2023 Year End Review

A Message from our Managing Director

As we approach the end of the year, it's a great time to reflect on all the progress and accomplishments that CCRA has made. The committees within our organization have been hard at work throughout the year, tackling important initiatives and striving to make a positive impact.

This year, Center City West continues to revitalize post-pandemic. Visitors have returned to shop, dine, and walk our historic streets. Developers are planning massive buildings that bring more jobs. Vacant shops are being replaced with new ones. New restaurants are opening, which grows Philadelphia's Foodie scene. In short, Philadelphia is back!

We know it's not all "wine and roses," and more needs to be done - i.e., the increase of homelessness, trash, public safety, and other trials that Center Center West faces daily. But rest assured, we see and hear you. We are doing our best to deal with the challenges head-on.

Our commitment to fulfill our mission remains strong. From implementing new programs to strengthening existing ones, our committees and members have been instrumental in shaping the direction of our organization. So, enjoy reading some of the highlights and key achievements from 2023. As always, we thank you for your support and look forward to a prosperous 2024.

Warm wishes this holiday season,

Travis Oliver

CCRA News and Events

It Takes a Neighborhood

Yes, CCRA’s great and all that, but we’re not the only game in town. It’s critical that we reach out to other neighborhood groups as well. Strength in numbers, y’know? Community Engagement Chair Barbara Halpern spells it all out here.

No Failure to Communicate Here

Communication is a two-way street in CCRA World; we talk to you, and you talk to us. This takes the form of weekly newsletters, a quarterly magazine, Social Media blasts and a whole lot more. Read Communications Chair Richard Vaughn’s communique here.

Development Keeps the Ball Rolling

An outfit like CCRA doesn’t run on air; fund-raising is an integral part of our success. Let Development Chair Kate Federico break it all down here.

Dollars and Sense from the Finance Committee

Maybe not exactly with a green eyeshade anymore, but the financial status of CCRA is critical to our continued success in accomplishing our mission. Finance Chair Rick Speizman spells it out here.

“G” is for Gritty, but also for Green

Philly’s a gritty city for sure, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be green, and CCRA’s Green Committee more than does its part. Let Green Committee Chair Susan Kahn tell you all about it here.

History Liveth Here

Philadelphia is nothing if not the most historically robust of cities, and CCRA’s Historic Preservation Committee works hard to keep that top of mind. Jim Duffin and Irina Wight go deeper here.

“Join the Party”, says the Membership Committee

You've got no organization without people, and the more the merrier, which is what the Membership Committee is all about. Another very active year in that regard, as Membership Chair Michele Ettinger spells out here.

Streetwise in the Big City

Philadelphia is nothing if not a city of streets, and no year goes by without both churn and change in making the streets work better for pedestrians, cyclists and morotists.

Let CCRA’s Streets maven, Bill West walk you through 2023 here.

In the Zone with the Zoning Committee

To state the obvious, zoning is critical in a densely-packed area like Center City West. Virtually every development decision has side-effects that need to be considered, and considered seriously, which is where CCRA’s Zoning Committee comes in. Read this year’s report from Zoning Co-Chairs Veronica Aplenc and Rebecca Frisch here.

CCRA Merchant Partner Feature

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Dom’s Shoe Repair.

Dom’s Shoe Repair: A Shoe-In

Ever have a beloved pair of shoes you wore to death and which pained you to toss? Or a pair of boots to die for that simply went the way of all flesh? Or sandals, too? We’ve all been there. It’s painful.

The next time that happens, though, you need to get that footwear to Dom’s Shoe Repair at 203 S.20th St. The man may not quite be a miracle worker, but he’s close. Stories abound of how he’s taken lost causes and restored them to their former glory.

And no, it’s not just about the shoes (nor boots, nor sandals). Dom’s has been known to resuscitate handbags in dire straits, plus there are even urban legends about him making watchbands good as new. All of which is done with Honesty, Humor and Hospitality.

Need more? How about a 10% discount to CCRA members? (FYI: The discount may not be combined with other sales or discount programs.)

Clean, Safe and Green

Fall Leaf Cleanup!

Does your block look like this? Let’s clean up before the leaves turn to mush. The City will compost leaves bagged in biodegradable bags and dropped on the SW corner of Broad and Christian Streets on Dec. 16 between 9 am and 3 pm. For more information, go here.

Master Watershed Steward Program

Interested in environmental education and citizen science to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and the environment? Become a Penn State Extension Service Master Watershed Steward! Learn more about the program by attending a virtual information session on Tuesday, December 19 or Thursday, January 4, both at 6 p.m. on Zoom. To register, go here.

Useful Links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift, 1600 Spruce St. (267-209-3350)

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)

Excursions from the Square, (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

Experience Empathy Through Art Inquire within (violetalexandre@gmail.com)

Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)

FrameWorks Studio & Gallery, 2103 Walnut St (215-567-6800)

Interact Theatre Co., 302 S. Hicks (215-568-8079)

Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S. Broad St (215-893-1900)

Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587)

Loews Hotel Philadelphia, 1200 Market St (215-627-1200)

Mr FIX, 413 S. 20th St (215-261-5646)

Osteria Ama 1905 Chestnut St (484-355-4133)

Philly Bike Tours, Inquire within (267-521-2150)

PhotoLounge, 130 S.17th St (267-322-6651)

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St (215-735-6311)

Sandcastle Fun Co., Inquire within (267-462-1680)

Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)

The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St (215-644-9714)

The Philadelphia Orchestra, One S. Broad St (215-893-1955)

The Philadelphia Theater Company 480 S Broad St (215-985-0420)

The River Boat Tours, Schuylkill River & Walnut St (215-309-5523)

The Rounds, internet only

Urban Tree Painting, Inquire within (445-230-1208)

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner.