- Of all the plans being considered on how best to have Market East realize its full potential, Philly Shark thinks that by the firm EE&K the best. “Their vision is based on key strategies for restoring Market Street’s role as Philadelphia’s Main Street: bringing everyone onto Market Street, focusing on places instead of projects by improving Market Street’s pedestrian environment; promoting a mix of uses; and creating a new expanded intermodal transit center.”
- Natalie Kostelini of the Business Journal shares what she feels to be the top ten real estate stories of 2012 for the region, including the Parking Authority’s 50-year lease on 80,000 square feet at the Lit Brothers building, the sale of 1616 Walnut Street, and the start of construction on Drexel University’s gateway mixed-use project.
- The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog wants to extend the shelf life of Mummery, promoting the Mummers Museum as a yearlong celebration of the Philadelphia mainstay.“The Art Deco palace at ‘Two Street’ and Washington Avenue in Pennsport, built in 1976 as part of the city’s Bicentennial celebration, eagerly reflects the spirit, history and traditions of its namesake.”
- Rob Reeves, the contractor for the new Quaker meetinghouse in Chestnut Hill, is blaming union “bullying” for the recent vandalism at the site of $500,000.
- The University City Arts League eulogizes founding member Sylvia Barkan, who passed away last year at the age of 95. The exhibit, “Her City, Her Home,” includes 114 watercolors and drawings by Barkan that reflect upon the Victorian architecture of her beloved West Philadelphia. It runs through January 8.
- The Inquirer reports “a transformer beneath 16th and Market Streets in Center City exploded early this morning, causing a gas leak that forced an apartment building to evacuate.”
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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