Rendering of a remade 1300 block of Drury Street, 2013
- Plan Philly’s Jon Geeting talks with Chris Mullins, the owner of McGillin’s Old Ale House, about his efforts to beautify and pedestrianize the 1300 block of Drury Street, a service alley, that while serving as his business’ mailing address, still retains its fair share of dumpsters. Considering Philadelphia’s non-existent commercial trash collection policy, Mullins’—and allied groups’ like Center City District—preliminary task is to declutter Drury by reducing the block’s waste output by 90%—creating what is known as a “zero waste zone” bounded by 13th, Juniper, Chestnut, and Sansom. Obviously, a reconsideration of commercial hauling policy would free up Center City’s alleyways still even more, a paradigm shift that recycling coordinator Maurice Sampson finally sees possible in the foreseeable future.
- Despite Congress’ three-year extension of a 2008 mandate for American railroads to install “positive train control” safety measures—the kind that would have arguably prevented the May Amtrak derailment in Port Richmond that killed eight—SEPTA announces that it will basically be ready for implementation on the original deadline of this December 31.
- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell tells NewsWorks that she may push for an increase in the City’s liability cap for water main breaks, after a June break at 52nd & Wyalusing Streets exceeded the $500,000 limit. “It’s the city’s responsibility, the water department and the city to make sure they take care of people who pay taxes and people who elect all of us,” Blackwell said.
- In a listing of the 25 most beautiful college campuses in the world, Buzzfeed ranks the University of Pennsylvania at 13.
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
New Museum In The Works For America’s First Male Saint
The Shrine of St. John Neumann on Girard Avenue is a melting pot brimming with religious devotion. It's also a destination for curious tourists looking to get a glimpse of the saint's body enshrined in a glass casket. A museum dedicated to the life and work of the famed Philadelphia bishop will open this spring. John Henry Scott has the story > more
Op-ed: Balance Lost Buildings With Those Saved In 2018
Paul Steinke of the Preservation Alliance offers a counterpoint to our Lost Buildings of 2018 list with this opinion piece > more
Jefferson Makes Room For Modernism With New Preservation Program
Jefferson University brings Modernist architecture to the forefront with their new historic preservation program and center for studies. Michael Bixler has the news > more
House Museum In North Philly Plans Monument For Former Slave
Stenton, the former plantation house in Logan, prepares to honor Dinah with their new project, Inequality in Bronze. Keshler Thibert has the details > more
Lost Buildings of 2018
Philadelphia's preservation crisis reached a critical high in 2018 with a record-breaking number of demolition permits approved by the City. Here we highlight some of the biggest loses to our built environment in our annual end-of-year list > more
Having A Good One This Holiday Season In Philadelphia
Seasons Greetings from Hidden City! Michael Bixler dives deep into the archives and brings back a bounty of Philly holiday cheer > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |