March 31, Wednesday, 5pm. Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue. Free
Noted historian and architect Robert M. Skaler will present a lecture and a series of images illustrating the development of North Broad Street in the 19th century. Following his lecture Mr. Skaler will sign copies of his book Philadelphia’s Broad Street, South & North. More info here.
Planning District E - Lower North Philadelphia
Inquirer: Temple's real gem: Baptist Temple to reopen as cultural arts center
Inquirer: Temple's real gem: Baptist Temple to reopen as cultural arts center
THERE ARE striking surprises inside the renovated Baptist Temple, on Broad Street at Temple University's North Philadelphia campus.
The 119-year-old former church, designed by architect Thomas P. Lonsdale as an example of the Victorian Romanesque-revival style, was originally known as simply "The Temple" when it opened in 1891.
In fact, the university took its name from the church, which had been built to accommodate the large crowds who literally had to wait in shifts to hear the speeches and lectures of Temple's founder, the Rev. Russell H. Conwell.
Conwell taught night classes at The Temple between 1891 and 1894, said James W. Hilty, a Temple professor of history and community and regional planning.
But the congregation pulled up stakes in the early 1970s and built a larger facility in Montgomery County, leaving the the Baptist Temple, as it later became known, to sit empty, deteriorating for more than 30 years.
Now, after a two-year, $29 million renovation, the university is ready to reopen the Baptist Temple on April 14 as a cultural center to anchor the northern section of the city's Avenue of the Arts.
"It's going to be much more than a performing arts center," said Charles Henry Bethea, executive director of the Baptist Temple.
It is planned as a multipurpose cultural and performing-arts center. (The first concert, by Patti LuPone, is scheduled for April 17.)
The new Baptist Temple will be a gathering place for film screenings, lectures, symposia, commencement ceremonies and a space for private events, from corporate meetings to weddings and other events.
The university is restoring the Baptist Temple's role as a cultural landmark that Conwell predicted 119 years ago, said Hilty.
Originally, the Temple could seat as many as 4,600 people, Hilty said. His new book, Temple University: 125 Years of Service to Philadelphia, the Nation and the World, is expected soon in bookstores.
But critics warned Conwell that the building would never succeed "as a religious and educational institution," Hilty wrote.
To that, Conwell replied: "If we don't make it a success as a Temple, we'll turn it into a theater."
North Philadelphia Arts & Culture Alliance | History of North Broad Street
March 31, 2010 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Philly Weekly Spotlights the Delaware Riverfront
In this week's Multimedia section of Philadelphia Weekly, Stephen Metzger posts a video about the Delaware riverfront, the many neighborhoods it touches and the variety of activities at the river's edge. Rene Goodwin, board member for Pennsport Civic Association and Communications Director of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group, acts as the tour guide. Notable sites include Penn's Landing, Yard's Brewery, Penn Treaty Park, Wood Street Steps, the SS United States and Johnny's Hots.
Philadelphia Weekly: Delaware Waterfront
Previous videos done by Metzger include profiles of Baltimore Avenue and Northern Liberties.
3rd Annual Philly Spring Cleanup
April 10, 2010
3rd Annual Philly Spring Cleanup
Saturday, April 10
University City District and City of Philadelphia are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Philly Spring Cleanup to be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 (rain date, Saturday, April 17, 2010).
This year's cleanup, entitled "Keep Up the Sweep Up," will be the start of the City's sustained effort to eliminate and prevent litter and illegal dumping permanently. With ongoing strategies of education, enforcement, intense cleaning and beautification, the City is committed to keeping Philadelphia clean.
If you would like to sign up to participate or organize your block in University City please contact dexter@universitycity.org for more details and supplies.
UPDATED: Publications and Newsletters, March 2010
GRID magazine is a new Philadelphia-based magazine for sustainability. Covering topics such as energy, food, shelter, transportation, ecology and culture.
DVRPC Focus Newsletter, March 2010
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission presents Focus, news and events for local governments within the DVPRC region.
