- The Inquirer’s Inga Saffron rails against plans for the BLT-designed apartments next to the Ben Franklin Bridge’s abutment. Its liberal use of drab stucco is uninspired, yet offers little that would promote a reinvigorated street life along Columbus Boulevard, keeping with the Central Delaware Master Plan. “Not only is the architecture unimaginative in its aesthetics,” Saffron argues, “it’s unimaginative about the neighborhood. And that’s the worse sin.” The Historical Commission will vote today on the design’s fate.
- The Roxborough Review discusses Tuesday’s unveiling of a new public art project in East Falls. A collaboration between the Mural Arts Program and the East Falls Development Corporation, the “East Falls Tapestry,” which evinces both themes of the nearby Schuylkill River and the textile-oriented Philadelphia University, was “positioned along Ridge Ave to help create a stronger sense of place and add to the attractiveness of this section” of the thoroughfare.
- The Inquirer looks at Parks and Recreation’s Albert Figlestahler Sisyphean task of tending to LOVE Park. His morning routine of sprucing up the space is soon countered by littering, graffiti, and illicit skateboarding. City Council hopes that upkeep will be a bit easier by 2015, when the park’s $15 million renovations are completed.
- Atlantic Cities is impressed by the evolving public space of the Porch at 30th Street Station, seeing it as emblematic of all the innovative and sustainable projects “happening in Philadelphia lately, from land use planning to watershed management to the greening of vacant and blighted lots.”
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.
© 2011-2013 Hidden City Philadelphia |