Hidden City Philadelphia | Author Stephen Stofka

Author Archive

Stephen Stofka

I'm interested in the urban form, and the way we change it. I look at architecture, siting, streetscapes, transportation, access, and other subtle elements that make a city a city. With a B.A. in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University, I find myself interested in a full-time position. If you are interested in my work, just let me know!

Field Guide To New Row House Construction, Part Two

October 1, 2012 | Vantage

We continue with our dissection of the exterior architecture of new row houses in G-Ho with a look at the front entrance--the good, the bad, and the ugly > more

Field Guide To New Row House Construction, Part One

September 26, 2012 | Vantage

What makes one row house look better than another? We've got some possible answers in this survey of new construction in G-Ho > more

What To Do With The City Branch: Return It To Transit As Light Rail

June 8, 2012 | Soapbox

With planning to begin on the underground City Branch railroad connecting to the Reading Viaduct, we asked our contributor Stephen Stofka to provide an alternate vision for light rail extending from the heart of Center City to Fairmount Park and beyond. He says it could cost a fraction of the cost of green space and is practically "shovel ready" > more

Hidden Mansion, Lost Dell

April 3, 2012 | Vantage

Forgotten waterfall, trolly route, and 18th century villa...Stephen Stofka unlocks the secrets of the lost landscape of Chamounix, in Fairmount Park > more

The More Things Change…

March 27, 2012 | Vantage

Stephen Stofka takes an initial glance at a series of new projects that have the potential to transform the massive campus-like expanse in the center of West Philly. The only problem--none of them seem to demonstrate a taste for good urban design > more