Old City Vision2026 Halfway Progress Update
Published 9 November 2021 by Old City District with JVM Studio
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Self-evaluation: Looking back, moving forward
WHAT’S INSIDE
In 2015, Old City District ("OCD") sought to create a "master plan" that looked at how to improve Old City's public and private realms. As work began in earnest, we quickly realized that as a Municipal Authority, OCD's power to implement a plan was limited; OCD could not legislate change and it neither owned nor controlled public space or private property. Rather, our master plan evolved into "Vision2026," a vision document which spelled out OCD's goals for the neighborhood as it prepared to host the nation for the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Community Values 2016-2020 Development snapshot Responding to setbacks Vision2026 Status updates
For OCD, it was imperative Vision2026 be a useful tool from which to advocate, not simply a document that sits on a shelf. Vision2026 articulated the collective values of Old City stakeholders and highlighted projects to pursue in furtherance thereof. Importantly, the document was structured as a "framework" so that OCD could drill down on those ideas in the years that followed. When published in 2016, nobody could have predicted the challenges Old City would face in the five years that followed: a major arson, a federal government shutdown, a water main break, and a global pandemic. Nevertheless, OCD continued to pursue the expressed vision. Halfway to 2026, the time is opportune to evaluate, and recalibrate, our efforts. I invite you to join us.
Job Itzkowitz Executive Director
What Next?
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VALUES AND ASPIRATIONS These values were developed by engaging community and stakeholders during the Vision2026 process in 2015 and will help measure progress since then.
1.
Be a world-class walking neighborhood
2.
Foster civic life through great public space
3.
Re-Occupy vacant buildings and unbuilt parcels
4.
Clarify goals of the neighborhood for developers
5.
Cultivate people: more residents, workers, visitors
6.
Enhance and protect historic and creative character
7.
Attract neighborhood-serving retail (especially a grocer!)
8.
Connect better to nearby neighborhoods
9.
Encourage car-free travel as the first choice of most
Photo Credit: In Between Rivers
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650 HOUSING UNITS ADDED, 2016-2020
122 NEW STOREFRONT BUSINESSES, 2017-2020
Cultivate People / Re-occupy
Cultivate People / Re-occupy / Neighborhood Retail
Old City's residential population continues to grow, following a trend beginning in 1980. A consistent theme in the Vision2026 research was the recognition that population growth of multiple types, including residential population growth, was a net positive for the neighborhood. OCD supported the development of several high-density residential projects.
The national retail environment has faced challenges over the last decade to which Old City is not immune. Nevertheless, entrepreneurs remain eager to open businesses in Old City, with 100+ opening in the last five years.
200 NEW EMPLOYEES AT LINODE
One goal of Vision2026 was to attract neighborhood-serving retail. In 2018, 3rd St. Hardware opened, serving neighborhood residents and businesses alike. Photo Credit: The National
NEW DESTINATIONS/TOURISM
Cultivate People / Re-occupy / Historic + Creative
Cultivate People / Re-occupy / Historic + Creative
Through 2019, Old City's average daily population includes 5,000 residents, 12,000 tourists, and 18,000 office workers. The office population is fundamental to Old City's daytime economy.
Tourism continues to play a major economic role in Old City. While historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are iconic, other attractions are under development or have opened in recent years, including the Museum of the American Revolution and Cherry St. Pier.
OCD successfully advocated for the extension of the Keystone Innovation Zone, a tax credit program to draw startup technology companies to the Old City. Anchors like Linode attract companies seeking to locate near other technology firms.
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Actual 3rd St. image
Photo Credit: Linode
Photo Credit: The Museum of the American Revolution
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COMING IN 2021: OLD CITY GROCERY Neighborhood Retail / Cultivate People / Re-occupy Survey respondents identified a grocery as the one retail needed above and beyond all others. Over the last five years, OCD spent considerable time making cold calls, presenting to brokers, and touring spaces with operators to try to attract a fresh food grocer in Old City.
93% of resident Vision2026 survey respondents said they would like to see more grocery or produce uses of storefront spaces in Old City. While we are not at liberty to provide more information as of the publication of this document, we are delighted to share that a grocery has signed a lease in Old City and is aiming to open in 2021!
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Add generic grocery shelf image
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Fire on Chestnut Street
Government shutdown
Water Main Break
February 2018
December 2018 - January 2019
January 2020
On December 22, 2018, the federal government shut down for 35 days. Such shutdowns have tremendous impact on Old City in particular, as tourists stop frequenting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and our government employee population stops coming to work.
On January 7, 2020, a large water main broke at the intersection of 3rd and Arch Streets. As the main was in the heart of the intersection, vehicular traffic could not pass northbound on 3rd St. or westbound on Arch St. until the main was repaired and the street was repaved.
Photo Credit: Emma Lee, WHYY
On February 18, 2018, a large fire broke out on the 200 block of Chestnut St. The fire resulted in more than $20 million of damage; some buildings were destroyed; others are still under repair. The fire was caused by arsonists who pleaded guilty in 2021. Unfortunately, Old City buildings have faced fires previously: Friedman's Umbrella in 2004 and The Five Spot in 2007, among others. In 2018, OCD supported new legislation to increase sprinkler requirements in certain buildings, including historic buildings, to help prevent the spread of such fires in the future.
RESPONDING TO SETBACKS
Photo Credit: Kimberly Paynter, WHYY
After the summer tourism season, the holidays represent the next busiest time for Old City's attractions. The timing and duration of this shutdown was particularly detrimental to the neighborhood's economy.
OCD obtained a $50,000 Commerce Department grant to aid promotion of the businesses in the impacted area. OCD also hoped to "make lemonade" so that the closure could provide an opportunity to create an "open streets" environment. Unfortunately, the daily operation of heavy equipment, combined with the continuous vehicular traffic attempting to access private driveways or businesses in the area, proved that option untenable. Ultimately, the repairs were not completed until after the pandemic-induced shutdown began in March 2020.
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COVID-19 Pandemic and Economic Impacts Winter 2020 - Present
Coping with unprecedented times Like many others, OCD staff left the office on Friday, March 13, 2020, in advance of the COVID-19 shutdown and expected to return in a few short weeks. The experience that followed needs no extended recap here; foot traffic immediately dropped by 80%, many businesses were shuttered (some permanently), and the future for many others remains unclear. OCD took immediate steps in the face of global uncertainty. OCD confirmed that its sanitation team members were "essential workers" such that they could continue to work and Old City could remain a clean and inviting place when visitors could return. OCD also became an information distribution hub for its stakeholders. Between March 13, 2020, and March 13, 2021, OCD sent more than 100 emails to its B2B email list, detailing information about grant programs, loan opportunities, and availability of personal protective equipment. OCD also assisted businesses in obtaining the information necessary from various government agencies to complete loan and grant applications. In an environment with breaking opportunities, OCD sometimes published newsletters multiple times per day.
In advance of the reopening of indoor dining, OCD helped lead the Philadelphia BID Alliance efforts in drafting, and advocating for, new outdoor dining policies for Philadelphia. This included café seating in front of a restaurant byright, café seating in front of a neighboring property with permission, the creation of "streeteries," and full street closures. Combined with proposals from the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, these policies were largely adopted by Philadelphia and remain in place today. Twenty months later, foot traffic is increasing and the retail vacancy rate is improved. Nearly two dozen retail businesses have opened or signed leases since the shutdown. Retail vacancy, which was 20% in December of 2020, fell to 16% in July of 2021. New real estate development is in the planning stages. Economic recovery is underway.
RESPONDING TO SETBACKS
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This section of this report assesses the status of each of the recommendations outlined in Vision2026 as “successes,” “in the works,” or “on the back burner.” Each assessment includes a simple color-coded ”sticker” for quick reading. In some cases, initiatives are assigned more than one sticker, indicating their elements may be in various stages of progress. Some of these initiatives are led by Old City District, but most are led by its public and private partners. Take these assessments with a grain of salt, however; they are not intended to serve as a specific scorecard, but a rubric that paints a picture of neighborhood progress.
Vision2026 Successes
Initiatives In the Works
On the Back Burner
These are projects that have been substantially completed. They also include cases in which a ribbon has not been cut, but Old City District has completed a critical step, such a design study.
These are projects that are in various states of planning, design, or construction. They are anticipated to be completed, on a variety of timelines.
These are projects that are currently not moving forward, either because they have not risen as a priority or because they have been determined to not be the best course of action.
VISION2026 STATUS UPDATES
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Successes
In the Works
On the Back Burner
Developer’s Toolkit: An Old City Design Guide p. 10
Elfreth’s Alley Pocket Park p. 11
Formalizing Legal Unmarked Crosswalks p. 13
Firehouse Park p. 11
Shared Space Opportunities p. 12
Pedestrian Lighting on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th p. 18
Shared Space Opportunities p. 12
ADA Improvements on Market Street p. 13
Stone Street Improvements p. 20
Pandemic Dining p. 12
Formalizing Legal Unmarked Crosswalks p. 13
Life under the Bridge p. 24
ADA Improvements on Market Street p. 13
Franklin Square Connection p. 15
Wood Street Park p. 24
Market Street Transformation Study p. 14
Reduce Demand for Parking p. 15
District-Based Valet and Promote Car-Sharing p. 24
Franklin Square Connection p. 15
Prioritize Commercial Loading Over Private Parking p. 16
Reduce Demand for Parking p. 15
District-Wide Bike Racks and Corrals p. 17
Market Street: Co-existence with Bicycling, Improved Frequency, and Considering Waterfront Light Rail p. 25
New Parking Opportunities p. 16
Pedestrian Lighting on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th p. 18
Rapid Bus on Walnut/Chestnut p. 25
New Indego Docking Stations p. 17
Park at 2nd + Market Design Study p. 19
District-Wide Bike Racks and Corrals p. 17
Bicycle Priority on 3rd, 4th, S 2nd p. 21
Route 57: Branding, Increasing Frequency, and Making Connections p. 26
Lighting Chestnut Street + Independence Hall p. 18
Welcome Park p. 22
Riverfront Links – Race/Dock p. 26
Franklin Square PATCO Station p. 20
Commerce Street Walkway p. 22
Stone Street Improvements p. 20
Co-Developing of Shared Parking p. 22
Parking-Protected Bike Lanes p. 21
Penn’s Landing Park p. 23
Delaware River Trail p. 21
2nd Street Station Plaza p. 23
Life under the Bridge p. 24
Market Street: Co-existence with Bicycling, Improved Frequency, and Considering Waterfront Light Rail p. 25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Riverfront Links – Race/Dock p. 26
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Developers’ Toolkit: An Old City Design Guide Clarify Goals / World-Class Walking / Re-Occupy / Neighborhood Retail From Vision2026: “A simple, illustrated Design Guide will provide a framework for constructive discussion and should be appreciated by developers and their architects. The Guide will provide advice on design issues not directly regulated by the Zoning Code. It will be developed cooperatively with the City of Philadelphia Historic Commission, augmenting the Secretary of the Interior Standards and Guidelines.” Successes: Preparing a design guide was one of the very first things Old City District did after adopting Vision2026. Written by Jonas Maciunas (now of JVM Studio), the Old City Design Guide is a reference for those interested in creating value and building a neighborhood that is beloved today and will continue to be worth preserving in the future. OCD staff regularly shares it with investors, developers, and architects. The guide highlights that, in its effort to support growth and maintain character, the Old City RCO has generally agreed to support variance requests to provide less than the required amount of parking, but generally opposes variances seeking height or coverage beyond the zoning envelope. The guide starts with four “imperatives” for building in Old City: 1. Build for 100 years 2. Build harmonious variety 3. Build a street, not only a building 4. Build for people Thereafter, it offers guidance on new buildings, shopfront design, and curbside options for increasing vitality. These guidelines include discussion of building proportions, ground floor uses, patterns and materials, storefront composition, the shop-to-roadway cross-section, and creative elements to enhance a shopfront. The Old City Design guide was featured as a “Preservation Win” in the 2018 PennPraxis Neighborhood Preservation Toolkit.
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Firehouse Park
Elfreth’s Alley Pocket Park
Great Public Space
Great Public Space
Photo Credit: Kory Aversa, Aversa PR
From Vision2026: ”A midblock space beside the firehouse, this park often does not feel public; furniture, maintenance and better opening to the street can make it more utilized. The District can work with Old City Green to realize these possibilities. ” Successes: Old City Community Fund contributed $42,000 to Old City Green’s improvements of this space in March 2016. The park was opened to the public in late 2016 and Old City Green completed additional renovations in 2019. OCD is working on a management agreement with the City of Philadelphia to maintain the space for the future.
From Vision2026: “The adjacent property, the National, is currently being developed and using this space for construction staging. By transforming this patch of asphalt into a garden oasis, visitors to Elfreth’s Alley can receive a proper welcome. The District can work with the Elfreth’s Alley Association, residents, and the developer of the National to make this happen.” In the Works: Concept design was completed in 2018 through an in-kind design grant provided by the Community Design Collaborative. OCD has obtained $100,000 in commitments and is pursuing additional funding and working towards a lease agreement with the property owner.
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Shared Space Opportunities:
Pandemic Dining
World-Class Walking / Cultivate People / Great Public Space / Neighborhood Retail
World-Class Walking / Cultivate People / Great Public Space
From Vision2026: “In some instances on small, inner-block streets, an even bolder assertion of pedestrian priority may be warranted. Especially if they (now or in the future) feature significant amounts of sidewalk dining, small streets may be converted into curbless spaces, in which cars travel as “guests” and pedestrians travel freely between buildings.” Successes: The Farmers’ Market at Christ Church, sponsored by OCD, continues to successfully take over half of Church Street once a week during the warmer months, and even did a holiday pop-up market in 2020. In the Works: OCD’s major shared street initiative involves Tamanend Square. For more information, see p. 22.
New Since Vision2026: During the pandemic, OCD transformed 2nd Street into an outdoor dining room, and multiple restaurants took advantage of the City’s new outdoor dining permissions to open streeteries in parking spots. In light of the popularity of streeteries, OCD is advocating for the permanent extension thereof.
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ADA Improvements on Market Street
Formalizing Legal Unmarked Crosswalks
World-Class Walking
World-Class Walking
From Vision2026: “The current Market Street streetscape has been in place for decades and is showing some deterioration, especially at the alley crosswalks. The Streets Department is preparing to retrofit these crosswalks to create a flush pedestrian crossing surface to benefit users of all abilities.” Successes: After extensive advocacy from OCD, the City repaired the curbs and installed pedestrian-grade crosswalks at all four alleys (Bank, Bodine, Letitia, and Strawberry). In the Works: OCD is continuing to advocate for more crosswalk improvements.
From Vision2026: “Not all desire lines occur at presently marked crossings. Rather than discouraging “jaywalking,” Vision2026 supports new crosswalks for intuitive crossings at links between NPS walking paths and at small streets.” Successes: The City installed a temporary legal crosswalk at 2nd Street & Elfreth’s Alley during construction at The National. Back Burner: OCD continues to advocate for other midblock crosswalks, though they can be unduly expensive. For example, a midblock crosswalk connecting the Commerce St. Walkway to Independence Mall proved prohibitively so, although OCD continues to search for funding and partnership opportunities.
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Market Street Transformation Study Great Public Space / Car-Free Travel / Connect Better From Vision2026: “Market Street is a key point of activity and arrival in Old City by foot, car, and transit, and should be by bicycle too. As a wide thoroughfare, measuring about 100 feet from building to building, the cartway between 5th and 2nd Streets can accommodate two curbside bicycle lanes, parking on each side, a single travel lane in each direction, and transit stops as needed. […] because of today’s [highway-oriented] design of the street, Market Street cleaves Old City in two. By reconceiving the 200 block as a multi-modal plaza, in which pedestrians are the focal point of design, it can be transformed to pull Old City together. Old City has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership to the rest of Philadelphia for how to provide great transit arrival experiences.” Successes: Almost immediately after adoption of Vision2026, OCD undertook the Market Street Transformation Mobility Study, which was completed by JVM Studio (with support from NV5). The study reaffirmed community support for making substantial changes to Old City’s central street, tested and proved the concept proposed in Vision2026, and concluded with cost estimates for the first phase of improvements. Since completion of the study, the City of Philadelphia has embraced the plan and ~$10mm has been raised for construction. Final design of separated bike lanes, transit boarding islands, and shortened crosswalks is expected to begin in 2021. Discussions about the plaza element are ongoing.
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Franklin Square Connection
Reduce Demand for Parking
Connect Better / Car-Free Travel
Car-Free Travel / Cultivate People
From Vision2026: “Boldly reconfiguring bridge ramps would open up this space to better link Franklin Square to Old City, the Bridge, and the Mall. This proposal by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society could actually improve traffic flow by eliminating the traffic signal currently needed on Interstate-676.” Successes: Philadelphia has committed to reduce motorized traffic lanes on Race St. from 6th St. to 8th St. and install a bike lane. Installation has begun. In the Works: In 2020-21, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission led a study of the bridge approach area and is expected to release the study with a variety of options in 2021 or early 2022. OCD was represented on the study’s steering committee.
From Vision2026: “The more workers and visitors who choose to arrive by transit, bicycle, or foot, the less they use a limited and diminishing supply of parking, thereby freeing it up for those who cannot choose those alternatives. The most sustainable step toward managing the “parking problem” is to maximize the number of people choosing these alternatives. These alternatives must become more user-friendly; the District, the City of Philadelphia, and local businesses can work to promote them.” Successes: OCD published a parking study in 2017 which showed that there was already excess off-street parking capacity. OCD will publish an updated study in 2022. As a Registered Community Organization, OCD has supported development proposals that do not feature off-street parking. In the Works: OCD continues to seek ways to attract residents, workers, and visitors while decreasing dependency on privately-owned personal vehicles. This includes advocacy around bike lanes, research on parking availability, and pursuing legislative solutions.
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New Parking Opportunities
Prioritize Commercial Loading Over Private Parking Neighborhood retail / Car-free Travel
Connect Better
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Parking Authority
From Vision2026: “Two sites exist where new parking does not compete with better uses: 1) Under the Bridge - structures like I-95 frequently have parking below, and the Delaware River Port Authority is open to the possibility. If security and access issues can be addressed, this space could provide up to 150 flexibly allocated parking spaces. 2) Additional decks on the 2nd Street Garage - the structure was designed to carry an additional two decks. Structural analysis can determine if this is viable.”
From Vision2026: “Customers and workers are able to arrive by a variety of modes, but goods, materials, and inventory have more limited options. Ticketing of commercial vehicles making deliveries while parking illegally, in addition to being a burden for business, has been demonstrated to be an ineffective deterrent. More curbside space and time should be restricted to permit-only commercial loading, especially on busy retail streets.”
