I'm curious why u think retail destination can't work when Cherry Hill & KOP do just fine. In fact, at this point, if I want nice men's clothing options, I gotta leave the city for those two malls. I'd rather stay in Philly. Is it really not reasonable to compete against them w/ a better gallery?
I didn’t it can’t support any retail, just that it won’t be a concentrated retail destination. Btw, I’ve noted a boomlet of new men’s clothing stores near Rittenhouse, Juniors on 16th, a revived Wayne Edwards on Sansom and a third one i can’t recall.
I guess my point is "why not"? Is Greater Center City's population not large enough to support a true full mall like KOP? My perspective is that Gallery2.0 is failing bc of mismanagement. But, thanks for the tip on the stores!
Worth noting: the only longtime resident performing arts company in the East Market area, the Lantern Theater, is also hoping to move out. In the past these blocks have hosted numerous theaters - the crumbling parking ramp you mention was once the site of the Chestnut Street Opera House. . .
. . . it always confounds me that no recent city administration has taken advantage of the potential energy of the local arts community to revive historic neighborhoods - an aspect of urban life whose value everyone appreciates, and that people coming to the area would regard as a prime asset.
For example: the present Wilma Theater on S. Broad St. was built UNDER a new parking ramp in the 90s - this was due to a tax incentive that the developer received. When that parking ramp on Ludlow gets rebuilt - or the owners of the empty lots along E. Market are finally forced to build on them . .
. . . a ordinance giving developers financial incentives to include affordable spaces for theater companies, concert venues, comedy clubs, museums, art galleries etc. could do wonders. The arts keep urban spaces vibrant, help local businesses and attract new residents. More than any sports arena!
"The east side needs a plan and a leader" don't count on that leadership coming from the Mayor's office or anyone in city council responsible for center city. They're steadfastly clinging to old ideas about retail and auto-centric development, waiting for another savior to do the hard work for them.
You use East Market complex as an example but how many tenants has that rotated through already? I agree an entertainment destination is what we should be striving for Market East to become. If only there was some kind of event space hosting sports, concerts and shows proposed to go there.
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