Philly, this view of the Rodin Museum could be yours! | Photo: Philly.com
- Inga Saffron calls David Blumenfeld’s revised proposal for an apartment complex at 2100 Hamilton “a tsunami instead of a wave” ready to engulf Paul Cret’s masterful Rodin Museum. Barton Partners’ redesign accommodates the Art Commission’s complaints from the summer concerning its proximity to the sculpture house by raising the overall height–from six to eleven stories–to account for the 120 units. And in accord with that alteration, designers have reassured the Commission that the building would be even more unassuming as they would stretch blue or gray glass across its facades. The Inquirer’s architectural critic doesn’t buy it. No matter the predominating exterior construction material, the effect would still be wall-like, and Blumenfeld’s persistence on retaining those 120 units suggests he may just be after “a substantial zoning upgrade, from a rowhouse category to CMX-4.”
- For some time, Roxborough’s Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education has had a counterintuitive problem on its hands; the wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve has had too much vegetation surrounding its perimeter along Hagy’s Mill Road and Port Royal Avenue, shrouding its existence and mission to the greater public. Yet, director Mike Weilbacher explains in The Roxborough Review that volunteers will hack away at this “Green Wall” over the weekend. With that clear, crews will have an easier time in felling all non-native trees along that stretch during the ensuing two years.
- The Notebook reports that the School Reform Commission voted last night to strip the Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School of its charter, marking a definitive end to the financially embattled school that abruptly closed last month after losing its fight to maintain enrollment numbers past its allotted cap.
- Eyes on the Streethas its peepers trained on the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk’s steel and cedar pergolas, installed just last month.
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.
