Dear PlanPhilly member,
Here's this week's news rundown, as well as some important resource links:
Part I: News Demolition Update #1: 1900 Arch Street As part of the new
PlanPhilly Notebook, check out photos and coverage of the demolition of buildings at 1900 and 1902 Arch Street, which will make way for a surface
parking lot.
Post your comments.
Coming Soon to This Space: Nothing -- In related coverage, PhillySkyline's Brad Maule writes on this demolition, and highlights other demolitions the city
has witnessed recently.
Demolition Update #2: Garrett-Dunn House Alan Jaffe reports that the Philadelphia Historical Commission is considering taking action to ensure the estate is stabilized
and sealed before seasonal bad weather sets in.
Post your comments.
SugarHouse gets all clear from Army Corps Kellie Patrick Gates reports that the Army Corps believes all pre-construction archaeology has been done; calls for memorandum
of agreement. Consulting parties angered.
Post your comments.
PlanPhilly Postcard: 2008 Summer Olympics Fourth in a series: Fred Kunda tells us how Beijing and Shanghai transformed the public infrastructure in the four years prior
to hosting the Olympics.
Post your comments.
Part II: Resources In an effort to inform you of
the variety of new material on PlanPhilly, here are links to new resources on design and planning in Philadelphia.
PlanPhilly Notebook -- Check out this week's topics from this new PlanPhilly feature:
A report from The Illadelph blog that PECO is planting a green roof at its headquarters;
A new mural sighting at 4040 Market Street;
A look at wooden and blue-brick blocks in Center City; and
A University City development update.
Have a tip? Email me at
mgolas@design.upenn.edu.
West Philladelphia Community Update -- Check out important updates to the West Philadelphia "In Your Neighborhood" page, including contact information
for free school supplies for neighborhood children, requests for community cleanups, and a recent article on a Baltimore Avenue
public art initiative.
Center City housing report -- Check out this new report from the Center City District, which reports that Center City’s residential development
boom has changed the demographic profile of downtown Philadelphia, as well as helped to insulate it against the current national
economic downturn.
Part III: Opinion This week in opinion:
The Jury's Back -- David Brownlee writes about design review in Philadelphia during the first half of the 20th century. This is a particularly
relevant topic given Mayor Nutter’s plan to create a Design Review Advisory Board.
Urban Direction -- Greg Heller launches his new blog with thoughts on a Kensington skate park and the Unisys sign.
Part IV: Events Sept. 5: AIA Associate Committee
Sept. 5: Champagne at Penn Treaty Park
Sept. 6: Clark Park Farmers Market Festival
Sept. 6: Master Builders' Award Gala at Citizens Bank Park
Sept. 7: GreenFest Philly
Sept. 9: Homeowner Workshop: Masonry and Pointing
Sept. 10: Zoning Code Commission
Sept. 10: Energy Conservation Town Hall Meeting: Philadelphia
Sept. 10: Homeowner Workshop: Energy Conservation in Older Houses
Sept. 14: Commerce Bank Bike Philly
Best until next week,
Matt Golas, Managing Editor
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