portfolio of strategies can change the trajectory of communities and increase economic opportunities for people.”
- The Philadelphia Eagles are in the early planning stages of a “massive” refurbishment ($60 – $100 million) of their home at Lincoln Financial Field.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
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