Inside the $100M plan to transform Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts
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A rendering of what the Avenue of the Arts could look like between Spruce and Pine streets. Courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
A $100 million plan is in the works to overhaul the Avenue of the Arts into a pedestrian-friendly park.
Why it matters: The facelift would add new green space, art and public amenities to a drab stretch of South Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue.
Driving the news: Nonprofit Avenue of the Arts Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its plans to transform the area with upgraded landscaping, seating, sculptures and outdoor performing spaces.
What they're saying: "This project is needed right now because there have been no significant improvements to the infrastructure of this street for 30 years," executive director Laura Burkhardt tells Axios.
- She said the project would better showcase Philly's performing arts scene and that area's special role in the city — think gatherings for sports victories and backdrops for engagement and graduation photos.
Reality check: Funding for the project is not yet in place.
- The nonprofit recently received $1 million from the city to kickstart the first phase of the project for upgrades between Pine and Spruce streets.
- The group hopes to attract enough investment to complete the bulk of the project in five years, Burkhardt says.
Zoom in: The first phase, which would improve the area in front of the Kimmel Center, is expected to cost between $6-$10 million and break ground in April 2025. The goal is to complete the project by the following spring.
- The improvements would add new trees and landscaping for South Broad Street's concrete median and both sides of the roadway, including most of the parking spaces on the northbound side.
- Plus: New sculptures, street furniture and bus shelters.
💡 1 cool thing: Music is the unifying theme for the overall improvements but the design of every block will be different, reflecting the unique character of each area.
Context: The Avenue of the Arts has seen a flurry of new developments in recent years, from hotels to apartments, condos and restaurants.
- Yes, but: The area faces challenges: Concerns linger over public safety, and performing arts facilities have yet to recover audiences to their pre-pandemic levels.
- The sudden closure of the University of the Arts also ended one of the area's longest tenants.
