December 2-6: Central Northeast District Plan | Kate Orff | Rail Park fundraiser | Holiday lightings | ‘Engineering Philadelphia’

In this first week of December we’ve got events ahead about planning the Central Northeast, sustainable landscape design, and industrial history as well as holiday festivities and a Rail Park concert fundraiser. 

FEEDBACK: Central Northeast District Plan

Tuesday, December 3, 5:30-6:30pm. Northeast High School, 1601 Cottman Avenue. Join the Planning Commission for an open house (and snacks), review the draft district plan for the northeast and share your thoughts about development and investment in Central Northeast neighborhoods. Get up to speed on the plan using this handy tool. Free.

THINK: Kate Orff

Wednesday, December 4, 6-8pm. PennDesign, Meyerson Hall, 210 South 34th Street. Landscape Architect Kate Orff comes to PennDesign this week to discuss her recent work. Orff focuses on sustainable development, biodiversity, and new thinking on urban landscapes. She is the founding principal of SCAPE, a landscape architecture and urban design firm in Manhattan and is an assistant professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Free.

SUPPORT: Rail Park Fundraiser

Wednesday, December 4, 8:30pm. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street. Friends of the Rail Park have marshaled some major acts to raise money in support of Phase 1 of the Rail Park. Performing at Union Transfer are: The Walkmen, Sun Ra Arkestra, Sharon Van Etten, Birdie Busch, Chris Ward and more. All proceeds support Rail Park Phase 1, slated to begin construction next year. All ages, $30. $100 tickets include cocktail reception, fashion show and concert. Purchase tickets online.

ILLUMINATE: Holiday Lightings in Rittenhouse Square, LOVE Park, East Passyunk

Tuesday, December 3 – Thursday, December 5. Rittenhouse Square’s tree will be lit on Tuesday at 5pm and its giant menorah will be lit and prayers sung on Wednesday at 5:30pm. In LOVE Park the tree will officially be lit by Lisa Nutter at 5pm on Wednesday. On Thursday the tree will be lit and carols sung at East Passyunk’s fountain. Free.

DISCUSS: Engineering Philadelphia Book Talk

Thursday, December 5, 5:30-6:30pm. Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut Street. Join Penn Planning professor Domenic Vitiello for a book talk about his latest work, Engineering Philadelphia, the Sellers Family and the Industrial Metropolis, an account of Philadelphia’s rise and fall as an industrial power told through the lens of the influential Sellers family. Free. Register in advance online.