Pew Charities
- Next City wonders “what happens to a community when its greatest public asset” (the neighborhood public school building) “transforms overnight into one of its worst physical liabilities?” It’s a pervasive urban dilemma across America actually, yet Philadelphia is nonetheless noteworthy for its total of 40 shuttered buildings from 2005 to the end of this school year. Still, a Pew study released in February offers some tips (obvious though they seem): sell the properties quickly, preferably with a hired broker who will provide detailed information to any perspective buyers.
- At a capital-budget presentation at SEPTA’s Center City headquarters yesterday, the transit agency decried this year’s paltry offerings from Harrisburg: a mere $308 million; that’s a 25% decrease since 2010. “The shortage of money ‘will severely hamper SEPTA’s ability to bring our system to a state of good repair’ and will leave many projects unfunded for the foreseeable future,” said SEPTA’s director of capital budgets, Catherine Popp-McDonough.
- NewsWorks previews this Saturday’s street fair, the culmination to this year’s Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), which will see the Avenue of the Arts closed to traffic and open to an expected 200,000 visitors who will explore this year’s theme of time travel. “There’s going to be a lot of ways to interact physically with the space,” said festival director Jay Wahl. “You get to sit in the grass, you get to ride a Ferris wheel, you get to swoosh through the air on a boat.”
- Interior renovations have begun within the Sedgley Apartments, an imposing example of Romanesque Revival architecture at 45th & Pine, says Naked Philly.
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.
Leave a Reply
Recent Posts
Cherry Street Pier Raises The Bar For Dynamic Public Space
Cherry Street Pier is officially open for business. The 99-year-old maritime warehouse blends a public park with artist studios, food vendors, a beer garden, and incredible views of the Delaware River. Michael Bixler gives us a look inside > more
Defending Philly History From 3,000 Miles Away
Joshua Bevan knew he had to act after discovering the architectural beauty of Belmont. From his home in San Francisco he mobilized to nominate a neighborhood landmark for historic designation. In this essay Bevan describes his journey between the Bay Area and Philly to protect the McGaw Mansion > more
Design Coalition Aims To Bridge The Old-New Divide
Move over Miami, the Philadelphia Design District is getting ready for some time in the spotlight. The coalition of gallery owners, artisans, and tech startups want to transform Old City into a hive of contemporary design, while preserving the neighborhood's historic character. Joe Brin takes a look inside the idea with co-founder Eugenie Perret > more
Germantown Boys & Girls Club Compromise Brings Peace To Penn Street
Owners of Germantown Boys and Girls Club reach an agreement with preservationists after two years of heated debate. Starr Herr-Cardillo has the news > more
Shakespeare & Co. Brings Old Bank Back To Life
Manhattan-based bookstore and café revives an old banking storefront in Rittenhouse Square. Michael Bixler takes a look > more
Historic Districts Make A Comeback
After nearly a decade of lost opportunities, creative new strategies emerge for protecting Philadelphia's historic neighborhoods > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |