The Transformation of Independence Mall
into a Mixed-Use Neighborhood

Tuesday, June 27, 8:30 AM

The Union League
140 South Broad Street
Grant Room

Independence Mall has been the epicenter of Philadelphia’s historic district and a major anchor for our tourism industry since the 1960s. Independence Hall is the primary reason why Philadelphia was named America’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2015. But for years, the Mall was surrounded by office buildings and public facilities with little sense of public animation at the sidewalk level. Even after the $230 million redevelopment of Independence Mall in the early 2000s successfully transformed public spaces with new destinations that attracted more than 5 million visitors in 2016, the Mall remained a place for tourists that was largely disconnected from the surrounding urban fabric. It was rarely a place that Philadelphia residents frequented, unless hosting out of town guests.

In 2014, one set of elevated walls that greeted visitors at 6th and Market Street was torn down and a landscaped beer garden reinvigorated the barren plaza of the Dow Building. Since then, a critical mass of properties along Washington Square and Independence National Historical Park has exchanged hands and is being repositioned to create a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.

Hear why local and national developers are investing in this area of downtown Philadelphia, how they plan to create Center City’s newest live-work district and how the area can connect with a resurgent Market Street East. Learn too about the changes and improvements at the Independence Visitor Center that are adding more retail vibrancy and visitor services on the Mall.

Speakers:

Bill Glazer, CEO, Keystone Property Group
Charles F. McGrath, Managing Director, MRP Realty
James J. Cuorato, President & CEO, Independence Visitor Center Corporation

Business attire required. No denim.

CPDC members are encouraged to invite both young professionals and other members of their firms to attend this meeting.

RSVP to Romina Gutierrez by Wednesday, June 21, at rgutierrez@centercityphila.org or 215.440.5543.