Sprucing Up Center City For Hillary & Co.

June 21, 2016 | by Steve Currall | Morning Blend | 2016 Democratic National Convention, Center City, Community Development Corporations, One Water Street, Southwest Philadelphia, street beautification, West Philadelphia

A rendering of Mat Tomezscko’s mural, 14 Movements: A Symphony in Color and Words, to be installed along South Broad Street for colorful and poetic display during the Democratic National Convention | Rendering: Mural Arts Program

The Inquirer looks at all the sprucing up to be done throughout Center City in preparation for the Democratic National Convention, including the replacement of the flags along the Parkway and South Broad Street and Boathouse Row’s lights, the hanging of patriotic bunting on City Hall, the filling of pot holes, the removal of the orange boxes of a defunct newspaper. A mile of South Broad’s median—from City Hall to Washington Ave—will sport local mural artist Mat Tomezscko’s mural, 14 Movements: A Symphony in Color and Words.

Curbed Philly has a helpful timeline reviewing the last two years of PMC Property Group’s One Water Street development, which Inga Saffron reported last week as having its previously agreed upon community benefit package withdrawn and replaced, this with the addition of “one 5,000-square-foot retail space, one piece of public art, and [the installation of] a souped-up, energy-saving system.”

Flying Kite speaks with Regina Young, who in 2014 founded Empowered CDC, a community development corporation serving Southwest Philadelphia. Neighborly collaboration has already yielded a new-found confidence, argues Young, with a community garden taking growth on three lots of Cecil Street’s 2000 block and spurring “beautification, education, healthy food access, safe space for seniors and youth, and community cohesion.”

Ashley Hahn at PlanPhilly gives the details on the 19 sites recommended for historical designation by a Historical Commission committee last week. The Commission will decide on their inclusion within the local registry next month.

Construction has begun on a five-story, 28-unit apartment building at 4215 Chestnut St, says the West Philly Local. Consider its ground floor dead-on-arrival though, as it will be a parking garage.

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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