PHILADELPHIA | East Market Phase III | 372 FT | 23 FLOORS

[Urbanthusiat]

I would not mind at all if this became permanent tbh. I feel like there needs to be another public space somewhere between City Hall and Independence Mall, even in addition to this one.

[UrbanRevival]

Originally Posted by Urbanthusiat

I would not mind at all if this became permanent tbh. I feel like there needs to be another public space somewhere between City Hall and Independence Mall, even in addition to this one.

I agree completely, even though I know that can be a controversial take on a pro-development board.

But clearly inviting, safe and well-maintained public spaces are in high demand across Philly, and even more importantly can facilitate lingering and more street activation on corridors like Chestnut that obviously need reinvigoration.

[Gatorade_Jim]

Originally Posted by UrbanRevival

I agree completely, even though I know that can be a controversial take on a pro-development board.

But clearly inviting, safe and well-maintained public spaces are in high demand across Philly, and even more importantly can facilitate lingering and more street activation on corridors like Chestnut that obviously need reinvigoration.

I agree completely about this park. As east market densifies this will be an amazing draw for the neighborhood. I do hope we get that teracotta building somewhere though.

[PHL10]

Walking east on Chestnut, this building draws one's eyes and up to the canyon and appreciate the pre-war buildings even more; great juxtaposition of old and new.

Also, the plaza looks like it is meant to be there and not just bad urban planning or poor land value decision.

This morning:

[Knight Hospitaller]

Originally Posted by Urbanthusiat

I would not mind at all if this became permanent tbh. I feel like there needs to be another public space somewhere between City Hall and Independence Mall, even in addition to this one.

The "pocket park" between the old Federal Building and old Federal Reserve Bank in the 900 block of Chestnut comes to mind, but its fenced off.

[El Duderino]

Originally Posted by PHL10

, the plaza looks like it is meant to be there and not just bad urban planning or poor land value decision.

I think this statement hits the nail on the head - the park seems like it has been there forever since the very first time I walked through. The surrounding architecture shines unlike any other park/plaza in the city, mostly because there isn't a canopy of trees blocking the site lines to the buildings.

[DudeGuy]

I work in this development and the plaza is an awesome addition. I can't wait until the tower opens and there is more activity in the area.

[PhillyPDX]

Originally Posted by DudeGuy

I work in this development and the plaza is an awesome addition. I can't wait until the tower opens and there is more activity in the area.

Just got back from my 1st trip to Philly in a few years. I have to agree, that park and area in general is really cool. I love the juxtaposition of the building styles when sitting in the middle of that new park. Everything compliments each other, old and new. Well done. Hope it grows to become a thriving little hub.

Also, I hear on this site how bad it is right there, but I didn't find it too bad. But maybe the construction wrapping up helped it. People were sitting, eating lunch, etc. Market street was still Market street, but that felt exactly as it always has.

[cardeza]

They are finally repairing and preparing to pave the blocks around the Jefferson site, including the horrendous intersection of 12th and Chestnut which was in 3rd world condition. The tracks running through the southern portion of 12th near chestnut and through the intersection have been pulled up from what I can see.

[cardeza]

Originally Posted by DudeGuy

I work in this development and the plaza is an awesome addition. I can't wait until the tower opens and there is more activity in the area.

Lets hope the fact this building is coming will lead to some interest in the vacant retail spaces across the street on 11th and on chestnut, both are in rough shape, especially 11th.

[TK2001]

2023-07-15_01-17-46 by Philly SkyGuy, on Flickr

Philadelphia skyline from Citizens Bank Park by Philly SkyGuy, on Flickr

Market East rising by Philly SkyGuy, on Flickr

2023-07-15_12-51-12 by Philly SkyGuy, on Flickr

Love how this looks in the skyline

[jaysb]

That blank wall is just begging for a Gritty/Phanatic mural

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by jaysb

That blank wall is just begging for a Gritty/Phanatic mural

If you’re referring to the PSFS building, I can virtually guarantee that the Historical Commission would not allow it. PSFS, besides being on the Philadelphia Register, is a National Historic Landmark. But a mural had been suggested some years ago by Conrad Benner: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2012/...-building-but/

He even started a petition in 2012 (which received 188 signatures): https://streetsdept.com/2012/10/08/s...psfs-building/

Much digital ink was spilled over his proposal: https://philly.curbed.com/2012/10/22...be-interesting

Inga Saffron column: https://www.inquirer.com/philly/colu...a_classic.html

[TonyTone]

VTV09617 by Tony Valuez, on Flickr

VTV09618 by Tony Valuez, on Flickr

VTV09620 by Tony Valuez, on Flickr

VTV09621 by Tony Valuez, on Flickr

VTV09622 by Tony Valuez, on Flickr

[Urbanthusiat]

^^ The plaza looks great!

[jaysb]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

If you’re referring to the PSFS building, I can virtually guarantee that the Historical Commission would not allow it. PSFS, besides being on the Philadelphia Register, is a National Historic Landmark. But a mural had been suggested some years ago by Conrad Benner: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2012/...-building-but/

He even started a petition in 2012 (which received 188 signatures): https://streetsdept.com/2012/10/08/s...psfs-building/

Much digital ink was spilled over his proposal: https://philly.curbed.com/2012/10/22...be-interesting

Inga Saffron column: https://www.inquirer.com/philly/colu...a_classic.html

haha, I guess I should have added /s to my post, but that is some good background, appreciated.

[PHLtoNYC]

The freshly paved street and crosswalks are nice upgrades too.

[cardeza]

Originally Posted by PHLtoNYC

The freshly paved street and crosswalks are nice upgrades too.

Amen- this intersection was a disaster for drivers, walkers and bikers. I do know SEPTA has money in its capital budget for trolley track removal going fwd- long overdue.

[El Duderino]

Whoa, the freshly paved and lined roads really complete the transformation.

Awesome pics as always, Tony!

[Redddog]

I say keep the park if only to avoid another 5 years of single lane Chestnut street on that block. That was a pain in the a$$.

Of course, now that every retailer on that block has closed, it wouldn't be as bad.