Morning Blend
Will New Digs On Market East Inspire The Inquirer?
Reflections on the Inky and its new space, a new report shows that Philly is on the up-and-up, the history of Sister Cities Park, more off campus student housing for Temple, and tax reassessments not to be mailed until early next year > more
Second Casino License Kept
Applications to start again for next Philly casino, an update on the sale of the Church of the Assumption, a follow-up to our report on co-housing in the Northwest, and ground to be broken for West Philly health center > more
Consensus On Former St. Boniface Site
Harmony over the blueprints in Norris Square, an Iroquois ally to give $10 million to the Revolutionary War Museum, Tinicum can't hold back the airport's expansion, more photos of the Fishtown warehouse fire, and > more
By The El, Fire Engulfs Fishtown Warehouse
A vacant Fishtown warehouse goes up in flames, the marvelous stone-paved streets of Old City, New Kensington CDC begins phase 2 of its ambitious sustainability initiative, and the apologetics of sidewalk cafes > more
Architectural Fundamentalism At The Rodin
Restoring Paul Crét's vision for the Rodin Museum, Graduate Hospital's awakening, the call to restore America's oldest passenger train station, tax breaks for businesses in historic buildings, and the illumination of the South Street Bridge > more
Reconfiguration Will Create A More Intimate Space At The Mann
Changes are afoot for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, an illustrator gets inspired by the fun and sadness of Philly's streets, a Drexel student-focused development is coming to Mantua, and Frankford residents are upset over plans for a rehab center > more
Learning To Streamline Neighborhood Improvement Districts
Lessons from recent failings to establish Neighborhood Improvement Districts in Philly, celebrating Revolutionary history in Germantown, Ridge Center closes, and a look at the latest plans for Penn's Azalea Gardens > more
Plans For A Much Greener Delaware Waterfront
The innovative renderings of green infrastructure on the Delaware, SEPTA's plan to get a bit more sustainable, the second year of the parklet, and two more bike lanes in West Philly > more
"Photo Walking" Germantown
Urban hiking and photography in Germantown, how the color of a roof says something about the neighborhood, Rizzo mural gets a black eye, and a fuller appreciation for the treasure that is Independence Hall > more
In The Shadow Of The Owl
Contradictory paths forward for North Central, the last of the Silverliner II & III train cars, commemorating the end of three churches in the Northwest, a pavilion for 1700 Market, and a new budget passed > more
An Impossible Tradeoff On The Delaware
Why a developer's scheme on the Delaware is unlikely, 3/5 of "Imagining Frankford" mural designs revealed, an athletic field on the Hill to get improvements, and the growth of Baltimore Ave > more
Reaching Back To Fabric Row
Cashing in on South 4th Street's history as a fabric row, self-declared nerds on North 3rd, Brandywine Realty to fill underutilized space with apartments, and new guerrilla public art in West Philly > more
Lamenting The "Tower Of Truth"
Remembering a North Broad staple as it was, sculpture works coming to Fishtown, SEPTA cuts the ribbon to a refurbished Spring Garden subway station, and the Dutch suggest some options for biking in Philly > more
The Recommissioning of El Gran Teatro de la Luna
Bringing back a beloved sculpture piece to Fairhill Square, the Torresdale Ave imperative, reconstituting the Divine Lorraine, looking back at an early Wilson Eyre building, and updates on the Wistar Institute > more
Finnegan’s Wake To Get Its Balcony
Northern Liberties' Finnegan's Wake to extend over its Spring Garden sidewalk, Inga Saffron argues for more riverside retail space, and more condos coming to Graduate Hospital > more
Composting In West Philly
The Dirt Factory opens at 43rd and Market streets, Wayne Junction revitalization gets a grant from the federal Department of Transportation, transforming Centennial Park one lake at a time, and three film festivals in the city this week > more
Central City District Planning Underway
Residents kick off the initial planning stages for a new Center City for 2035, how Philly and Rio are teaming up for urban sustainability, rags-to-riches in Parkside, and a new regional Catholic grade school in the Northwest is nixed > more
More Vacant School Buildings Coming Our Way
Readying for additional school buildings to find a use for, replacing the Garrett-Dunn House lot with a residential complex, ArtPlace to fund "creative placemaking" projects, and the Linc to make "massive" improvements > more
The Piazza at Schmidt’s as Red Herring
A call for better exemplars in urbanism than the Piazza, how to reuse a grain elevator, "Visions of Arcadia" at the PMA, and condos proposed for Society Hill > more
Neglecting the Central Delaware Master Plan
CDAG wonders why the planning commission gave the OK to ignore the Central Delaware Master Plan, transient public art displays coming to Grays Ferry and Point Breeze, lighting the way to the Delaware and the Schuylkill > more
Riverfront Tower Proposed
How one block in Germantown has revitalized itself, another apartment tower proposed on the Delaware, stopping by Lardner's Point in Tacony, and reading into Philly's foreclosure rates > more
Community Parks Need A Cleaning—And Money
Who will pay for the maintenance of Philly's less celebrated and frequented parks, the forgotten piers on the Delaware, blight and distress in Hunting Park, and construction begins for Paseo Verde > more
Plans For Latest Eastwick Development Under Scrutiny
Environmentalists are none too happy about developer's plans for Eastwick, the Museum of the American Revolution critiqued once more, Northwest civics aim for RCO status, and composting taking off in West Philadelphia > more
Grays Ferry Crescent Park Opens Today
The official opening of another link in the Schuylkill River trail network, the Historical Commission okays the demolition of two buildings in the Episcopal Cathedral complex, a visit to a stable in Kensington, and tracking energy-use in larger buildings > more
Digging Deep On The Delaware
More archaeology work to be done on the Delaware waterfront, how the Penn Museum is keeping up appearances, Torresdale Avenue facades to get some help, and tactile urbanism in Germantown > more
In West Philadelphia, Lessons In Engaging The Public
In West Philadelphia: how to increase foot traffic and encourage engagement with public space, an interactive public arts project, reflections on the many trajectories of Carroll Park; and the over-extension of City Council, demanding the power veto bike lanes > more
SEPTA Making The Most Of Federal Stimulus Dollars
SEPTA has gone through federal stimulus funding, the Episcopal Cathedral's claim of "public interest" in demolishing two historic brownstones, a fight for and against the development of a Manayunk hillside, and > more
Philly’s “Urban Forest” To Be Studied
The U.S. Forest Service in awe of the city's urban tree canopy, David Guinn to get a second chance at Autumn in Bella Vista, Penn's Rotunda profiled, and neon-lit art on display > more
Graduate Hospital’s Church Architecture “Under Siege”
The fight to save ecclesiastical architecture in GHo, remembering Furness' work at Penn, a farmers market is in store for Mayfair, and a stretch of Girard Avenue to close tomorrow do to bridge construction > more
Delaware Ave Redo
A new restaurant and music venue resets expectations along the waterfront, condos to go on sheriff's sale, CHCA and Bowman Properties agree on Magarity site project details, and countering 'invasive' graffiti in Mount Airy > more
Near Temple, A “Green Way” Is Taken
A sustainable housing project breaks ground in North Philadelphia, the fight continues to retain and attain the second casino license for the city, looking at the mural artwork by "NoseGo," apartments coming to South Broad, and the industrial past of Pennsport > more
Fifty Years On, Eastwick Tries Again
Yet another go at making Eastwick work, townhouses coming to Old City, a look at the changes for the Northwest's upcoming bike race, and specialty meat cutting in Fishtown > more
A New Barnes & A New Franklintown
Center City expands towards the Northwest, floral art outside the PMA, Benedict Arnold's Philadelphia estate, and good numbers for the city's cultural organizations > more
The Long Wait: Purchasing Vacant Land From The City
The hitherto circuitous nature of municipal land sales in Philadelphia, the PRA's interactive solutions, Sister Cities reviewed (again), and unease and optimism for Barnes' newest neighbors > more
Kensington’s Exemplar Of Urban Agriculture
How gardens can indeed grow in the inner city, Ralph's now the country's oldest Italian eatery, and apartment developments in West Philadelphia and Society Hill > more
A Look At The Northwest’s Cresheim Trail
The tumbleweed that is the Cresheim Trail, a community plan being shopped around in Lawncrest, a playground for the children of Graduate Hospital, and a local union calls for the sacking of top brass after the Buck Hosiery fire > more
Getting The Ball Rolling On Selling Vacant Land
Exploring the general issues in the city's pursuit of ridding itself of its 10,000 underdeveloped parcels, the PRA to get to work in Francisville, the necessity of public art within SEPTA, and new homes coming to NoLibs > more
New Riverside Public Space In Tacony
Lardner's Point Park opens, University City office lands key tenant, a ten-year plan for Nicetown approved, looking back on the PMA's past lives, and Philly one of the best cities for shopping > more
Amid Feeding Ban, A Comprehensive Census Counts Philly’s Homeless
A new census reveals the extent of the city's homelessness problem, St. Peter's Church to close for renovations, the original intent of the Parkway explored, and the original proprietor of the Jazzhaus to return for one night > more
A “Sparkling” Rodin Museum Readies For Reopening After Restoration
Changes at the museum housing the French sculptor's work, an advocacy group critiques the Central Delaware Master Plan, artist James Turrell's work in the forthcoming Chesnut Hill meetinghouse has everyone talking, white-flight in reverse, and info for Society Hill homes tour > more
The New Barnes As Gesamtkunstwerk–Total Art
New York Mag's preview of the Barnes, beautifying the favela that is Logan, plans for a comprehensive factory conversion in Kensington, and another take on the reuse imperative > more
Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Venue: More Than A Harbinger
How a thoughtful music venue can turn around a neighborhood, photos of the demolition of Mt. Olive AME Church in G-Ho, the promises and woes of banks' "short" sales, and shrinking visions for one Delaware waterfront tower > more
Restoring Shoemaker Junior High
An inclusive look at the past century of Philadelphia's school system, capturing the Kensington tale through beauty, hospital construction work underway in Fox Chase, and new Quaker meetinghouse in Chestnut Hill to break ground tomorrow > more
Power Struggle In Norris Square Over Plans For St. Boniface Site
"Fear" & "intimidation" in Norris Square development talks, Penn applies for financial hardship at 40th & Pine, PHA waiting to learn Germantown cemetery archeology results, and an update on the feeding ban on the Parkway > more
Mantua’s Westview Plaza: A Supermarket—And Asphalt
Plans for a West Philadelphia shopping center have a few houses in the way, a big donation for Philadelphia University, Norris Apartments to open today, and Philly's international clout ranked > more
In Schoolyards, Play Space Will Become Green Space
Philly schoolyards to be transformed into sustainable green play grounds, compost drums set up in University City, Chinatown to lose a bike lane, Sister Cities Park to officially open tomorrow, and Bike Philly canceled > more
Blatstein Plans A “European Village” Above North Broad
The developer's lofty ambitions for a Center City hotel and casino complex, George W. Nebinger School to become a model of sustainability in education, previewing the Monaco Hotel at 5th & Chestnut, and the Dr. J mural potentially in danger > more
Riverside Projects “Moving Along” in Manayunk
Updates on several projects now underway along the Schuylkill, City Council President Darrell Clarke argues for his bill that would set up "development districts," redesigns for the hulking 8200 Germantown Ave project, and more bats on the way for Pastorius Park > more
Filling The Gaps of Northern Liberties
Mixed use in NoLibs, Clarke still unable to convince North Central that it needs a NID, the Actual Value Initiative tied to school reform, and bike lanes might need approval > more
Sánchez Offers Counterproposals For St. Boniface Site
Opposing plans for Norris Square, dramatic restructuring of Philly's schools, students' naiveté in North Central, Ormandy and co. a hit once more, and > more
Remains of Manayunk Factory Hampering Revitalization
A developer's complacency in Manayunk, the Mayor to fight to retain casino license for the city, "New Market" to open in Headhouse Square, maintaining manufacturing in Philly, and > more
Sun Setting On Philly’s Sunoco HQ
The great Sun Company is sold to Texas investors, looking at the rebirth of North Broad, an editorial as to why the North Central NID is more anti-change that anti-Temple, and "Undercover Bosses" profiles the City of Brotherly Love > more
Big Property Tax Hike Possible In Gentrifying Areas
Some to lose out in the switch from assessed to actual value, the Barnes' move now underway, estimating the cost of Pier 9 renovations, trolley tracks to be replaced in West Philly, and the Dilworth Plaza project is indeed making progress > more
Bill Would Add Penalities For Negligent Property Owners
Adding teeth to vacant-property legislation, half-a-year until (more) transparent government in Philly, British royalty pays a visit to the city of Independence, the strange parking-garden of eastern Bainbridge Street, and the Mayans at the Penn Museum > more
In Eastwick, "Waiting For Salvation Or Disaster"
Sinking dreams in Eastwick and Logan, West Mount Airy château to become an affordable home for seniors, this weekend's Center City Jazz fest seeking to introduce the genre to younger generations, and the USS United States as movie set > more
Hawthorne’s Forthcoming Lawn
Previewing Hawthorne Park, the Historical Commission discusses demolitions, Granary mixed-use project gets its construction funding, US House approves Delaware dredging, and Philly's air quality slipping > more
Temple’s Rowers Still Without A Permanent Home
Obstacles aplenty for Temple's proposed boathouse, mixed-use across from Wayne Junction, Knight Foundation Arts Challenge winners announced, and the Archdiocese to join the "Great Schools Compact" > more
Proposed Temple NID Gets Chilly Reception
North Central Philadelphia residents feel disenfranchised by proposed NID and Temple Students, food station for homeless to open at City Hall, a hotel to open in U City, Philly's Green2015 plan seen as an urban model, and the Liddonfield site still causing anxiety > more
Three Charters To Close Next Year
The SRC decides to not renew three schools' charters, Henon challenges negligent landlords, Tony Auth in Rittenhouse Square, Lincoln Drive repairs completed, and the need to preserve Smokin' Joe's gym > more
Clark Put Philly In Living Rooms Across America
Dick Clark's legacy and importance in Philadelphia, the city supports private properties with their utilities, citations issued against other deadbeat Lichtensteins, and affordable housing complex "getting under way" at 55th & Vine > more
Ground Broken For Hilton Convention Center Hotel
A new hotel underway for the recently expanded Convention Center, plans announced for townhouses on the Delaware, Norris Square residents furious at Councilwoman Sanchez's blocking of St. Boniface development, and > more
Could The End Of St. Bridget’s School Signal A New Beginning For East Falls?
Perhaps additional students at Thomas Mifflin Elementary could shake things up for East Falls, the PHA considers the options for redeveloping the Liddonfield property, West South Street on the up-and-up, parklets, and a music club reopens in NoLibs > more
Hunting Park Renovations Seek A “Former Glory”
An update on the transformative work underway in Hunting Park's park, LGBT senior-living coming to Center City, Catholic parishes to merge in the Northwest, and musings on ugliest public art in Philadelphia > more
Slots Coming To North Broad?
Blatstein wants a casino in the Inquirer building, the city still under-performing in tax collection, a contest underway to rid New Kensington of "bandit signs," and a new book reviews Occupy Philly > more
Buck Hosiery Investigation May Take Some Time, Says Fire Commissioner
Too much rubble to allow a quick investigation into the demise of Buck Hosiery, a hideous addition to a Victorian building near Temple, Lancaster Avenue gets more funding for improvements, developers talk shop, and East Falls to have a spring cleaning > more
The EPA Endorses Philly’s “Green City, Clean Waters” Program
Washington to support the city's green program, a councilwoman tries to stop a mixed-use, the Barnes gets its "Totem," groundbreaking next week on LEED building in West Philly, and the importance of branding a neighborhood by name > more
As The Smoke Clears In Kensington, The City Reflects
A special roundup of news items concerning the devastating Thomas Buck Hosiery fire in Kensington, which killed two. > more
Wissahickon Mural Coming To Chestnut Hill
Golden talks new mural on the Hill, supporters of viaduct project encouraged by recent work, some worried about additional school closings, apartment boom downtown, and checking up on Temple's latest housing development > more
The New Mariposa’s Regional Food Synergy
Checking in at the newly expanded West Philly co-op, work begins on Franklin Institute expansion, South Philly's Paolone Park in its spring beauty, the Convention Center slashes fees, and the "Future of Museums" up for discussion > more
New Report Says Philly Population Still Rising
Philly's population numbers still on the rise, groundbreaking for the new Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse set for May 15, the first planning meeting for the Lower Northeast, and Shawn Kelly clout in West Philly hampers the Apple Storage project > more
(The Composite City) Under The Clothespin
An unveiled mosaic looks at Philly in transit, a rabbi synthesizes faith and art for students, updates on the support for a central land bank, the city's poor health record, and a pool-bar to open in NoLibs > more
Manton Street Park Saved
A Pennsport park to be retained by the community, the PMA collaborates with Google, "finding" the lost Centennial, Sunoco refinery to sold by July 1, and upcoming arts festivals > more
Jazzing Up The Kimmel Center
A look at two significant projects at the Kimmel Center, the health of the Wissahickon Creek, Franklin Square's "Pavilion" opens, a new shopping market coming to Brewerytown, and public art leaves Dilworth Plaza > more
Costly Advertisements, Indeed
The overreach of advertising, reflecting on Philadelphia's cricket days, drug rehab program's to be cut, and sidewalk cafes being warned > more
Every Luxury Highrise Helps
Predicting transformations for the waterfront thanks to new luxury condos, Roxborough Memorial sale draws backlash, Philadelphia's internet connections lacking, and a look at the zoo's parking lot project > more
Penn To Expand To Grays Ferry
Penn crosses the Schuylkill, rehab center at Kemble Park Apartments site switched to Southwest Philly, mandatory energy saving for the city, and the Ridge Shelter to close this summer > more
Philly Bike Share, Please
Why we need a bike share program, City Council not sympathetic to Nutter's tax reassessment plans, apartments in NoLibs, rehabbing Mantua, and Philly parks get some respect > more
We, “The City of (Changing) Neighborhoods”
The genesis (& evolution) of our nickname "the city of neighborhoods," looking at an old dividing line in western Center City, a beloved Point Breeze mural saved, and shifting plans for a residential complex in Old City > more
Arden Theater To Expand
Old City's Arden Theater set to go with a new $5.8 million project, Blumenfeld to make something out of the home of the "Common Threads" mural, renovations for two 1876 World's fair bathrooms, and reviewing art in West Philly > more
Top Dog In Point Breeze
Point Breeze developer Ori Feibush meets resistance from the anti-gentrification crowd, shifting realities for the Central Branch of the FLP, reviewing a West Philly community meeting, and hot yoga coming to Manayunk? > more
The Hanging Gardens of Post-Industrial Philadelphia
Rooftop agriculture plans for North Philadelphia, commemorating city homicide victims via art, mixed use on Sansom Street, the Divine Lorraine ablaze, and > more
The Tree Imperative
