Morning Blend
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
A Look At Plans For North Broad’s Blue Horizon
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
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
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!
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
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 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
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 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)
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 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
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
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
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
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 “Space Saving” Now An Art Form
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 “Missed Opportunites”
"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 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 “City Of Firsts”
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
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
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
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 “Changing Neighborhoods”
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
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
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?
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
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
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