Extreme Makeover

Philadelphia is getting a face lift. The city is long over due for renovations of two of their most notable areas. For over a decade plans have come and gone to makeover the waterfront. Other than a few apartment towers and the new Sugar House Casino, Penn's Landing is scattered with vacant buildings and lots. This new plan is different from the previous. Instead of just a nice area to look across the river, the new project for the riverfront is to line it with low-rise residential buildings and shops. Also, ten parks are planned to be built along the Delaware. This will give ten neighborhoods access to recreation, just a ten minute walk away. When and if this project is complete, it will give Philadelphia yet another urban neighborhood to be proud of. 

Future Dilworth Plaza 

One of Philadelphia's most recognizable and historical buildings is also in line for a massive transformation. Dilworth Plaza, the area on the west-side of City Hall, is going to under go a $50 million project that will be completed by the fall of 2013. The now concrete plaza is going to get a large lawn to allow for concerts and other events. Next to the lawn, will be a giant fountain that pedestrians can walk across and in the winter will be converted into an ice skating rink. The plaza will also have a cafe with a number of glass pavilions that will have images projected on. At the same time Dilworth Plaza is in construction, Septa will start a $200 million renovation of it's subway.

With the current state of Philadelphia's economy and spending on the firing line, many will question these projects. However, it's important to invest in the city itself and give us, as a community, something to share and be appreciative of.