Rendering of 10th & Ridge
- Plan Philly reviews the Planning Commission’s latest neighborhood plan for Callowhill-Chinatown North, which will help guide the Central District plan of the City’s comprehensive Philadelphia2035 aspirations. The road system is to be both limited and expanded (more bike lanes, bifurcated “superblocks”), while “a mixed-use gateway would be created at Spring Garden, Ridge, and 12th, where currently three of six corners are vacant.”
- The Philly History Blog looks at how the City Beautiful movement of the early 20th century demanded architecture grandeur from even gas stations. The Atlantic Refining Company hired Joseph Kuntz to design sixteen Grecian gas temples around the city by 1922. “These polychromatic terracotta “temples” appeared like beacons on the boulevards. They flattered and pandered to the new urban driving breed.”
- Powelton Village Community Association’s monthly meeting on Monday, residents voiced their concerns of Drexel University’s ambitious goal of expanding its student body by 10,000 within the next decade. Specifically, many are skeptical about the university’s proposed 24-story dorm tower at 34th & Lancaster, widely regarded as entirely too dense for the area.
- Germantown developer Ken Weinstein will purchase a third church in order to rehab; the historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at Wayne Avenue & Harvey Street will be renovated so that the Waldorf School of Philadelphia can move into a space that would allow for greater interaction with the Germantown community than its current location offers.
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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