“JFK Plaza is known as LOVE Park after the iconic view from Robert Indiana’s sculpture to the Art Museum, but proposals de-emphasize the diagonal walking connection. April 6, 2015” | Photo: Michael Bryant, for The Inquirer
- The Inquirer’s Inga Saffron considers the much-rushed planning process of LOVE Park’s redesign, calling the diagrams that landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Associates unveiled last month a fine start, especially when you think of how many variables any reinterpretation must account for: a open and sloping space, confined by trees, cozy yet flexible, that counterbalances what one finds at Dilworth Park, while ensuring both an air of civic gravitas and the retention of a characteristically Philly vista.
- Mayor Nutter has reached a deal with Mark Squilla in regards to the latter’s passed bill allowing for two 3D billboards in Center City: clarify the language of various agencies’ oversight of the signs and their associated community benefits programs, and he’ll withhold his veto. CBS Philly reports that in a letter outlining his stance, Nutter says he understands and commiserates with many of the concerns of the signs’ critics, yet stresses that “in certain locations, well-designed displays may in fact add to the landscape.”
- The Passyunk Post tells us that the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation now controls the triangle slab of concrete at Passyunk & Mifflin and wants to make it a neighborhood hangout.“We’re trying to make it outdoor flex space, like a smaller version of the fountain [at Passyunk & Tasker],” PARC director Sam Sherman said. ”As you see our trend here is to create these sort of resting spots along [Passyunk] avenue.” PARC will demolish the kiosk, replace the trees, and add seating and lighting.
- The Roxborough Review reports that a building once known as the Wissahickon Theater, “one of the last intact theater buildings in the area, … a 400-seat facility that dates back to at least the 1930s,” we be demolished.
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.
