Google Maps, via Philadelphia magazine’s Dan McQuade
- Philadelphia magazine looks back at the history of the Roosevelt Boulevard, “pushed through” Philadelphia’s Common Council in 1902. Since as early as the ‘60s, the Boulevard has maintained a persistent reputation of as a death trap—particularly at the intersections at Red Lion and Grant. Dan McQuade wonders if the latest safety proposal, to install speed cameras, might help limit accidents. While the driving lobby is opposed, “there’s not much else” to try, short of an expensive reconfiguration of the six-lane “monstrosity.”
- The Philadelphia Business Journal discusses the “local technology startup community’s” excitement over news of Comcast’s planned incubator space in its next tower. Perhaps following a push from chief business development officer Sam Schwartz, Comcast is out to fuel the local economy in less-direct strokes. “I think we’ve seen an attitude change in the last year,” says Brad Denenberg, of incubator Seed Philly. “I think they are making an effort to open their doors and bounce ideas off the startup community. And I think you’ll see more of that in the near future.” The program’s final framework is still a long ways off, but “one source said the plan could include several local incubators banded together.”
- The Daily News discusses the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children’s (WePAC) efforts over the past five years to reopen and staff 16 libraries in West Philly elementary schools. Three of those schools have since been closed, but the privately funded organization is set to open another library tomorrow at Samuel Huey School near 52nd & Pine.
- Fundamental Investment Group LLC is demolishing one of its blighted row houses at 20th & Titan in Point Breeze, in anticipation of an eventual variance from the ZBA for a proposed three-house rebuild on the 1900 block of Titan. Naked Philly is “not even sure why zoning was a consideration. With a three-story building next door, no third-floor setback is required by the code. The lot is 55′ deep, which allows for a decent 38.5′ deep home by right. And with so much additional development nearby, it’s clear that buyers have their eyes on this intersection.”
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
Demo Prep Begins For Gothic Revival Church In West Philly
Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church, a mountainous 131-year-old Gothic Revival landmark in West Philly, prepares for the end. Michael Bixler has the news > more
Ghosts Of The Abandoned Arch Street Subway Line
Harry K. takes us into the abandoned subway tunnels below Arch Street with the history behind Philly's unfinished plans for a grand underground transit system > more
Unlisted Philadelphia: Tourison Building
Ben Leech spotlights unique and significant buildings not listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places with his architectural illustration series, Unlisted Philadelphia. In this installment, an Art Deco delight fills the heart of Mount Airy > more
Old Iron Works In Logan Square To Face The Wrecking Ball
When the housing bubble burst and the recession hit in 2007, plans to convert Creswell Iron Works on Cherry Street into apartments tanked. The quaint collection of industrial buildings is now headed for demolition. Michael Bixler has the details > more
American Revolution Landmark To Be Auctioned Off At Sheriff Sale
Old stone home in Frankford with ties to the Declaration of Independence goes up for auction at a sherif sale in May. Harry K. has the news and history behind this threatened national landmark > more
Time Travel At Trader Joe’s Reveals Tuxedos & Snazzy Shoes
The Shadow makes a run to Trader Joe's where fine footwear and totally awesome 1980s tuxedos kept things classy at 2121 Market Street > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |