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
Exhuming A Pyramid Of Petrol Along The “Golden Mile”
Greg Prichard takes us on a suburban expedition to find Vincent Kling's lost, modernist gas station on City Avenue > more
Conkling-Armstrong House & Jewelers Row District Go Before Designation Committee
Starr Herr-Cardillo has this roundup of local register nominations on the agenda at the February meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission's Designation Committee > more
Under Construction: Charles Library At Temple University
Something Snøhetta this ways comes. Michael Bixler takes us to the quad at Temple University where its new library is currently taking shape > more
A Life Of Community Service For Theaters In North Philly
The legendary Uptown Theater is gearing up for its 90th anniversary this month with a new fundraising campaign and the lighting of its original marquee. To mark the occasion, cinema scholar Joan McGettigan gives us a social history lesson on the neighborhood movie houses near North Broad Street > more
Archaic Expectations: Freeing Female Roles From A Dollhouse In Society Hill
In this essay Mickey Herr examines women's roles and social norms through the history of a dollhouse spanning seven generations > more
Neighbors In Spruce Hill Mobilize As Arvilla Eviction Nears
Affordable housing nonprofit Mission First evicts residents of The Arvilla in West Philadelphia, displacing a community of low-income families. Ali Roseberry-Polier has the details > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |