OLD CITY:
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Market Insights & Business Support
Welcome to Old City! Welcome to Old City, a great place to live, work, dine, shop, and explore. We invite you to learn more about our historic and thriving neighborhood as we share key market insights and testimonials from business owners and residents. Thank you for considering Old City and we look forward to working with you! Job Itzkowitz Executive Director
An Inviting Market • 50,000 people, with a household median income of $97,000, live within a 30-minute walk of Old City. • 1 million people live within 5 miles of the neighborhood. • 4 million people live within 20 miles. Source: Placer.ai
In the middle of it all! •
Northern Liberties and Society Hill.
Photo credit: Matt Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Insert a simple map marker of Old City to show its location between Center City and Waterfront
Old City neighbors Center City,
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Old City also directly borders the the Delaware River waterfront.
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Old City is easily accessible by I-95 and multiple modes of public transit.
Photo credit: Stevie Chris
Photo credit: Matt Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Walkability •
Old City's “walkability score” is 99—making the neighborhood a “walker’s paradise.”
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This score is a standout within city limits, which ranks Philadelphia the eighth most walkable city in the nation. Source: walkscore.com
Photo credit: Briana Louise / In Between Rivers
Bikeability •
Old City's cycling score is 97.
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There are 10 Indego Bike stations within the Old City area.
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Over 55,000 Indego rides were made to the neighborhood in 2021. Sources: walkscore.com, www.rideindego.com
Source: walkscore.com
Photo credit: Indego
Transit •
Old City's transit score is 100.
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The SEPTA Market-Frankford Line runs right through the neighborhood at 2nd Street Station and 5th Street/Independence Hall Station.
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SEPTA Bus routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 42, 44, 48 and 57 also run directly through Old City.
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PATCO station located at 8th & Market, with Franklin Square Station (6th & Race) set to open April 2024. Source: walkscore.com
Photo credit: CJ Dawson Photography
Visitor Destination •
Located in Old City, 4.5 million people visit Independence National Historical Park annually. Source: National Park Service
Photo credit: Mittul
"As 'America's Most Historic Square Mile,' Old City is such a unique neighborhood. Our boutique is nestled between Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House–no one else gets to say that! This neighborhood truly celebrates everything that Philadelphia has to offer and that is reflected in our mission, as well to bring the best handmade goods from independent Philadelphia makers." -Tiffica Benza, Ashley Peel and Jennifer Provost Owners, Philadelphia Independents Photo credit: Philadelphia Independents
Foot Traffic 2019 average visits* per day:
29,000 2019 average visits* per weekend:
102,000 In April of 2022, foot traffic was at 69%
of pre-pandemic volumes. *Visits: Total number of visits over the time period, even if that person visited more than once during that time period Source: Placer.ai
Photo credit: CJ Dawson Photography
2021 Visits Comparison by Neighborhood
Source: Placer.ai Photo credit: Briana Louise / In Between Rivers
2021 Visits Comparison by Month
Source: Placer.ai Photo credit: Briana Louise / In Between Rivers
Old City Residents
5,400 in 2017
6,900 in 2021
In just four years, the resident population of Old City has grown by 27%. Source: Placer.ai Photo credit: Bridge on Race
Old City Residents •
Average household income: $127.6K
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Average age: 35
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Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 84%
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Gender: 49% women, 51% male Source: Placer.ai
Photo credit: the National Apartments
Rendering of 36-38 South 2nd Street Image: Canno Design
One Dock Street (1 Dock Street) Image: BLT Architects
Future Development •
300 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd. •
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1 Dock Street •
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Image: Handel Architects
272 units
36-42 S. 2nd Street •
300 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard
360 units
61 units
"Old City is the best of both worlds–a neighborhood within the larger city. Good public transportation options but you can also can walk anywhere... Old City residents will shop in Old City given the chance. Just open up here and see!" -Sheryl Bar Old City resident for 17 years Photo credit: Mittul
Belsky said that the influx of residents and new businesses has been important in helping Mr. Bar Stool stick at the same corner it has occupied for 57 years. “Old City has become a fabulous place to live and a fabulous place to do business,” Belsky said. “that helps the retail end of our customers where it brings more visibility to the shops in Old City.” Philadelphia Business Journal Photo credit: Philadelphia Business Journal
Robust & Growing Business Community •
Old City is home to nearly 1,100 employment establishments and 22,000+ paid employees.
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30 new businesses opened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2016/ Old City District
Photo credit: Stevie Chris
Photo credit: Toni Marie Photography
Employee Amenities •
Easily accessible by public transit
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Vibrant business community
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After-work entertainment
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Restaurants, shops, gyms, galleries, museums and theatres
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Photo credit: Stevie Chris
Green space and historic sites
Old City is affordable Old City is a competitively priced location. Old City’s commercial rents
2022 Rates
are lower than comparable spaces in
Old City Rate
Philadelphia Central Business District Rate
Retail
$29.00/SF
$42.00-$46.00/SF
Office
$24.00/SF
$31.00-$35.00/SF
Photo credit: CJ Dawson Photography
other parts of Philadelphia. Source: CoStar
Old City offers great space •
With quality commercial space available at relatively affordable rates.
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Old City also offers adaptable and unique creative space.
Photo credit: Loopnet
New businesses welcome! Old City is perfect for start-ups and new businesses. The neighborhood's combination of access to diverse audiences at an affordable buy-in makes Old City uniquely situated for startups and new businesses.
Photo credit: Mittul
“Old City was one of the original destination neighborhoods. There are so many beautiful, historic spaces just waiting to be brought back to life. They have character that cannot be manufactured. The same holds true for the neighborhood. Each business brings something unique to offer to visitors. Old City businesses provide a full menu of experiences within walking distance (retail, dining and drinks, arts and culture).” -Donal McCoy, Owner, Sassafras Bar
Photo credit: Sassafras Bar
Additional Benefits to Businesses Old City District is a special services district that provides the following services at no additional cost to businesses: •
Marketing support
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Custom insights and data
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Street cleaning services
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Security patrol and programs
Online & Social Media •
Social media accounts with 63K+ followers!
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Brand new, redesigned website with business directory, map and events calendar.
@OldCityDistrict
Old City Brochure & Map
Old City District will print 50,000 copies of the brochure this year. Distribution locations include Independence Visitor Center, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Center City hotels and Northeast Corridor rail stations from Maine to Washington, D.C. We will also print 20,000 copies of the 2022 Neighborhood Pocket Map, which is distributed locally to businesses, hotels and attractions in and around Old City.
Public Relations & Earned Media Old City District works with a PR consultant to provide media opportunities for the neighborhood, including local businesses. In 2021, Old City's media efforts resulted in:
15M audience reach 57 TV segments and mentions 74 online stories and mentions 7 print articles and mentions Photo credit: Old City District
Signature Events Old City District hosts signature events and programs throughout the year, including: • Photo credit: Society Hill Films
Old City Eats, a summer long dining series
Photo credit: Lauren Haimerl
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Old City Fest, attracting 20,000 people each year
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Historic Holidays in Old City, a month-long holiday celebration with lightings, decorating contest, shopping events, and more.
Photo credit: HughE Dillon
Photo credit: Mittul
Event Foot Traffic
Old City 2019 Sunday Visits Comparison
Old City Fest was the most visited (non-holiday) Sunday of 2019!
Source: Eco-counter Photo credit: CJ Dawson Photography
"Old City Fest is a wonderful event to meet and greet thousands of neighbors all in the span of one short day." -Ruth Isaac Owner, Old City Coffee
Photo credit: Old City Coffee
Networking Events & Webinars Old City District hosts … •
Several networking events and industry meetings throughout the year for business owners.
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Educational webinars for businesses throughout the year.
Photo credit: Old City District
Custom Insights & Data •
Using platforms such as Placer.ai and Eco-counter, Old City District can provide many different types of data reports to your specific request.
Photo credit: Briana Louise / In Between Rivers
Streetplus •
Streetplus Ambassadors sweep and keep Old City streets clean seven days week, 364 days a year.
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3,000+ bags of debris and litter were swept in 2021.
Photo credit: Streetplus
Security •
Old City has a Philadelphia Police Department foot patrol officer assigned to the neighborhood.
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Old City District provides foot patrol security on weekends.
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Old City District partners with AlertMedia to deliver important notifications via text, app push, and email.
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The software allows business owners or employees to circulate emergency alerts without having to go through a central communications system.
City of Philadelphia Incentives Storefront Improvement Grants • The program can reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible improvements to a maximum of $10,000 for a single commercial property, or up to $15,000 for a multiple-address or corner business property. Business Security Camera Program • Participants can receive up to 50 percent of the total eligible costs, up to $3,000 for a single commercial property. Jump Start Philly • This City of Philadelphia initiative exempts qualifying new businesses from paying the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) during the first two years of operation. Job Creation Tax Credits • These incentives are available at the City level. Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZs) • This initiative from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers salable tax credits to qualifying companies in targeted life science and technology sectors within special geographic districts. Old City District is included within the University City KIZ. Workforce Development Grants • Philadelphia Works invests federal funds to provide on-the-job classroom training for the prospective employees of qualifying companies. Photo credit: Mittul
Exciting Projects on the Horizon •
Market Street Infrastructure Improvements •
More pedestrian crossings
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Protected bike lanes
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Expanded sidewalks
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Relocation of the Tamanend Statue
Renderings: JVM Studio
Exciting Projects on the Horizon •
The proposed eight-acre Penn’s Landing Park will stretch over I-95 and connect Old City with the waterfront.
Rendering: © HARGREAVESJONES
Exciting Projects on the Horizon •
A $2.2 billion redevelopment project on the Delaware River Waterfront will be led by the Durst Organization, a New York-based firm, that plans to add 12 new towers, retail and hotel space to two sites near Penn's Landing.
Rendering: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC)
Contact us for additional questions, custom insights, leasing information, and organization details. Cassidy Martin, Economic Development & Policy Coordinator 215-592-7929 cassidy.martin@oldcitydistrict.org