Morning Blend

Getting The Ball Rolling On Selling Vacant Land

Getting The Ball Rolling On Selling Vacant Land

May 22, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

New Riverside Public Space In Tacony

May 21, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Amid Feeding Ban, A Comprehensive Census Counts Philly’s Homeless

May 18, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

A “Sparkling” Rodin Museum Readies For Reopening After Restoration

May 17, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The New Barnes As Gesamtkunstwerk–Total Art

May 16, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Venue: More Than A Harbinger

May 15, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Restoring Shoemaker Junior High

May 14, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Power Struggle In Norris Square Over Plans For St. Boniface Site

May 11, 2012  |  Morning Blend

"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

Mantua’s Westview Plaza: A Supermarket—And Asphalt

May 10, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

In Schoolyards, Play Space Will Become Green Space

May 9, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Blatstein Plans A “European Village” Above North Broad

May 8, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Riverside Projects “Moving Along” in Manayunk

May 7, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Filling The Gaps of Northern Liberties

May 4, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Sánchez Offers Counterproposals For St. Boniface Site

May 3, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Remains of Manayunk Factory Hampering Revitalization

May 2, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Sun Setting On Philly’s Sunoco HQ

May 1, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Big Property Tax Hike Possible In Gentrifying Areas

April 30, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Bill Would Add Penalities For Negligent Property Owners

April 27, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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"

In Eastwick, "Waiting For Salvation Or Disaster"

April 26, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Hawthorne’s Forthcoming Lawn

April 25, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Temple’s Rowers Still Without A Permanent Home

April 24, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Proposed Temple NID Gets Chilly Reception

April 23, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Three Charters To Close Next Year

April 20, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Clark Put Philly In Living Rooms Across America

April 19, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Ground Broken For Hilton Convention Center Hotel

April 18, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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?

Could The End Of St. Bridget’s School Signal A New Beginning For East Falls?

April 17, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Hunting Park Renovations Seek A “Former Glory”

April 16, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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?

Slots Coming To North Broad?

April 13, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Buck Hosiery Investigation May Take Some Time, Says Fire Commissioner

April 12, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The EPA Endorses Philly’s “Green City, Clean Waters” Program

April 11, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

As The Smoke Clears In Kensington, The City Reflects

April 10, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Wissahickon Mural Coming To Chestnut Hill

April 9, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The New Mariposa’s Regional Food Synergy

April 6, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

New Report Says Philly Population Still Rising

April 5, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

(The Composite City) Under The Clothespin

April 4, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Manton Street Park Saved

April 3, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Jazzing Up The Kimmel Center

April 2, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Costly Advertisements, Indeed

March 30, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Every Luxury Highrise Helps

March 29, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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 To Expand To Grays Ferry

March 28, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Philly Bike Share, Please

March 27, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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,

We, “The City of (Changing) Neighborhoods”

March 26, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Arden Theater To Expand

March 23, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Top Dog In Point Breeze

March 22, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The Hanging Gardens of Post-Industrial Philadelphia

March 21, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The Tree Imperative

March 20, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Meet The Artist Behind The Girard Station Renovations

March 19, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

City Hall To Be Yarn Bombed

March 16, 2012  |  Morning Blend

'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

Adaptive Reuse On A “Massive” Scale In Point Breeze

March 15, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

World’s First Computer Invented At Penn, 66 Years Ago

March 14, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Stained Glass Installed In Eastern State

March 13, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

The Barnes Trailer

March 12, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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 Be New Police HQ

March 9, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Fierce Debate Over Proposed NID In North Central

March 8, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Decision Today For Barnes Exterior Art

March 7, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

In Germantown, Weinstein Invites The Competition

March 6, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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”

March 5, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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?

Democracy For Point Breeze?

March 2, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Philbrick Hall Reopens At The Free Library

March 1, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

February 29, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Mount Airy’s Next Public Space

February 28, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

School In The Southwest A “Success Story”

February 27, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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?

Is A Neighborhood Improvement District A Good Idea For North Central Philly?

February 24, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

Reading Terminal Market’s Recent Improvements

February 23, 2012  |  Morning Blend

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

A Look At Plans For North Broad's Blue Horizon

A Look At Plans For North Broad’s Blue Horizon

February 22, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Developers show the Planning Commission what they want to do with the Blue Horizon, the Water Department rewards a construction contract for a new Bridesburg facility, an engaged community in Hunting Park, and the cost of "small government" in Harrisburg > more

With Sale, 1616 Walnut May Go Residential

With Sale, 1616 Walnut May Go Residential

February 21, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The new owners of 1616 Walnut may opt for a overhaul of the iconic building, townhouses coming to Bella Vista, the Inky in for land banks, Chestnut Hill's Mico featured in GQ, and a new slogan for Roxborough > more

Some Love Lost

Some Love Lost

February 20, 2012  |  Morning Blend

History's lessons on why the city doesn't really love you back, Councilman Goode demands that SEPTA pay its fair share, St. Laurentius to remain open in Fishtown, a South Philadelphia restaurant in legal turmoil, and > more

Mr. Nutter, Tear Down This Highway!

