PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future

According to a new report by University City District, development is strong in the neighborhood, including $1.7 billion in real estate projects, Drexel student newspaper The Triangle reports. The report goes on to say [pdf] that 30 new development projects were advanced or completed in the last 18 months.

Clark Park will see its northern acres revitalized starting August 9, the University City Review reports. Lead by the Clark Park Partnership (which includes Friends of Clark Park, Commission on Parks and Recreation, and more), the plans will effect the park from Baltimore Ave. to Chester Ave., from 43rd Street to the HMS school, improving stormwater runoff and expanding the park's central plaza. Funding for the project is provided by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the City of Philadelphia. The project is expected to be completed in November. Read the whole article here.

The Center for Architecture is pleased to partner with the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia to bring you more walking tours of Philadelphia and its architecture. Preservation Alliance tours focus mainly on the neighborhoods of Philadelphia and many are given by the same dedicated volunteer guides who present the Center's Modern Metropolis tour. 

MAY THROUGH OCTOBER

Wednesdays, 6PM

Saturdays, 10AM and 2PM

Sundays, 2PM

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT taken for tours, unless otherwise indicated. Go to the designated tour meeting place and pay your tour guide (cash or check payable to Preservation Alliance).

$10 Adults; $8 Students; Free children 10 and under, accompanied by adult

$5 Preservation Alliance Members (Please show your member card)

Tours run approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

See all guided tour descriptions here.

Private Tours, Is your group interested in a customized or private tour? We can help. Contact us.

Summer 2010 schedule 

July 3 Sat. 10am  Girard Estate

Meet at the statue of Stephen Girard, center of Girard Park, 21st & Shunk Sts.

July 3 Sat. 2pm  Society Hill Stroll

Meet at NE corner, 2nd & Spruce Sts.

July 4 Sun. 2pm   Rittenhouse Square East

Meet at the pool, center of Rittenhouse Square

July 7 Wed. 6pm   Art Deco

Meet at entrance to Liberty Place, NE corner, 17th & Chestnut Sts

July 10 Sat. 10am   Classical Philadelphia

Meet in front of Pennsylvania Hospital Gate, Pine St. between 8th & 9th

July 10 Sat. 2pm   Victorian Philadelphia West of Broad

Meet at steps of the Bellevue, 200 South Broad St.

July 11 Sun. 2pm   Victorian Philadelphia West of Broad

Meet at steps of the Bellevue, 200 South Broad St.

July 14 Wed. 6pm   City Hall and Center Square

Meet in front of Visitor Center, NE corner, 16th & JFK Blvd. 

July 17 Sat. 10am   Victorian Washington Square West

Meet at NW corner, 9th & Spruce Sts.

July 17 Sat. 2pm   July 17 Sat. 2pm   Fishtown

Meet at the statue of William Penn, Penn Treaty Park, N. Delaware Ave. at Columbia 

July 18 Sun. 2pm   Avenue of the Arts

Meet in front of PA Academy of Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St.

July 21 Wed. 6pm   The Post Industrial City: Callowhill St. From Broad to the Delaware River

Meet in front of Inquirer Building, 400 N. Broad St. at Callowhill 

July 24 Sat. 10am   Art Deco

Meet at entrance to Liberty Place, NE corner, 17th & Chestnut Sts.

July 24 Sat. 2pm   Society Hill Sacred Sites

Meet at gate to St. Peter’s Church, SW corner, 3rd & Pine Sts.

July 25 Sun. 2pm   Around Washington Square 

Meet at the center of Washington Square, 6th & Walnut Sts.

July 28 Wed. 6pm  Littlest Streets East of Broad

Meet at the center of Kahn Park, 11th & Pine Sts.

July 31 Sat. 10am    Underground Philadelphia: Subways, Railways & Stations

Meet at the Angel statue, main concourse near the east entrance, 30th St. Station

**Limited to 15 people, advance registration/payment required. Click here to purchase ticket.  One subway fare per person included. 

July 31 Sat. 2pm   Old City Sacred Sites

Meet at the entrance to Christ Church, N. 2nd and Church Sts., above Market 

August 1 Sun. 2pm    Beaux Arts Philadelphia 

Meet at the pool, center of Rittenhouse Square

August 4 Wed. 6pm   Victorian Washington Square West

Meet at NW corner, 9th & Spruce Sts.

August 7 Sat. 10am   City Hall and Center Square

Meet at NE corner, 16th St. & JFK Blvd

August 7, Sat. 2pm   Rittenhouse Square Sacred Sites

Meet in front of First Baptist Church, 17th & Sansom Sts.

August 8 Sun. 2pm   Chestnut Hill West

Meet in front of Saint Martin in the Fields Church, St. Martin’s Lane at West Willow Grove Ave. 

August 11 Wed. 6pm   Queen Village

Meet in front of Gloria Dei Church, Water St. at Christian St.