Successes: Parking under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge opened in 2019, following support and advocacy work from OCD. Nearly 200 parking spots were added. In light of the extraordinarily loud overhead train traffic, OCD determined that private vehicle parking was likely a highest and best use in this location and could alleviate demand elsewhere in the neighborhood.
In the Works: The City offered free temporary loading zones throughout COVID-19 to help businesses with curbside pickup and takeout, and OCD has advocated to increase the availability of these and has helped businesses apply for them. It is not clear whether this policy will be revisited on a permanent basis.
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New Indego Docking Stations
District-Wide Bike Racks and Corrals
Connect Better / Car-Free Travel
Car-Free Travel
Photo Credit: Indego Bicycle Transit
From Vision2026: “With the exception of the one on the 200 block of Market Street, most of the Old City stations are at its periphery. In order to better serve residents and bring users to the front door of Old City shops and restaurants, and given the popularity of the Market Street station, an additional station or two should be considered, especially north of Market Street, along the 3rd Street corridor. Vision2026 imagines one south of Race Street, and one north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.”
Successes: In 2018, the Indego station at 2nd & Market Streets doubled in size due to high demand. New bike share stations were installed at 2nd & Race Streets and at Race Street Pier.
From Vision2026: “Just like car parking, bicycles are less likely to stop and shop without a place to lock up. However, bike parking provides the same access at a fraction of the space required, and in a tight neighborhood like Old City, that’s a real asset. The space required for a single car parking space can provide access to ten bicycles. Vision2026 recommends at least one bike corral on each block of the District’s primary streets - Walnut, Chestnut, Market, Arch, Race, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and Front. Business partnerships for installation and maintenance will be critical to this endeavor.” Successes: In 2018-2019, OCD partnered with the Clean Air Council to offer businesses discounted bike racks, with several businesses taking advantage of the program. OCD is also advocating for additional bike racks as part of the Commerce St. Walkway redesign.
In the Works: OCD is eager to support increased access to bicycle parking and recently pursued an option for secure, covered spaces, but it did not receive the necessary municipal support. OCD intends to pursue a bicycle parking study in 2022.
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Pedestrian Lighting on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Lighting Chestnut Street + Independence Hall
World-Class Walking
World-Class Walking / Historic+Creative
Photo Credit: Kory Aversa, Aversa PR
From Vision2026: “The Philadelphia Streets Department has a high quality pedestrian light fixtures that have begun to be deployed in Old City, including 3rd Street from Chestnut to Race Street. Installing them along the lengths of the District’s primary streets, especially Arch, Chestnut, 2nd Street, 4th Street, and even 3rd Street north of the District’s boundaries will cast Old City in the right light.”
In the Works: While new pedestrian LEDs have not been installed on the above streets, OCD did begin hanging lighted wreaths on the 3rd Street pedestrian lightpoles for the holidays. Back Burner: OCD continues to discuss opportunities to fund additional streetlight installation, but has not yet identified those funding sources.
Photo Credit: Thom Carroll, PhillyVoice
From Vision2026: “Chestnut Street is among the most important gateways to Old City. Today, a lack of lighting of the 500 block inadvertently suggests that pedestrians ought not proceed further. The street and building can be lit to provide a welcoming ambiance and properly dignify the birthplace of America.” Status: The National Parks Service (NPS) relit Independence Hall shortly after publication of Vision2026.
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Park at 2nd + Market Design Study Great Public Space / Historic + Creative
Successes: In 2018, in collaboration with the National Park Service and Christ Church, OCD undertook a design study by JVM Studio (in partnership with Ground Reconsidered and the Lindy Institute). The study distilled community priorities, included a public design workshop at the Christ Church Farmer’s Market and considered several schematic concepts. The study resulted in NPS selecting its preferred alternative. In the Works: The redesign of the park and 2nd + Market is one element of a three-part project involving the park, Market St., and Tamanend Plaza. With the concept approved, OCD has focused on moving the ball forward on the other two elements.
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From Vision2026: “In the middle of the 20th Century, commercial buildings at 2nd and Market Streets were condemned to create a viewshed to one of our most important civic buildings. Today, the lawn in the heart of Old City serves that purpose, but little more. Collaborative effort between the Old City District and the National Park Service can transform Christ Church Park into the beloved public space it deserves to be […] Too often, park renovations require wholesale reconstruction, effectively erasing the past. Alternatively, Vision2026 proposes a more iterative approach, imagining a series of improvements that build upon the existing condition. ” Vision2026 Improvement Guidelines included: seating, walking paths, new trees + plantings, placemaking, new entrances, and keeping commerce out.”
ET MARK
STREET
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Franklin Square PATCO Station
Stone Street Improvements
Car-Free Travel
Historic + Creative
Photo Credit: Society Hill Films Photo Credit: PATCO
From Vision2026: “DRPA has allocated funding for the design to reopen the Franklin Square PATCO station at 7th and Race Streets. Reopening this station not only provides more convenient access between Old City and New Jersey, but transit between Franklin Square and the west side of Broad Street, making the district at the edge of Old City more attractive to walkable commercial and residential development. Coupled with the PHS proposal to realign the bridge off-ramps and better connect Franklin Square to Old City, this infrastructure investment presents the opportunity to reverse decades of car-oriented development in the northwest part of Old City, stitching it better to the heart of the neighborhood. ” Successes: While the station is outside of OCD’s boundaries, OCD supported the effort via advocacy. Construction on the station is set to begin in the summer of 2021 and finish sometime in 2024.
From Vision2026: “Stone streets shape the character of Old City, but as experienced by anybody bicycling on Dock Street, they can be difficult to ride on. By retrofitting such streets to include a flat stone inlay, Old City can stay true to this character without rerouting bikeways in confusing directions, or forcing riders to dismount in the middle of the street. This treatment can be deployed on streets with existing and recommended bike lanes, including 5th, Dock, and whichever route is developed to reach Spruce Harbor Park.” Successes: PennDOT repaved the 100 block of Chestnut Street (Belgian block) in 2021. OCD advocated for this project for several years. Back Burner: Bicycling-related improvements to Old City’s various stone streets have not yet advanced. Other streets, such as Quarry St., remain in need of repair.
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Parking-Protected Bike Lanes
Bicycle Priority on 3rd, 4th, S 2nd
Delaware River Trail
Car-Free Travel See also: Study Summary on Page 14
Connect Better / Car-Free Travel
Car-Free Travel / Cultivate People
From Vision2026: “Market Street is a key point of activity and arrival in Old City by foot, car, and transit, and should be by bicycle too. As a wide thoroughfare, measuring about 100 feet from building to building, the cartway between 5th and 2nd Streets can accommodate two curbside bicycle lanes, parking on each side, a single travel lane in each direction, and transit stops as needed. Initial analysis suggests such a scheme can be implemented without losing legal parking and that a single travel lane in each direction can be sufficient.”
From Vision2026: “Philadelphia has implemented buffered bike lanes on streets like Spruce, Pine, 10th, and 13th using paint. However, these lanes are frequently obstructed by vehicles. Vehicular volumes on 3rd, 4th and South 2nd Streets appear low enough to bring traffic down to a single lane and create a separated bike lane using a low, mountable curb or flexible delineator posts. Especially given the loading needs of businesses, a more detailed alternatives analysis and design must be conducted before permanent implementation.”
Successes: Following OCD’s Market Street Transformation proposal, the City has advanced a project which is now fully funded at ~$10 million. The City expects to begin design work in 2021.
In the Works: The City is moving forward with plans to install protected bike lanes on 5th & 6th Streets in Old City, and on 2nd Street just north of the District boundaries. Additional pilot lanes are expected on Race St. to 2nd St., and on 2nd St. to Market St.
Photo Credit: NV5, Delaware River Waterfront Corp.
From Vision2026: “Like the Schuylkill River Trail, DRT is poised to provide space for recreation and transportation to and from Old City. In order to maximize the benefit of this transformative project, it is critical for Old City connections to improve, and the District can collaborate with the DRWC.” Successes: The north and south branches of the trail were completed in 2019. The central section between Spring Garden Street and Washington Avenue is presently under construction by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.
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Welcome Park
Commerce Street Walkway
Great Public Space
Great Public Space / World-Class Walking
Newly In the Works: The proposed improvement of the city-owned walkway behind 399 Market Street is led by Old City Green, which obtained City approval of final designs following a concept design process provided by an in-kind design grant from Community Design Collaborative. OCD, in partnership with Old City Green, is pursuing funding for the construction. Photo Credit: The Olde Bar
From Vision2026: “Designed by Robert Venturi in concert with the adjacent garage (meant to be the main arrival point for tour buses), but presently of limited purpose and in moderate disrepair, this space could be restored and programmed as an iconic space in Old City.” In the Works: The National Park Service and Independence Historical Trust are pursuing funding for this project.
Co-Developing of Shared Parking
From Vision2026: “Occasionally, there will be opportunities to develop large enough parcels to include parking. If developed, such facilities should not be limited to the immediate tenants of the building, but open to the larger neighborhood, including for use by district-based valet, car-sharing services, bicycle parking, and individual residents willing to pay the cost of construction. Such parking facilities should always be hidden from public view, either by being underground, or lined with active uses.” In the Works: In practice, the opposite has happened. Developers have pursued by-right projects utilizing preexisting off-site parking to meet parking minimum requirements. Additionally, the Old City RCO regularly hears variance cases for proposals requesting relief from parking requirements; informed by Vision2026, the committee often votes in support of such requests.
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Penn’s Landing Park
2nd Street Station Plaza
Great Public Space
World-Class Walking / Historic +Creative / Great Public Space: See also:
From Vision2026: The Master Plan for the Central Delaware calls for a new park framed by the Delaware River, Front, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets. This park, together with induced waterfront development will be a bona-fide destination and improve Old City’s waterfront connection. Capping I-95 will facilitate the project.”
From Vision2026: “The Market-Frankford subway carries about 187,000 daily passengers, more than any other line in the region. The 2nd Street Station is the point of arrival for people arriving from Penn Center, 30th Street Station, Kensington, and points beyond, and witnessed 29% increase in boardings between 2000 and 2014. However, because of today’s design of the street, Market Street cleaves Old City in two. By reconceiving the 200 block as a multi-modal plaza, in which pedestrians are the focal point of design, it can be transformed to pull Old City together. Old City has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership to the rest of Philadelphia for how to provide great transit arrival experiences.”
In the Works: The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has led this project from its inception and has included OCD in several meetings regarding its direction. PennDOT expects construction to begin in 2023 and DRWC expects it to open in 2026.
In the Works: OCD proposed Tamanend Square as part of its Market Street Transformation Project and continues to seek guidance and support from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. The City will design the Market St. improvements to allow a plaza treatment and statue relocation when funded.
Photo Credit: DRWC
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Life under the Bridge
Wood Street Park
Great Public Space / Connect Better
Great Public Space
From Vision2026: “Underutilized space below the Bridge offers the opportunity to create a new and unique destination for commerce and social events, as well as reframing and redefining an iconic portal to Old City, in a way that transforms a barrier between parts of the neighborhood into a hub of the community. Additionally, space under the structure between 2nd and 4th Streets can accommodate up to 150 parking spaces. Structures including I-95 in Philadelphia often shelter parking spaces, and as surface lots get developed, this additional shared supply could prove valuable. Both of these concepts will need to be more fully vetted and accepted for operations and liability by the Delaware River Port Authority before they can be further advanced.
From Vision2026: “This unique park space comprises three sections framed by highway ramps, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Wood Streets. This linear park can be shared by Old City and neighborhoods to the north. The District can work with near neighbors to realize this opportunity.”
“More immediately, however, bridges can be foreboding to pedestrians below, especially at night. This rift is especially problematic as Old City seeks to better connect to existing and future neighborhoods to its north. Uplighting the Bridge, much like the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge in Louisville, can create a sense of safety and vitality, welcoming people to cross from one side to the other.” Accomplishments: Parking under the Bridge opened in 2019. Back Burner: After further consideration, OCD concluded that the potential for any other activation of such a noisy and high-risk space was implausible. Therefore, OCD determined that private vehicle parking was likely a highest and best use in this location and could alleviate demand elsewhere in the neighborhood. Approximately 200 parking spots were built at this location in 2019.
Back Burner: Given that Wood Street Park is outside of OCD’s boundaries, OCD decided not to prioritize this project.
District-Based Valet and Promote Car-Sharing Car-Free Travel From Vision2026: “Valet parking can more efficiently use limited curbside space by letting guests arrive near their destination and having their car stored further away. Usually, such services are offered by individual restaurants with the unintended consequence of privatizing the curbside. In East Passyunk, however, businesses pooled their assets to provide valet for multiple establishments. This approach supports dining without being constrained by immediate parking availability.” Back Burner: OCD did not pursue this alternative, as it became less necessary due to lack of demand as a result of the rise of ride-sharing services.
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Market Street: Co-existence with Bicycling, Improved Frequency, and Considering Waterfront Light Rail Car-Free Travel / Better Connections From Vision2026: “Parking-protected bicycle lanes recommended herein require careful coordination with transit. As recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, offset transit bulbs would separate transit stops from the walkway, keep buses from needing to pull out of traffic to pick up passengers, and keep the bike lane from motorized traffic. “Improved service frequency during off-peak periods can make travel to and from Old City a vastly more convenient. Research finds that people are more likely to ride transit without consulting a schedule when a bus arrives every eight minutes or less. With this in mind, Routes 17 and 33, which serve the North and South 20th Street corridors currently have evening, late night, and weekend headways ranging from thirteen to thirty minutes. By setting a service standard that brings these under ten minutes, SEPTA can help Old City reach its goal of making car-free options the first choice of people.
“In 2010, DRPA studied the feasibility of Waterfront light rail to facilitate development, concluding that a Market Street alignment to City Hall would generate the highest ridership. Such service could be incorporated into the street design and frequency improvements above, but is not required by them. If the proposal is revisited in coming years, especially in light of newly strengthened Pennsylvania transit funding and regardless of operator, Old City should actively participate in the process.” In the Works: Off-set transit bulbs are included in the design for Market Street that has been funded through construction. Back Burner: Frequency upgrades and light rail considerations have not advanced.
Rapid Bus on Walnut/Chestnut Car-Free Travel / Better Connections From Vision2026: “The combined headways of Routes 9, 21, and 42 are frequent enough that they should provide convenient access to and from Midtown Village, Rittenhouse Square, and University City. However, because of many competing traffic interests, taking the bus from Independence Hall to Rittenhouse Square can often be slower than walking. Service could improve by more fully dedicating the right-hand lane of each street as transit-only, aggressively enforcing this policy (possibly including bus-mounted camera enforcement, depending on state law), and utilizing the City’s new Traffic Operations Center to provide signal priority. ” Back Burner: The City conducted an enforcement pilot on Chestnut Street in 2019, but no other physical or operational changes have been made. SEPTA is currently undertaking its comprehensive bus network redesign – Bus Revolution – which may be an opportunity to consider how to reduce bus delays through Center City.
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Route 57: Branding, Increasing Frequency, and Making Connections
Riverfront Links – Race/Dock
Car-Free Travel / Better Connections
From Vision2026: "The DRWC’s Race Street Connector projects help bring Old City to Race Street Pier and the Delaware River. Extending that connection west by creating a bike lane on the south side of Race Street, and a bicycle-friendly treatment on Florist Street will better link Old City, the Riverfront, Franklin Square, and the Bridge. To the south, a clear connection must be created between the Spruce/Pine bike lanes, the proposed 2nd/Dock bike lane, and the riverfront through an inter-agency, community-involved effort."
From Vision2026: “With announcements and distinctive signage, the District can solidify itself in growing neighborhoods like Kensington and Pennsport, helping residents see Old City as their downtown, not just another neighborhood or a destination for folks from far away. […] Route 57operates on a 7-minute peak headway, but service drops off significantly on evenings and weekends. This diminished service keeps the commuter route from becoming a viable lifestyle option. Increasing frequency to a ten-minute headway during off-peak periods will, in turn, help make car-free travel a practical choice for residents to the north and south, and make Old City a convenient destination.”
Back Burner: OCD floated this proposal to SEPTA but has not pursued it, and the effort has been on hold while OCD focused on other projects.
Car-Free Travel / Better Connections
Back Burner: A bike lane has been installed on Race Street west of 6th Street; it has not been extended into Old City yet, but the City is presently planning a pilot project to extend it from 6th to 2nd Street. Similarly, the City established a 2nd Street bike lane north of Race Street, but it does not yet extend south; no City plans exist for a lane south of Market Street - connecting to Dock Street, Spruce/Pine, and the Waterfront.
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Priorities over the next five years As municipal authority, Old City District's capacity to directly implement elements of Vision 2026 is limited. OCD's influence, however, lies in its ability to shine a light on issues, bring parties together, and vocally advocate for progress around shared objectives. This progress update serves an opportunity to reflect on where that progress stands and then consider where effort should be directed. Over the next five years, top Vision2026 priorities for the District include: 1. Cultivating people: continued residential growth and return of office workers and visitors 2. Opening and sustaining of an Old City grocery store 3. Making curbside streeteries for restaurants a permanent fixture 4. Construction of parking-protected bike lanes on Market Street 5. Completion of the Commerce Street Walkway 6. Improvements to the park at 2nd and Market Streets 7. Further development of the plaza at Tamanend Square
Looking Ahead to Vision2036 America's Semiquincentennial in 2026 is just around the corner. By then, more of Vision2026 will have come to fruition, but surely, not all of it. One thing is certain, Old City will be a very different place in 2026 than it was in 2015 when OCD kicked off its community planning efforts.
WHAT NEXT?
As the United States begins its second quarter millennium, the nation's birthplace should have another clear vision laid out for its direction for the following decade. Using Vision2026 as a jumping off point, this plan should assess market dynamics, community values, public space, and transportation. Research, planning, and civic engagement for a Vision2036 will largely take place in 2025, which means resources to conduct the effort and a steering committee to guide it should be in place by 2024.
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This Vision2026 progress update has been prepared by the Old City District, with support from JVM Studio. Special thanks are given to Patricial Lavelle and Kate McGlinchey for their contributions.
Want to know more? For downloadable version of Vision2026, this progress update, and other documents, please visit www.oldcitydistrict.org/vision2026
Questions or comments? Email us at info@oldcitydistrict.org
Old City District Board of Directors
Jennifer Nagle Patrick Shillenn Donn Clendenon Timothy Snowden Kathryn Bittner Danielle DelRe Jonathan Dubrow Valerie Lyons Donal McCoy Ashley Peel Gosia Primavera Betsy Oliphant Ross Adam Teterus
