“Mayor Michael Nutter places a plant into the roof of the Free Library of Philadelphia during a ceremony in 2008.” | Photo: Matt Rourke, for the Associated Press, via NewsWorks
- NewsWorks’ Carolyn Beeler evaluates the performance of Mayor Nutter in his quest to have Philadelphia regarded as “the greenest city in America” by 2015. Obviously the campaign rhetoric for a mostly liberal city, that aspiration seems to have been achieved in some measure, says Beeler, with sustainability pundits across the nation taking note of Philly’s initiatives like the mandatory reporting of buildings’ energy efficiency and our stormwater management system. Yet, looking ahead, the next mayor will have to make tough choices as to which path to follow: a peddler of innovative green solutions for the urban environment or fossil fuels.
- Just north of Washington Square, the Curtis Center will get a $125 million makeover–its first in 35 years–Philly.com says. Currently an office building, the western half of upstair floors will soon offer 55-units of luxury apartments, while the 30,000-square-feet of ground floor space will provide room for seven retail ventures, including a restaurant, bar, gym, coffee shop, and spa. The lobby will have several alterations, but thankfully Maxfield Parrish’s famed Tiffany mosaic The Dream Garden is here to stay.
- Over at his very own Philaphilia blog, Hidden City columnist GroJLart (The Shadow) pleads for the reuse of one especially promising storefront, that of 1101 Market Street Suite 125 in the Aramark Tower, which has sat vacant for since mid-2007. Still configured for use as a coffee shop, the blogger suggests a La Colombe, Passero’s, or Green Street location for the 1,000-square-foot space.
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.
