Spring 2026
Newsletter of the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation
Center City Digest From our President Page 2
Staff Stories Page 5
CCD News Page 6
Reports & Research Page 10
Center City District
Stroll. Shop. Socialize. Sundays, April 5–May 17 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
West Walnut
From our President
2
Spring 2026 — Center City Digest
Same Street, New Story
Picture Rittenhouse Row on a typical Sunday morning. People fill the sidewalks, browse Anthropologie, Philadelphia Runner, or the Apple Store, people-watch over brunch at one of Parc’s coveted sidewalk tables facing Rittenhouse Square. Yet, despite the retail activity and sidewalk animation, two-thirds of the space between buildings is allocated to vehicular storage and movement rather than the foot traffic that is generating commercial revenue. Now, picture the same street on any Open Streets Sunday. Thousands of people are strolling, sitting, eating, playing and discovering a version of their city that the street, on any other day, makes structurally impossible. Toddlers, initially cautious about crossing the curb line, chase giant bubbles through the middle of an intersection. Couples, families, and friends linger over brunch on tables that spill up and down 18th Street. Dogs make friends. Suburbanites make a day of it. And, critically, retail sales and foot traffic are up significantly: Economic benefits include a 38 percent average sales increase for businesses and a 62 percent rise in in-store foot traffic on event days. Nothing about the street has been rebuilt or redesigned. The space has simply been reallocated, temporarily privileging people and place over throughput. Streets consume an extraordinary share of urban land, and for most of the last century, cities have operated under a single, largely unexamined assumption about what they are for. Moving cars through has been the default. Everything else — walking, jogging, sitting, playing, gathering — must negotiate for whatever is left over.
Prema Katari Gupta President & CEO Center City District Follow us! @centercitydistrict
Open Streets questioned that assumption, temporarily, and revealed what becomes possible when a city’s default operating code gets rewritten in favor of people and place. Around the world, great shopping streets are places first. As a college student studying abroad in Florence, I marveled at (and was perhaps radicalized by) the nightly Passeggiata — the liminal time
between work and supper when Florentines strolled the pedestrianized shopping streets to see and be seen. Copenhagen’s Stroget and Barcelona’s Ramblas are two iconic examples of well-performing retail streets that are great places. There are many examples outside of Europe, from Mexico City and Bogota to Tokyo and Sydney. What these streets share is something that has become increasingly rare and increasingly valuable: they are places where diverse groups of people gather, encounter one another serendipitously, and share physical space. Much has been written about the troubling rise of loneliness and isolation in modern life, a crisis accelerated by a culture that has placed growing value on the remote, the private, and the digital, from where we work and shop to how we celebrate and socialize. So much of life has migrated elsewhere that the streets and public spaces where unscripted human connection still happens at scale have taken on heightened significance. America’s experiments with pedestrianized streets, from Denver’s 16th Street Mall to Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade, have produced mixed results, and those results have made cities cautious. But the choice is not binary. Between a street that belongs entirely to cars and one that belongs entirely to pedestrians lies a broad and largely unexplored middle ground. The Open Streets model is temporary, flexible, and reversible, capturing the benefits of a people-first street without requiring a costly, irreversible, permanent bet. A partial, temporary reallocation of street space toward people delivers returns that car-dominated streets cannot. Philadelphia, through Open Streets, has begun to claim that middle ground; few cities are better positioned to do so. In 2025, Philadelphia was named the most walkable city in America by USA Today‘s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Developed largely before the automobile became dominant, Center City concentrates residential towers, office buildings, restaurants, shops, arts institutions, and services on a compact, flat footprint, with interwoven land uses that would be nearly impossible to create from scratch today. Ground-floor retail and restaurants
3
keep sidewalks animated and interesting, and, of course, Center City District’s on-street teams provide cleaning, public safety, homeless outreach, and hospitality services that make those sidewalks comfortable and inviting for everyone.
Our team built something special and we built it carefully, earning trust from restaurants and retailers, coordinating city agencies, and executing the event with the kind of operational precision that only looks easy from the outside. I am so grateful for everyone who contributed to it: our staff who set up and broke down every Rittenhouse Row has earned a place among the nation’s premier barrier, our partners in the administration of Mayor Cherelle urban retail corridors, alongside Georgetown’s M Street and Venice Parker, including the Philadelphia Police Department, who made Beach’s Abbot Kinney, a must-have location for expansion-minded it operationally possible, the businesses that took a chance on brands. Among these are Vuori, Veronica Beard, Glossier, and North something new, and the community members who showed up and America’s very first Michael Jordan World of Flight store. The area kept showing up until Open Streets felt less like a program and delivers what today’s best retail brands seek: density, walkability, more like a fixture of city life. a growing residential population, and an engaging cadence of storefronts under a tree canopy that maintains visual interest and From Market East to various neighborhood commercial corridors, invites exploration on every block. conversations about how Philadelphia’s streets should be used is only growing — and the enthusiasm for pedestrianization should Open Streets was the obvious answer — doubling down on the not outrun the conditions that make it work. A healthy downtown walkability, density, and street-level vitality that already define the needs a differentiated street network: arterial corridors optimized corridor, while testing a proposition that the world’s great retail for movement and efficiency, and others, where density, retail, and streets had long since proven: that people on foot are better for residential demand have converged, functioning as destinations business than people in cars. rather than conduits. Open Streets succeeded on West Walnut because the conditions were right. The lesson is not that cars don’t Twenty events later, the results exceeded what our measured belong downtown. It is that on the right street, at the right moment, optimism allowed us to predict. More than 170,000 visitors. A “Best temporarily changing the default operating code of a street in of Philly” recognition from Philadelphia Magazine. Inga Saffron favor of people and place generates economic and civic returns declaring Open Streets a “Philadelphia Ramblas on Walnut Street.” that the default cannot. Knowing the difference is what separates The Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board calling it an example of thoughtful placemaking from magical thinking. “thinking big — and sticking the landing.” A recurrence that has evolved the program from novelty to expectation without losing the After 20 events and counting, it’s no longer a question of whether quality that made people show up in the first place. Open Streets works. It’s how far we can take it.
Celebrate Spring in Center City
4
For details on events: ccdparks.org
Spring 2026 — Center City Digest
Open Streets: West Walnut
Sister Cities Park
Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. April 5–May 17
International Day of Play June 11
Dilworth Park Happy Hour in the Patio Ongoing Weekdays, 5–7 p.m. Made in Philadelphia Market Friday & Saturday, 12–8 p.m. Sunday, 12–6 p.m. April 10–12 Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m. April 21–October 6 Arts on Center Stage Thursdays, 6–7 p.m. May 21–August 27 NRG Pitch at the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn April 3–October 10
Host your event or promote your brand at a CCD park!
For information, contact rentals@centercityphila.org
Center City Fit
Staff Stories
5
Going Above & Beyond Community service representatives awarded for exceptional efforts Three members of CCD’s “team in teal” were recently recognized for their professionalism and quick responses to a pair of incidents in Center City. Back in November, Community Service Representative Angela Short received a radio dispatch regarding a person behaving irrationally and confronting pedestrians. Several minutes later, she observed someone matching the provided description and exhibiting similar behavior. She promptly alterted CCD dispatch and remained at the scene until a CSR manager and police officers responded and took the suspect into custody. In December, when CSRs Ray Nardi and Ben Segarra were confronted by a person making threats and acting irrationally, they disengaged from the situation and provided information to police. It was later determined that the person was in need of emergency mental health services and had vandalized multiple National Park Service vehicles.
Employee Spotlights Sidewalk cleaner retires after 25 years A long-time member of CCD’s cleaning team, John J. Cox, retired at the end of January after 25 years on the job. Director of Operations Karl Tyler and John’s colleagues held a send-off to celebrate his years of service and his retirement.
Join our team! centercityphila.org/jobs
Facilities tech praised for his care and professionalism Facilities maintenance tech Anthony Samuels was commended by an educator at Robert K. Shafer Middle School in December for retrieving a distraught 8th-grader’s dropped phone that wedged itself in an unreachable spot at the Rothman Rink. “As a last resort, I approached Anthony ... and with great care and maneuvering himself, after quite some time, he managed to successfully grab the phone,” the teacher said. “In a world where so many people are rushed and distracted, he took the time to help a young student in need and gave us a sense of relief.”
6
Spring 2026 — Center City Digest
CCD News
New trees planted on Market East Over the winter, CCD’s horticulture team planted 40 new trees along the East Market Street corridor. After an assessment from experts at the Morris Arboreum, any trees determined to be dead or dying were removed and replaced with healthy new trees. The work represents just one part of a planned overall refresh of the corridor’s bus shelters, pedestrian and vehicular light poles, and sidewalk planters in time for summer.
Dilworth Park sets attendance record in 2025 It was a record-breaking year for Dilworth Park in 2025. More than 12.9 million people visited the CCD-managed park last year. The high traffic was driven in part by popular winter attractions like the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and the expanded new Rothman Cabin, as well as the interactive Water Orchestra installation, which turned out to be a highlight of fall in Center City.
It’s almost tulip time at Dilworth Park Everyone’s favorite spring selfie spot will be sprouting soon at Dilworth Park. While there’s no way to predict the exact time the flower show will begin, it usually happens in early to mid-April. They’ll look a little different this year: red and white tulips are being joined by blue hyacinths to create a patriotic color combination in honor of the country’s 2026 semiquincentennial.
New on CCD’s IG: “Center City in 60” Check out our Instagram account for “Center City in 60,” a new video series where our communications team shares exciting news happening in and around Center City. From recent retail openings and national rankings to local restaurant awards and new developments in the pipeline, it’s a 60-second biweekly roundup highlighting some of the headlines you may have missed. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop!
7 Outreach teams connect 205 people with services in 2026 Last year, 205 people living on the streets in Center City were connected to shelter, medical care, and other services thanks to the dedication of CCD’s three homeless outreach teams. That number is up from 135 in 2024. The teams include a CCD outreach specialist, a Project Home outreach worker, and a crisis-intervention officer from the Philadelphia Police Department’s service detail. Six days a week, they work to consistently engage with unsheltered people, building the trust that’s needed before they agree to accept what are often live-saving services. This work is costly, but it is crucial. To meet the need, we have added two outreach workers this year. We are acutely aware that there is much more to do but we are confident that additional staff will have a positive impact in the months to come. Visit our website for more about outreach and how you can help.
Retail & Restaurant Roundup
8
Spring 2026 — Center City Digest
Shopping for a retail space? We’ve got you centercityphila.org/vacancymap
Our interactive map lets you explore all the available retail and restaurant spaces within CCD’s boundaries. Filter by square footage, by area of Center City, spaces convenient to public transit or located near residential developments, and more. There’s also contact information for our team to help you get started.
15 new openings in Center City centercityphila.org/shop
Center City welcomed 15 new shops, restaurants, and service providers in the early months of 2026. They include new outposts of Madis Coffee Roasters, Pagano’s Market, MacMart and Lululemon; Uchi, Holy Guacamole, The Tox and PRBLD making their debuts, and more. Our website has the full list.
FIFA up and running in the Fashion District The Fashion District is the home of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Volunteer Center. The 18,000-square-foot space will be the hub for recruiting, interviewing, training, and equipping over 3,000 volunteers for Philadelphia’s 2026 matches. Lincoln Financial Field is hosting six of the tournament’s 104 games, including a roundof-16 match on July 4.
James Beard Awards love Philadelphia centercityphila.org/blog
Philadelphia continues to be a culinary powerhouse in the 2026 James Beard Awards, with 12 local restaurants and chefs named as semifinalists across categories like Outstanding Chef, Restaurateur, and Best Chef: MidAtlantic. Notable nominees include Center City restaurateurs Greg Vernick and Amanda Shulman. Finalists are announced March 31.
9
Open Streets 2026 dates announced We’re excited for the return of Open Streets, our initiative that closes streets to cars on select days and opens them to people. The 2026 program has expanded to 20 dates in all: Open Streets: West Walnut is happening on select Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in spring, fall and winter and Open Streets: Midtown Village will be every Tuesday in June from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ahead of the season kickoff, a new CCD Open Streets report takes a look at how it started, how it’s going, and what’s to come. Read or download the report, and check out more dates, at centercityphila.org/openstreets. This spring, experience Open Streets: West Walnut every Sunday from April 5 through May 17.
Reports & Research
10
Spring 2026 — Center City Digest
See what’s new from the economic development team
Center City Real Estate Development
Let’s Take a Look at Market East
Center City Philadelphia continues to demonstrate its robust growth trajectory with 64 major development projects either completed, under construction, or in planning stages. This report, updated for 2026, provides images and key details for these projects, which span from Girard Avenue to Tasker Street, river to river.
A shared understanding of Market East’s inherent strengths, alongside its very real challenges, is an essential starting point for thinking strategically and tactically about its future. This brief guide is intended to help all Philadelphians understand some of the historical decisions and projects that molded Market East into what it is today.
The report notes that the $2.14 billion in major developments completed or under construction encompass approximately 555,000 square feet of commercial space and nearly 355,000 square feet of residential space that includes 8,240 residential units.
Information in this guide includes a timeline of Market Street’s development, the landmark buildings, infrastructure investments, and urban planning decisions that have driven its trajectory through to the present day, and key real-time facts about the corridor and its immediate surroundings.
centercityphila.org/developments
centercityphila.org/marketeast2026
Quarterly Market Update Q1 2026 centercityphila.org/q1-2026
The latest of our quarterly snapshots examines the ever-shifting dynamics in Center City’s office market. The report brings together building performance data with the latest information on foot traffic and retail offerings within the West Market Office District to provide a holistic look at the economic environment and the on-street experience for Center City workers.
A conversation on projects reshaping Center City
CPDC
11
Central Philadelphia Development Corporation members closed out 2025 with a forward-looking discussion about projects set to transform Philadelphia’s image on the world stage and enhance the cultural, employment, and recreational offerings of Greater Center City. Panelists included leaders overseeing the successful launch of Calder Gardens on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Scout’s plans for the former University of the Arts’ Hamilton and Furness halls, and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s progress on Penn’s Landing Park.
Become a member today Business leaders who are members of the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation (CPDC) have access to year-round programs and exciting events from panel discussions to hard hat tours of some of Center City’s most exciting projects. Membership pays for research and member engagement and enables CPDC to continue to provide reliable marketplace information and enhance the competitiveness of Center City. To learn more about CPDC and how to join, visit joincpdc.org or contact CCD Director of Research and Special Projects Lauren Smith at lsmith@centercityphila.org.
joincpdc.org
Pollinator Garden at Sister Cities Park’
Spring is for renewal Make your impact today at supportccdf.org
As the exceptionally cold and icy winter ends in Philadelphia, anticipation for spring’s arrival feels even stronger than usual. Springtime in Center City means spending more time outdoors and reconnecting with the spaces, places, and people we’ve been missing for months. Center City District’s horticulture team has been hard at work for months to set the stage for spring and summer. Every year, in addition to our primary initiatives to keep Center City sidewalks clean and safe, the horticulture staff expertly plans, plants, and tends to flower beds, planters, and trees throughout the downtown and in the four public spaces CCD manages: Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park, John F. Collins Park, and Cret Park. Our sidewalk cleaners, bicycle safety patrols, homeless outreach teams, and community service representatives are working every day to make our downtown a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Those of us who live, work, and have fun in Center City also understand how trees, planters, and vibrant parks can foster civic pride and create places for adults to relax and for children to play. You can ensure these places remain sources of joy for seasons to come. A donation now will ensure that our public spaces remain vibrant year-round.
supportccdf.org