PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future

The Philadelphia Art Alliance is pleased to announce part 4 of our newest series, Philadelphia Squared. Continuing in our new dedication to the advancement and appreciation of contemporary craft and design, PAA will host a series of 5 lectures exploring the history, design and architectural features of Philadelphia's 5 main squares, now known as Washington, Franklin, Rittenhouse, Logan (circle) and Penn Square. Paul Steinke, General Manager of Reading Terminal Market and guru of all things Philadelphia, will lead a lecture and presentation on Penn Square. Now home to Philadelphia City Hall, the center square spent much of its early life as an isolated outpost to the burgeoning settlements along the Delaware River. It wasn't until the turn of the 19th century that the first structure, the original Philadelphia Water Works, was erected on the site. After decades of arguments, ground was broken for City Hall in 1871, with construction lasting for the better part of 30 years, and continuing development of the surrounding area carrying well into the 1960's.