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Renovations at William Way Look to the Future While Preserving the Past
Architecture

Renovations at William Way Look to the Future While Preserving the Past

Big changes are in the works for William Way Community Center thanks to a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Stacia Friedman has the details

From Flophouse to Fairfield Inn: Memories & The Makeover of a Troubled Hotel
City Life

From Flophouse to Fairfield Inn: Memories & The Makeover of a Troubled Hotel

Like a chain-smoking phoenix rising from the ashes, the infamous Parker Hotel at 13th and Spruce reopened in 2018 after major renovations and decades of decline. Hidden City contributor Stacia Friedman takes a look back at the former transient hotel with memories of her grandparents’ pharmacy next door

Conkling-Armstrong House & Jewelers Row District Go Before Designation Committee
Preservation

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

History

The Marvelous Multiple Occupations Of The Midtown II

Last June, one of Center City’s last classic diners, Midtown II at 11th and Sansom, closed its lunch counter for good. The high-profile property is now under development, although plans for the space remain elusive. The Shadow takes us behind the façade to reveal a lively list of tenants and a colorful history of reuse

The Making (And Marketing) Of The Modern Gayborhood
History

The Making (And Marketing) Of The Modern Gayborhood

Contributor Kelson Northeimer takes a look at the history of the Gayborhood and its cultural transformation through lifestyle marketing and gentrification

The Bavarian Jewel Of Washington Square West
Architecture

The Bavarian Jewel Of Washington Square West

At 12th and St. James Streets, a world-renowned jeweler’s workshop still shines after 100 years. The Shadow opens up this treasure chest with the history of the building’s origins

Reanimating The Archives At William Way
History

Reanimating The Archives At William Way

It’s been a long journey home for the William Way Community Center and a bumpy ride for their archives. With a William Penn Foundation grant in hand, they will soon have a proper research facility dedicated to local LGBT history. Erin Bernard takes us into their stacks and down the path that led the community center to Spruce Street

12th Street Gym Is Great, But It Used To Be The Shvitz
History

12th Street Gym Is Great, But It Used To Be The Shvitz

Nothing says healthy living like a corned beef sandwich, a lit cigar, and the sauna. Ron Avery gives us an old-world tour of Camac Baths, the former Jewish bathhouse at 12th Street Gym


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