This Week: August 4, 2022

Editor - Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

South Street

First there was the invasion of the ATV’s and the dirt bikes.

Then there were the shootings that left three people dead.

And now Jim’s Steaks goes up in flames.

South Street isn’t just any Philadelphia avenue.

It’s special, it’s historic, and it needs our help.

So: Patronize, Patronize, Patronize. Show the Love.

It deserves no less.

CCRA News and Events

Two Wins for the Neighborhood

We are pleased to report the very positive reception from the Civic Design Review process on two major new projects in Center City West. (The process and the projects were described in a special edition of CCRA This Week.)

The Life Sciences building proposed by Breakthrough Properties at 2300 Market, which preserves two historic buildings and has a handsome overbuild, was unanimously approved on Tuesday, August 2. Among the reactions from the members of the CDR was enthusiastic support for CCRA’s ongoing effort to engage Center City developers in constructive negotiations resulting in favorable Community Benefits Agreements covering a wide range of topics of interest to the neighbors and the broader community. We were able to agree on an exciting new design for the project, an enhanced green environment and a pedestrian-friendly approach which goes far in reanimating that block of Market Street, together with quantifiable minority hiring and employment goals.

A few minutes following that presentation, the residential project at Broad and Lombard, proposed by the Goldenberg Group, was also well-received by the CDR members. The new tower is handsome and sleek and fits well adjacent to the historic property which is part of the project and is being left undisturbed but is incorporated into the overall scheme. A similar CBA is expected to be presented to the CCRA Executive Committee for its approval next Tuesday. Kudos to all CCRA members who worked on these projects…your efforts result in ongoing dividends to the community as post-pandemic growth ramps up in Center City West.

Public Zoning Committee Meeting

CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting on Tuesday, July 26. If you would like to watch the meeting, visit our YouTube channel. If you would like to review the report, click here. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug 23, 7pm, via Zoom.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

12th St. Catering Joins CCRA!

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides smaller local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight new Merchant Partner 12th Street Catering.

We are excited to introduce our new merchant partner!

For over four decades, the 12th Street Catering team has created beautiful events for Philadelphians in places ranging from private homes to landmark venues, for groups ranging in size from ten to thousands.

For a full-service event, they can manage every detail on the table — they’ll create a menu just for you, and they’ll provide delicious food, professional service and stunning décor. All you’ll need to do is manage your guest list. Or for something less formal, try their delivered catering services — breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals that are fantastic for both business and social gatherings.

And right now, they have a special one-time offer for CCRA members. With proof of CCRA membership, take 10% off the price of a delivered catering order for 20 or more guests (one time per customer). Or if you’re planning a full-service event for 50 or more guests, they’ll include a complimentary hors d’oeuvre.

Learn more at about 12th St. Catering here. Or call 215.386.8595!

Bon appetit!

Clean, Safe and Green

Be Fruitful and Multiply

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is offering a class in how to propagate plants ~ way more fun and cheaper than a trip to Lowes.

Go with a neighbor and you can even trade cuttings. Called Propagation Station, you'll learn all the tricks to properly propagate indoor plants and the best way to cut various types of plants. You’ll go home with four new cuttings to help turn your home into a verdant jungle. Or, be neighborly and give one to your friends, if you can part with one of your newbies.

To register, go here.

National Night Out at Rittenhouse Square

On Tuesday night the Ninth District of the Philadelphia Police Department celebrated National Night Out on Rittenhouse Square. A good crowd turned out to speak with Ninth District Police Captain Colleen Billups and the many other Police Officers who were present. Refreshments were served!

National Night Out is a nationwide event that occurs annually on the first Tuesday in August. It is a community-building program that is intended to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement. CCRA is proud to have been a co-sponsor of the event.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

First Friday at The Barnes with Omar’s Hat Live Jam and "Blackalachia"

This musical collective is a Philly based group of musicians who started on the corner of 45th and Locust, when a group of musicians gathered in a place called Meskerem to spark a jam that’s never stopped since. Check out their jam here to see if it’s your jam.

Plus, catch a screening of Blackalachia, an immersive film by Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Moses Sumney Ghanaian, presented in partnership with BlackStar Film Festival. The film will be followed by a conversation with the filmmaker. TGIF (August 5)

Broaden your world here.

Community News and Events

Fall Tai Chi Classes at Markward Playground

Click here to register

Grief is Good

With age comes wisdom, but coping with the natural losses that accompany aging is a separate skill. Not only must we learn to live with the grief of losing loved ones, but also our own diminishing capacities. Enter the Ralson Center, local specialists in the quality of life in aging.

In this free Zoom presentation, sponsored by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, participants will learn the difference between finite loss and living losses, come to understand the universal feeling of grief and loss in aging, and discover ways to find support to help cope with age-related losses. Learn more here .

Cav’s on Sansom Street? That Would be an Affirmative

Sports Bar fans take note. Cavanaugh’s is now closed, but its wings and burgers will shortly be available at its new location: 1921 Sansom Street. The new 4,000 sq. ft. space will be spread out on two levels, have two bars, 22 big-screen HD televisions and an 11-by-6-foot media wall for game viewing.

And yes, there’ll be a dictionary of craft beers at the new joint. Check here for background info, and here to find out opening day at the new digs.

Marvel-ous Comic Heroes on the Big Screen

Relax at Dilworth Park on a warm summer night while watching free blockbuster films on the big screen. This Friday (August 5; 8:15 pm), Pictures in the Park presents Spider-Man: No Way Home. Munch on popcorn, candy and other snacks at the Air Grille beer garden, plus beer, wine and cocktails for adults 21 and older. BYO chairs and blankets. To find out about other movies in the series, check out our Center City District friends here.

Glossier Comes to The Row

The secret to looking natural while wearing make-up? Ask Glossier, of course! The Insta-famous makeup and skincare brand, known for its dewy looks, is moving into its first Philly location, at Rittenhouse Row’s 1716 Walnut Street. Seems like they’re interested in meeting some actual (vs digital) customers, so be one of the first to sample their wares. To get the skinny, Philly Mag has the backstory here.

“Let’s Get Ready to…..”; Philadelphia Hosts Wrestling's Biggest Event in 2024

Get ready for 1st class entertainment, as WrestleMania lands at Lincoln Field in April, 2024. The City is expecting over 80,000 visitors for WrestleMania 40. Stay tuned for featured entertainers and wrestlers. But: is anything about WrestleMania even real? Yes. It is more real than Hollywood movies and TV shows. However, it is scripted and fake like them at the same time. Confused? Don’t worry, get a full explanation here .

Useful links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Would you 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.

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

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

Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St (215-790-0103)

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

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. (215-665-9220)

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

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

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

Frameworks Studio and Gallery, 2103 Walnut St, (215-567-6800)

Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St, (215-546-1479)

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

Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)