Why Philly needs more tree coverage, last performances of a play on changing neighborhoods, why City Council should trust the citizenry a bit more, West Park to maximize Fairmount, and bike trail meetings this week > more
Meet The Artist Behind The Girard Station Renovations
Talking to the artist behind recent work at Girard station; plans to expand a synagogue on North Broad Street; tackling Kensington's problems, one property at a time, a tour of the new Mariposa location, and > more
City Hall To Be Yarn Bombed
'Yarn bombed' Philly, Saffron finds a Barnes precursor, the food truck "renaissance," pondering the extent of Penn Treaty Village, and disharmonious linguistics on Locust Walk > more
Adaptive Reuse On A “Massive” Scale In Point Breeze
A Point Breeze warehouse as 43 apartments, a City Council meeting in Southwest Philly, the homeless must now be feed in doors, and a caveat on privatizing school busing > more
World’s First Computer Invented At Penn, 66 Years Ago
Penn proud of its engineering legacy, last night's meeting for the North Central NID, methadone clinic in the Northeast rejected, a look at the work being done at Dickinson Square Park, and > more
Stained Glass Installed In Eastern State
A new addition to ESP, a look at the mission to transform the South Schuylkill, Clarke defends the North Central NID, and Philly is # 9 in exports > more
The Barnes Trailer
Anticipating the Barnes' opening, CHOP and the city to team up, students' plans for the Northwest's Gorgas Park shown, Coxe Park not historic enough for the Historical Commission, and red light camera program under scrutiny > more
Provident Mutual To Be New Police HQ
Provident Mutual to replace the Roundhouse, Nutter's new budget plan calls for re-looks at property values, the Granary to become an apartment complex, and excitement builds for Xfinity Live! > more
Fierce Debate Over Proposed NID In North Central
Dissension regarding plan for North Central, the Free Library an underused resource, catchment areas as "turf," and more urban blight > more
Decision Today For Barnes Exterior Art
The Art Commission to decide on "The Barnes Totem," simplified rules for purchasing vacant city land, the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival canceled, and a look at cockfighting in Philadelphia > more
In Germantown, Weinstein Invites The Competition
More real estate investors needed in Germantown, improved chances for the preservation of a farmhouse in the Northeast, three Manayunk parishes seek consolidation, and the AIA praises the city's plans for the waterfront > more
“Color, To Beautify The Neighborhood”
Reviewing the legacy of a MAP project in Mantua, SEPTA's 2012-2013 budget, Green Woods Charter closer to deal, and tracking opinions of Spring Garden station installation > more
Democracy For Point Breeze?
Do new power arrangements amount to a pluralization of Point Breeze's development community?, solar panels coming to the Linc, Hersha finally grabs the Rittenhouse, and botched work at the President's House > more
Philbrick Hall Reopens At The Free Library
An original reading room transformed at the central branch, four additional charter schools by September, the technical side of the Race Street Connector, and deals in West Philly agriculture > more
“Germantown United” In Dreams
A new CDC meets to dream of a better Germantown tonight, a new Daily News feature to assist in quality-of-life info, "super commuting" on the rise, citizens' opinion on city taxes, and > more
Mount Airy’s Next Public Space
Looking at what's in store for Lovett Park, the ripple effects of charters, alternative means of appreciating the arts in University City, and dreaming of a integral Lower Schuylkill > more
School In The Southwest A “Success Story”
A Southwest case study for Philly schools' ills, preserving the name of "Gayborhood," the Mayor hoping for another Center City hotel, Furness cemetery architecture explored, and the zoo to get more parking > more
Is A Neighborhood Improvement District A Good Idea For North Central Philly?
An NID for a struggling neighborhood?, an attempt to stop development on Germany Hill has failed, SEPTA to comply with costly federal safety standards, and the Manayunk Towpath ribbon-cutting > more
Reading Terminal Market’s Recent Improvements
Looking at the 120-year old Reading Terminal Market's new layout, SEPTA weary of looming cuts from Washington, the Preservation Alliance announces annual award winners, Pennsport Catholic schools to close, and Councilwoman Blackwell to make decision on Apple Storage > more
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