The Olde Bar opens today, yet the Bookbinder’s sign is here to stay | Photo: Emma Lee, for NewsWorks
- The Olde Bar–Jose Garces’ resuscitation of the Old Original Bookbinder’s at Second & Walnut–opens today.NewsWorks speaks with cocktail consultant Erich Weiss, whose grandfather purchased the seafood restaurant in 1945. Weiss exudes the history of the place, reflecting on all the nefarious deals made here while he offers his take on the mixed drinks of yore (one of which, he assures us, will have you smelling like Robert Goulet). The old original sign will stay, yet the seating will be much more limited (58) in order to make room for event space.
- Eric Blumenfeld’s $16.2 million adaptive reuse of the old Thaddeus Stevens Schoolat North Broad & Spring Garden Streets will go heavy on the reuse aspect, reports Property. Each of the Mural Arts Lofts’ 56 units “will have the original chalkboards and built-in cabinets, the hardwood floors will also be restored in the process,” and the iconic Common Threads mural overlooking North Broad is going nowhere. With such a straightforward build, says EB Realty Management executive director Christopher Cordaro, some 30 of those classroom-turned-lofts will likely be delivered only five months after work begins in a few weeks.
- Retail giant Target has contracted local real estate firm Metro Commercial to scout as many as four locations around Center City and University City at which to open its new TargetExpress format, says NBC10. The first TargetExpress opened in Minneapolis this past summer in a 20,000-square-foot storefront–about a fifth the size of the standard American box store.
- The Delaware River Port Authority’s Finance Committee is recommending the end of that body’s 15-year ownership of the Penn’s Landing-to-Camden RiverLink Ferry system, reports Plan Philly. If approved by the Board of Commissioners on January 21, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership will snatch up the barely profitable interstate ferry for $300,000.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
