philly.com
- Developer Bart Blatstein unveiled yesterday Phase 1 of Tower Place, the $70 million dollar renovation of the Modern 1957 State Office Building at Broad & Spring Garden Streets into 204 apartment units. This is but the latest in a slew of projects that Blatstein calls his “$1 billion commitment to North Broad Street.”
- NewsWorks reports on the nearly universal disapproval at a community meeting last night relating to the School District’s plan to shutter a dozen schools in North Philadelphia. While “Superintendent William Hite has pressed the argument that dramatic action is necessary in order to save $28 million a year and focus the district’s attention on improving the remaining schools,” parents, students, and public education activist groups think the move too drastic—citing concerns over the safety of children who would have to walk longer distances to their new school.
- The Convention Center board is ready to move on with plans to install digital signage at the entrance to the newly expanded section of that complex on North Broad Street, says the Inquirer. At the very least, this is a symbolic gesture, seeing as most conventioneers enter the building at 12th & Arch Streets, yet the possibility remains of seeing time to advertisers. It is hoped that the signs will be installed by year’s end.
- Naked Philly was glad to see the City last month stepping up to successfully bid $71,500 at a Sheriff’s sale to ensure that West Philadelphia’s Saint Bernard Community Garden—or at least half of it—remains for the enjoyment of neighbors for decades to come.
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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Where are the people that are going to pay $1500-3000 a month to live on North Broad? The only reason Blatstein can charge that much is because he got a huge chunk of change from the state for this project.
so—the state gives Blatstein some bucks [credits?] which I suppose would reduce his costs ["make the project possible"] and are you saying that lower costs allow him to get higher rents? Please explain the connection between the two statements you are making.