Lenfest Plaza Coming to the Loft District

We heard some excellent news yesterday that will further develop one of the neighborhoods that we love and work with: the Loft District.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, which is just southwest of the Loft District, has announced plans for Lenfest Plaza. Think of what would happen if someone put Rittenhouse Square or the Piazza at Schmidt's at Broad and Cherry. Well, not exactly, but Lenfest Plaza will pose a similar concept in creating a bustling social space in the area.
Designs from OLIN architectural landscaping firm were approved for the 24-hour pedestrian court. The plan will include a restaurant and plenty of outdoor seating, which will complement the nearby Convention Center nicely. A renowned sculptor has been commissioned to create a unique work of art that will be displayed on the site. OLIN has worked on many museums, parks, memorials, and urban designs, including Independence National Historic Park, Dilworth Plaza, and the Comcast Center Plaza, so they know a thing or two about public spaces.
We'll keep you posted as details come in, but are you as pumped for this as we are? We really see the surrounding streets of the Loft District and the Convention Center as under-utilized. A destination like this will not only add to North Broad Street's appearance, it will make this section a more pedestrian-friendly hive and be valuable to the residents.
[Rendering from OLIN]
A Photo Tour of Fresh Grocer in North Philadelphia
North Philadelphia is a section of the city that has been ripe for another supermarket. The North Broad stretch which includes the Temple University main campus, has shown particular need for a grocery store that could provide the community with organic produce and healthier items, all at a fair price point.
The Fresh Grocer at Progress Plaza on North Broad answered the call. The market, which opened in December 2009, received partial funding from the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative. First lady Michelle Obama recently visited the store while in town to promote her campaign against child obesity, "Let's Move!" She commended the Fresh Grocer for its nutritious selections that appeal to children and stopped by the store's smoothie bar for a strawberry banana smoothie.
While some refer to the neigborhood as Templetown, it's not just college students who live here. The area is home to many families who are excited to have a full grocery at their doorstep. The supermarket not only means fresh food access, it also means jobs for locals. Fresh Grocer even provides a ride home to customers that live within three miles of the store and spend $50 or more on their groceries. The bright, clean, and modern store is a huge asset for the surrounding neighborhood, inspiring further economic development and promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.
You can even follow the socially savvy supermarket on Twitter through @thefreshgrocer, from which they link to nutrition tips and store updates. Click Continue Reading to view more photos.

Phone: 215.253.6818

