Plan Philly
- In Fairmount Park’s East Park, the National Audubon Society and Outward Bound Philadelphia will team up to create a visitor’s center for the former 37-acre City reservoir, currently hiding from the public’s gaze thanks to “fencing, dense vegetation and a significant grade change from street level.” Plan Philly says the “state-of-the art educational facility that will be the portal to the lake and offer exploration experiences for visitors of all ages.”
- While “the market for significant private development” near SEPTA’s Wayne Junction may be years away, developers like Ken Weinstein are reading the tealeaves, says Flying Kite. “I was really encouraged by SEPTA’s investment in upgrading Wayne Junction,” says Weinstein, “otherwise I wouldn’t have bought the building.”
- Naked Philly takes out its Delorean time machine to look at the history of 1020 Market Street. Now the home of the “Funko-Mart,” the building’s striking sloped façade was added to the structure shortly after WWII by the Robinson-Grayson retail chain. Yet during the early 19th century, the Struthers & Sons marble firm held more sway in the city’s economic consciousness, as it provided the stone for some of Philadelphia’s more important buildings of that era.
- The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog suggests that the city seriously consider taking a look at i-Tree, software that deduces the added value of an urban tree canopy. Pittsburgh, for instance, used it to determine that its street trees bolster its economy by $2.4 million.
- According to CBS Philly, the Office of Property Management (OPM) has dealt with fewer inquiries and complaints related to the Actual Value Initiative assessments mailed out the other week. A specially contracted firm in Blue Bell has been tasked with describing how property owners are to complete “first level reviews” to contest the initial survey.
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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