Philly’s foot traffic recovery stalls with emptier Center City offices
A lack of commuters meant 8.1 million square feet of empty office space in 2023, up from 4.2 million in 2019, according to the annual Center City District report.
“It might be time to stop talking about recovery,” said Prema Katari Gupta, the new CEO of Philadelphia’s Center City District. “Maybe our cities will never go back no matter how hard we will them to where we were in 2019. Continue reading…
Regional options to combine dinner, a show, and maybe a walk
Philly has plenty of great theater offerings this month, but spring has sprung, and it is time to get out of town and see what’s playing nearby.
Why stop at the theater? BP’s Jane Jane M. Von Bergen has your run down of where you can combine a stage show with dinner, drinks, and maybe even a walk or bike ride. We’ve even got a look at how to get there via public transit with this list of the top options to catch a show at a theater in our region. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Under new federal regulations, the Philadelphia Water Department will need to remove all of its lead service lines within 10 years. Finding, excavating and replacing them may cost half a billion dollars. [Grid Philly]
• Police detained a man who sprayed Penn student protesters’ food and belongings with an unknown liquid Wednesday morning as the encampment entered its sixth day and Penn began disciplinary hearings for protesters. [WHYY/TheDP.com]
• Unpaid utility bills may close a senior housing complex in West Philly and is just the latest threat to tenants still living at the 12-story complex. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Outdoor dining now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, according to Center City District’s new annual report. Streetery regulations are the subject of ongoing debate in City Council. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]
• AARP Pennsylvania is leading volunteers on “walk audits” to help the city improve accessibility, a coalition of groups is conducting audits of the sidewalks in three council districts this spring. [PhillyVoice]
• The Franklin Institute’s Giant Heart is closing for six months during renovations to the exhibit space. [NBC10]
• Home court advantage: Sixers owners buying 2,000 Game 6 tickets to keep out Knicks fans. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker speaks at the Greater Philadelphia Summit on Business Impact and Volunteerism, hosted by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce (9:30 a.m.) before heading to Habitat for Humanity’s 15th annual Building Hope fundraising luncheon (12:30 p.m.).
In the evening, Parker heads to Drexel for the inaugural Philly Service Award Impact Ceremony celebrating student-led service projects (5 p.m.).
She also will host the second “One Philly” budget town hall at Xclusively Yours Events in South Philadelphia (6 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🧸 Friday, May 3: Toy Story 4 screening
Didn’t realize there was a fourth movie in the classic movie series? Catch this free screening in West Fairmount Park with Friday Flicks at the Fountain. Free with RSVP; donations welcome. (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
📚 Saturday, May 4: Cinco de Mayo Book + Bake Sale
Join the Friends of Oak Lane Library for a Cinco de Mayo-themed book sale featuring gently used books, fresh baked goods, vendors, and live music. All proceeds will benefit the library. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
👜 Saturday, May 4: The Wardrobe Sidewalk Sale
Second-hand vintage and off-season finds priced at $1, $5, or $10 will be available in Northern Liberties. (12 to 5 p.m.)
✨ Sunday, May 5: Philadelphia Children’s Festival
Expect outdoor shows, interactive workshops with dancer-gymnasts of Pilobolus, zany acrobats invading a museum, the history of Cinco de Mayo told through folkloric dance, seriously silly hocus pocus, a powerful book brought to life onstage and more. Rain or shine. Tickets range from free to $15+. (Various times, through Tuesday, May 7)
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