August 14 Sat. 10am   Northern Liberties

Meet in Front of Liberties Restaurant, 705 N. 2nd St.

August 14 Sat. 2pm   City Hall to City Hall

Meet at NE corner, 5th & Chestnut Sts.

August 15 Sun. 2pm   Society Hill Sacred Sites

Meet at St. Peter’s gate, SW corner, 3rd & Pine Sts.

August 18 Wed. 6pm   Media

Meet in front of Delaware County Court House, Front St. & Courthouse Square

August 21 Sat. 10am   Victorian Washington Square West

Meet at NW corner, 9th & Pine Sts.

August 21 Sat. 2pm   Historic North Central Delaware Waterfront

Meet at NE corner, 2nd & Market Sts. 

August 22 Sun. 10am   Fairmount Park Bicycle Tour

Meet in front of Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive 

**Limited to 15 people, advance registration/payment required. Click here to purchase ticket. Please note different Sunday tour start time.

August 25 Wed. 6pm   Rittenhouse Square West

Meet at the pool, center of Rittenhouse Square

August 28 Sat. 10am   Diamond St. Historic District

Meeting place and tour description to be announced.

August 28 Sat. 2pm   Around Washington Square

Meet at the center of Washington Square, 6th & Walnut Sts.

August 29 Sun. 2pm   Tacony

Meet at Disston Park, corner of Keystone & Disston Sts.

Self guided tours also available, Click here

Preservation Alliance

Philadelphia Center for Architecture 

Vice President at Renaissance Properties Stanley Taraila suggests that the Old Provident Mutual Life Building on 46th and Market Streets would make a great alternative for the future of Family Court's venue. Read the entire article here.

Come explore the Mural Mile, 17 of Center City's most iconic murals arranged along a walking route through downtown Philadelphia's vibrant commercial districts and quaint residential streets. Download the free podcast of the Mural Mile and you will be led on a self-guided tour of the colorful route by the very muralists, community leaders and local celebrities that made each mural come to life. Hear the stories behind the murals like never before.

The Mural Mile brings to life the stories behind the murals like never before! Hear fascinating details about some of your favorite murals!

CELEBRATE THE STORIES

Experience murals brought to life through speakers, performances, and FREE family-friendly events! All events are open to the public.

Wednesday, June 23, Noon–1 pm

Eric Okdeh at Legacy, 707 Chestnut Street

Michael Webb at Building the City, 12th & Moravian Streets

David Guinn at Spring, 13th & Pine Streets

Wednesday, June 30, 5:30–6:30 pm

Josh Sarantitis at Finding Home, 21 S. 13th Street

Michael Webb at Tree of Knowledge, 13th & Market Streets

David Guinn at Crystal Snowscape, 629 S. 10th Street

Wednesday, July 7, noon–1 pm

Ann Northrup at Pride and Progress and Taste of Summer, Juniper & Spruce Streets

Meg Saligman at Philadelphia Muses, 13th & Locust Streets

David Guinn at Gimme Shelter, 1236 Lombard Street

Wednesday, July 14, 5:30–6:30 pm

David McShane at Mural at Dirty Franks, 13th & Pine Streets

Meg Saligman at Theatre of Life, Broad & Lombard Streets

Willis Humphrey at Mapping Courage, 6th & South Streets

For more information please contact the Mural Arts Program at 215-685-0759 or visit their website.

Download a full audio tour of The Mural Mile

Download The Mural Mile tour map

Schedule a guided tour of The Mural Mile

On Saturday, July 17, uGO will help West Philly neighbors get fit for free! uGO will offer FREE exercise and healthy eating workshops. These workshops are a part of the "uGO Challenge," a 10-session training program that will encourage families, neighbors, and friends to commit to making healthy food and fitness choices. The uGO Challenge will provide a support network of families and neighbors who want to be healthier together. Recruit family and friends to join us! 

On July 17, Drexel physicians and nurses will provide FREE health screenings including blood pressure and Body Mass Index exams. Volunteer fitness and nutrition experts will then lead a session to help participants set realistic fitness and nutrition goals that they will achieve during the Challenge. 

Every Saturday from July 17 until September 18, uGO will host sessions from 9:30-10:30am 

• 9:30am - Volunteer health professionals will discuss tips for healthier grocery shopping, reading food nutrition labels, new recipes, and portion control. 

• 10:00am - Volunteer fitness instructors and mentors will lead a walking group, a running group, and a fun group exercise like zumba, line dancing, or yoga. 

At the end of the uGO Challenge, their teams of healthy families and neighbors will participate in a neighborhood-based health and fitness event to celebrate everyone's successes. On September 26, please join uGO for the inaugural uGO 5K Run/Walk at 8:00am!

If you would like more information about uGO, please call Erin and Karyntha at 215.921.6807 or email at ugocommunity@gmail.com. You can also visit us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/ugocommunity.