Mr. Nutter, Tear Down This Highway!

February 17, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Yet another call for Philadelphia to seek reconnection to its major river, Independence Hall "unveiling" tomorrow, citizens opt for personal police work in Kensington, (forgivable) NIMBYism in Roxborough, and (some of) the Witherspoon Building up for rent > more

“Carpenter Square,” A Dramatic Push Forward For G-Ho

February 16, 2012  |  Morning Blend

A contract awarded to a residential development in Graduate Hospital, residents offer their support for a church in U City, the Philosophical Society preserving the legacy of the Cherokee, determining what makes for a beautiful Philly street, and a call-to-art on Ogontz Ave > more

Chestnut Hill Residents Sue Over Spot Zoning

Chestnut Hill Residents Sue Over Spot Zoning

February 15, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Chestnut Hill residents challenge the legality of allowing the project at 8200 Germantown Ave., the ins-and-outs of rooftop photography, free trees for Philly, and > more

“Undying Love” At Laurel Hill Cemetery

February 14, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Tracking down Laurel Hill's more unusual love stories, urban seclusion brought by faulty construction decades ago in Logan, previewing a new Center City park, and > more

The Atwater Kent Reopens

The Atwater Kent Reopens

February 13, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent reveals its newest additions, Obama to support the deepening of the Delaware, author's new book sees Fishtown as prime example of American decline, and construction starts on the Walnut Street Bridge > more

“Don’t Feed The Homeless!” (On The Parkway)

February 10, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Reviewing the motives against regulating "food safety" for the Parkway's homeless, a West Philly bike trail criticized for being unrealistic to needs, more vacancies being adapted into apartments, and a visit to a Mount Airy Hindu temple > more

Wayne Junction Designated National Historic District

Wayne Junction Designated National Historic District

February 9, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Wayne Junction assisted in its preservation effort, a Chestnut Hill resident proud of her neighborhood's new-found diversity, Philly high for racial inequality, and > more

Green Woods Charter School To Relocate To The Woods

Green Woods Charter School To Relocate To The Woods

February 8, 2012  |  Morning Blend

A Roxborough charter finds a location to construct a fitting new school building, looking at plans for a three-mile long trail on the City Line branch, why Comcast has been slow in giving the Internet to low income Philadelphians, and > more

Legislators Positioning Broad Street Treasures For Reuse

Legislators Positioning Broad Street Treasures For Reuse

February 7, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The Nutter administration to push for sale of the Divine Lorraine, South Broad's Third Regiment Armory may be granted more options in its reuse, Dickens' birthday celebrated in Clark Park, and updates to the new Centre Square MAP project > more

Drexel To Greatly Bolster Housing Accommodations

Drexel To Greatly Bolster Housing Accommodations

February 6, 2012  |  Morning Blend

New student housing to assist in Drexel's goals, a review of the van Gogh exhibit, new SEPTA tracks in NoLibs, counting Philly's bikes, and a documentary premiere > more

Winning Plan Calls For Distinct Connections To The Delaware

Winning Plan Calls For Distinct Connections To The Delaware

February 3, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Talking with the winners of the Ed Bacon student competition, Councilwoman Sánchez pushes for a central land bank, city leaders seek a world-renown reputation for Philly, and visiting a sustainable Mount Airy restaurant > more

Philly's Habit For

Philly’s Habit For “Space Saving” Now An Art Form

February 2, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The art of space saving on display, West Philly residents dream to reuse a lofty vacant building, cross-institutional planning in U City, the Art Commission approves plans for the Family Court building, and > more

Owner Of Historic Church Slammed For Lack Of Effort & Imagination In Its Sale

Owner Of Historic Church Slammed For Lack Of Effort & Imagination In Its Sale

February 1, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The case for adaptive reuse, the science of urban wayfinding, seeking an improved Holmesburg Junction, and lingering pessimism in Hunting Park > more

Historic Preservation Or Democracy In Overbrook Farms?

Historic Preservation Or Democracy In Overbrook Farms?

January 31, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Questioning a community's priorities in Overbrook Farms, Dilworth Plaza's "groundbreaking," Boy Scouts HQ sale a no-go, and a new development OK'ed in Francisville > more

Golden Defends Her Mural Arts Program

Golden Defends Her Mural Arts Program

January 30, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The beloved Philadelphia Arts program under attack; Restaurant Week's critics; Ed Bacon Student Design Competition Award this week; and the Auto Show goes green, again > more

Checking Up On The PHA's Property Auction

Checking Up On The PHA’s Property Auction

January 27, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The jagged process and often under-confidence of the PHA's properties auction revealed, lowered expectations for the prospects of the urban riverfront, cleaning up McPherson Square, and bettering Holme Circle > more

Reversing The Deadly Numbers Of Strawberry Mansion

Reversing The Deadly Numbers Of Strawberry Mansion

January 26, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Seeking a "ceasefire" for Strawberry Mansion, submissions for preservation awards due, Lancaster Ave's renaissance, Market East Staples to close, and looking at ads on public space > more

Holmesburg Prison Artwork Preserved & Exhibited

Holmesburg Prison Artwork Preserved & Exhibited

January 25, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Chronicling the prison artwork of Holmesburg Prison, Penn gets new astronomy lab space, Point Breeze meeting postponed after shouting-match, and Philly U's sustainable fashion show > more

Vetting The Options For Philly's Re-Branding

Vetting The Options For Philly’s Re-Branding

January 24, 2012  |  Morning Blend

What will Philly be known for next?, the persistent need for good schools in retaining a population, a sustainability design challenge, and Israeli trees come to life at the Jewish History Museum > more

Historic Nineteenth Century Glass Works Unearthed

Historic Nineteenth Century Glass Works Unearthed

January 23, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Dyottville glassworks uncovered in the Riverwards, spot zoning more problematic than "visibility rights," a clear favorite emerges among plans to replace Liddonfield, and the busier Philadelphia ports of 2011 > more

Hersha Hospitality Looks To Snatch Up The Rittenhouse

Hersha Hospitality Looks To Snatch Up The Rittenhouse

January 20, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Luxury hotel group looks at the Rittenhouse Square's eponymous haven, explaining the under-interest in the district plans for Philadelphia2035, a medicinal exhibit at the PA Hospital, and being realistic about the Lower Schuylkill Master Plan > more

Catholic Schools Arguing To Remain Open

Catholic Schools Arguing To Remain Open

January 19, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Arguing for the relevance of Catholic education in Fishtown, Microsoft's avoidance behavior of inner-city blight, the PCCC to define signage, and the Mariposa Food Co-Op set for move > more

Lenfest Hall's

Lenfest Hall’s “Missed Opportunites”

January 18, 2012  |  Morning Blend

"Okay isn't okay" for Lenfest Hall's lacking modernist design, according to one blogger; seeking continuity on Chestnut; ban on Temple student housing in Yorktown upheld; and > more

Occupiers Work On Kensington Community Garden

Occupiers Work On Kensington Community Garden

January 17, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Occupiers attempt to re-do blighted lot in Kensington through agriculture, South Philadelphians resist billboards, looking at PennDOT's strategy for Port Richmond projects, and > more

That Beloved Litany: The

That Beloved Litany: The “City Of Firsts”

January 16, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Historian reviews another of Philadelphia's treasured monikers, confusion in waterfront overlay timeline, already analyzing the redevelopment of shuttered area Catholic schools, and Temple to get more housing > more

Ridge Flats To Use Virtually No Energy

Ridge Flats To Use Virtually No Energy

January 13, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Reviewing the innovative energy saving prospects of East Falls' upcoming Ridge Flats, the Schuylkill River Trail improved in the Northwest, the Dilworth House still safe, and > more

An Abandoned Restaurant & Diverging Visions For Venice Island

An Abandoned Restaurant & Diverging Visions For Venice Island

January 12, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Carmella's Restaurant in the middle for a disagreement for re-interpreting Manayunk's Venice Island, the Northeast's schools are overcrowded, saying goodbye to the Navy Yard's Mustin homes, and > more

Pre-Fab In Brewerytown

Pre-Fab In Brewerytown

January 11, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Exploring modular construction in Brewerytown, a favorite Center City public space to be renamed, the quest to rid the Parkway of parking, and > more

Photographer's Work Tells Of

Photographer’s Work Tells Of “Changing Neighborhoods”

January 10, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The Art Museum promotes Zoe Strauss's exhibit with billboards across the city, a very successful first year for a Nicetown community center, fighting to remember a slave cemetery in Germantown, and > more

City Adamant In Pursuing PHL Expansion

City Adamant In Pursuing PHL Expansion

January 9, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Despite resistance from airlines, the city wants to expand the airport in a multi-billion dollar effort; looking at the possibilities of the old West Philly High building; Wanamaker Middle School demolished; and reviewing the progress of homeless programs > more

West Catholic to Close

West Catholic to Close

January 6, 2012  |  Morning Blend

The archdiocesan families to learn of their schools' fate, the implications of redrawing catchment zones, the start of the planning process for the Lower Schuylkill, and concerns for the Eighth District's economic vitality > more

One Story Too Far For Family Court Building?

One Story Too Far For Family Court Building?

January 5, 2012  |  Morning Blend

Situational compromise concerning the height of Center City's new Family Court building, the past and future of an Upper Holmesburg housing project, Cedar Park plans for new Baltimore Ave, and previewing MLK day's programs at Girard College > more

Spring Garden New Deal Mural Saved

Spring Garden New Deal Mural Saved

January 4, 2012  |  Morning Blend

A New Deal mural granted a new lease on life, the Mayor to travel to Denver to study its school system, the possibilities of an abandoned Kensington brewery, and > more