Green Jobs Philly News #17, March 2010
GreenJobsPhilly.org makes it easy for Philadelphians to offer and request GREEN JOBS, green GRANTS and green LOANS. Our job is to help you connect with the people, money, raw materials and know-how you’ll need.
Councilman Darrell Clarke, 5th District Update, March 2010
This is Councilman Clarke's "5th District Update" which was created to keep you posted on ongoing events and happenings in our district. Click on the link above and feel free to forward to friends or other organizations of the 5th Councilmanic District. If there is anyone who would like to be on the list to receive the "5th District Update" please reply to darrell.clarke@phila.gov with the subject line "5th District Update Email List."
Preservation Alliance e-news, March 2010
The mission of the Preservation Alliance is to actively promote the appreciation, protection, and appropriate use and development of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes.
Next Great City Newsletter, 8 March 2010
The Next Great City coalition is made up of diverse groups all working towards a common goal: making Philadelphia the Next Great City. The initiative is dedicated to creating a positive future for Philadelphia by advocating for common sense, cost effective policies that enhance environmental quality, strengthen neighborhoods and increase our economic competitiveness.
Federal Transit Administration, Transit Research and Industry News Update (January - February 2010)
The Federal Transit Administration's Transit Research and Industry News Update, a report that provides a variety of information about transportation-related research and technology.
University City Community Enews, March 3, 2010
Click here to read the community newsletter from the University City District, which includes updates on free events and workshops across the neighborhood.
PA Chapter of the American Planning Association Newsletter
The February 2010 Issue of The Vantage Point is now available. In this issue: PA Land Choices Teaches the Importance of Land Use Planning; Integrating Transportation and Land Use into Comprehensive Plans; Call for Presentations for the 2010 Annual Conference; Required Training Initative; PA Chapter Annual Awards - Applications Now Available
The Wall Remixed: The North Philadelphia Small Business Advertising Campaign
March 25, 2010 5:30pm - 7:30pm
The Wall Remixed: The North Philadelphia Small Business Advertising Campaign is a multi-media collaboration among renowned artists Carl Pope, Mari Hulick and Homer Jackson, the Mural Arts Program and Philagrafika 2010. Using images created by students in the Mural Arts Program's ArtWorks! education program and input from local business owners, the artists designed 25 billboards and posters that visually celebrate North Philadelphia's small businesses and community organizations.
The project is designed to increase awareness of resources and have a positive economic impact on businesses in this culturally mixed neighborhood. The billboards will be displayed through March, thanks to a partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor.
Visit http://tinyurl.com/ykreg6y for a map of the billboard, business and organization locations.
Please join us for an opening reception celebrating this innovative project and an accompanying reception. The reception will be followed by a panel discussion that addresses the connection between commerce, art and social transformation.
Exhibition runs March 18th through April 23rd 2010.
This project was organized as a part of Philagrafika 2010: The Graphic Unconscious. Support for the project was provided by the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services and Clear Channel.
For more information, please contact Emily Squires, ArtWorks! Assistant Program Manager, at 215-685-0752 or ems@muralarts.org.
A message to Fairmount residents from Fairmount CDC
A message from Fairmount CDC:
Dear Fairmount Neighbor,
Like you, we are committed to creating the best possible environment for our community. As part of our evaluation of community projects we are conducting a survey to gain greater insight into the thoughts of the many people that have a vested interest in the Fairmount area. We would like to know how you perceive the community now, as well as what you think is important for moving forward.
You have been invited to take this survey as part of a select group. Because we are asking only a small number to fill out the survey, we are hoping for as many responses as possible, so please take a moment to complete this survey TODAY. We ask that you complete the survey by March 10, 2010.
Here is a link to the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=yX4z5lpiUGIGM6IFxNLkDQ_3d_3d
This link is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address. Please do not forward this message.
Your thoughtful responses will help us better understand where we have succeeded in the past and where we need to focus for even greater success in the future. Please note, that all responses are completely confidential, and no one will have knowledge to who answered any of the questions.
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to participate in this important effort! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.
Sincerely,
Fairmount CDC
