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No, it’s not always considered good form to pat one’s self on the back, but sometimes it’s justified, and so CCRA is going to step out of our lane a bit here and congratulate ourselves for working with our very good friends at the Center City District (CCD) in negotiating an agreement that resumed sidewalk cleaning on March 31.
Things aren’t always easy in the non-profit world, and CCRA and the CCD worked diligently and in good faith to get to a “Yes” that satisfied all parties.
So when you’re out and about and notice the sidewalks’ cleanly appearance, you know who to thank: CCRA, the CCD, and please do also thank the cleaners themselves.
They love that. And yes, You’re Welcome.
| | Save. The. Date. For What? For CCRA's May 21 Annual Meeting | | |
Gentlemen, start your Calendars. It’s time to save the evening of May 21 at 6pm for CCRA’s Annual Meeting, to be held at the splendid Trinity Memorial Church at 22nd and Spruce Streets.
Stay tuned for more info. Meantime, please register for the Meeting here.
| | Please Donate To Our Spring Campaign Today | | |
CCRA is a nonprofit, community organization primarily run by dedicated volunteers. But we have expenses, and we are not immune from inflation. We receive no government funding and therefore depend on the generous support of our members and friends.
In these uncertain times, there is one thing that you can be certain of: For over 75 years, CCRA has worked tirelessly to make Center City West - our neighborhood - a better place to live, work, and visit.
Here’s how we do it:
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We negotiate with real estate developers and city planners for smart development that improves our neighborhood
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We protect the historic fabric of our neighborhood by nominating buildings and neighborhoods for inclusion in the City’s Register of Historic Places
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We clean the sidewalks on trash days
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We combat crime and lawlessness by working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department
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We green the neighborhood by planting and tending to street trees and operating the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden
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We advocate for policies and programs that keep our neighborhood cleaner, safer, and greener
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We promote culture through collaboration with arts organizations
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We bolster local businesses
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We create community through publications, forums, and opportunities to meet and talk with neighbors
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We collaborate with others who share our objectives
Please consider donating today. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
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April showers didn’t keep over 30 volunteers from turning out to plant 14 street trees in our neighborhood last weekend.
From hauling trees, tools and soil, to pick-axing roots and pounding stakes, they made the green magic happen.
A special shout-out to Global Shapers, Wharton STEP and Stonewall Sports who sent multiple members to help out.
Property owners may apply for a street tree in front of their property here. Deadline for the fall planting is April 28.
| | An Evening You'll Remember Forever at the AVA | | Zoning Committee Is Looking for New Members | | |
Do you love this neighborhood? Do you care what it develops into?
Join fellow Center City residents on the Zoning Committee to address this. Responsibilities include meeting once a month and reviewing zoning cases. A background in design, preservation, law, or development is helpful but not required.
What is needed is a genuine interest in Center City's built environment and a willingness to engage in productive, focused discussions. We provide training on zoning (i.e., what the Committee can and cannot address).
To apply, please send your resume and why you are interested to centercity@centercityresidents.org by April 30.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Public Zoning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 7pm via Zoom
Zoom Link here | View the agenda here
| | Join Us for a Talk and Tour Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Rittenhouse-Filter Historic District! | | |
When: Sunday, May 11th at 2pm
Where: Trinity @ 22nd (2212 Spruce St)
The event will begin with a panel discussion featuring architectural historian and former Philadelphia Historical Commission member David Brownlee as well as former PHC staff Sally Elk and Laura Spina who helped with the approval of the district. They will discuss the challenges and successes in creating the district thirty years ago as well as CCRA's involvement in advocating for the district's nomination.
The cost of the event is $20. It will help fund CCRA's various neighborhood projects, such as the current "Chestnut Street West Commercial Historic District" project, which will preserve the rich architecture of Chestnut Street West for future generations of CCRA area residents and all Philadelphians to enjoy.
If you would like to attend, please register below. Any additional contributions would be greatly appreciated!
| | 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 feature new Merchant Partner Hyatt Centric Hotel!
Say Hello to New Merchant Partner and Boutique Hotel Hyatt Centric!
When family and friends are in from out of town, is there a better idea than a modern, upscale hotel right in the heart of Center City? Short answer? No.
Let us please introduce the newest CCRA Merchant Partner, the Hyatt Centric Hotel! It’s new, it’s stylish, it’s tres cool—and only steps away from all that Center City has to offer.
The Hyatt Centric features inspiring rooms and suites with bold colors and stunning city views, and its staff of true locals can point you to their favorite downtown spots to explore and enjoy.
Your friends and family can check into one of their 310 thoughtfully designed rooms or 22 contemporary suites and then check out the best of Center City: the Rittenhouse Square vibe, the top-flight restaurants, the many museums, the upscale shopping… well, you know. That’s why you live here.
And CCRA Members, proud Philadelphians and gracious hosts that they are, receive up to a 20% discount on room rates. Restrictions may apply. What’s not to love?
Spread the word about the Hyatt Centric Hotel!
| | Dig In at the Penn State Master Gardeners Plant Sale | | |
Check out the Penn State Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center on Sunday, April 27, 10 am to 2 pm.
This year they will focus on native pollinator plants such as bee balm and black-eyed susan, but you will also find some lesser-known varieties for shady or small spaces.
Then register your planting here on the neighborhood Pollinator Pathway! For more info, dig here.
| | All Aboard to Funland in East Passyunk and Manayunk | | |
Take a road trip this month and hang with our near neighbors in either Manayunk or East Passyunk.
Tough choice for Sunday, April 27th (both from 11 am to 5 pm). Bike, drive, bus or train will get you there to start your Philly Street Fair season.
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First option: East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue festival is back for its 19th year! With 5 blocks of food, drink, crafts and fun for folks of all ages. You can dine and sip your way through the neighborhood’s best creations while strolling down this historic Avenue. East Passyunk will be closed to car traffic from Broad Street to Dickinson Street. Details here.
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Second option: Manayunk’s strEAT Food Festival. Manayunk goes all out, rain or shine! BBQ to sweet desserts will tempt you as Philadelphia’s best food trucks and gourmet food vendors sell their wares on historic Main Street, Manayunk.
You’ll be able to taste test the best and enjoy festival shopping from a variety of local vendors and Manayunk merchants. The day will also bring live musical performances from six acts at two different stages.
Details here. Bon appétit!
| | Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | | Panda Fest is Coming To Philly! | | |
You won’t find live Pandas, but you’ll find plenty of Asian food, merchandise, activities entertainment, and plenty of Panda swag at the travelling Panda Fest fair coming to Philadelphia on Sat., April 26, starting at 10 a.m. at City Hall’s Dilworth Park.
Panda Fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
At this ticketed event you can expect more than 300 Asian Street food vendors from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and others; over 50 Asian specialty vendors; and a line-up of live entertainment featuring traditional music, contemporary Asian pop, vibrant dance routines, and theatrical acts. Timed tickets are available at Eventbrite.
| | A Side of Support With Every Bite | | |
Join Philly, Delco and Bucks County restaurants on Thursday, April 24 for the 35th annual Dining Out For Life! This cherished event invites you to enjoy a meal that supports individuals living with HIV through Action Wellness.
This event has raised over $5 million to date, ensuring that no one faces HIV alone. From cozy bistros to vibrant eateries, there’s a seat waiting for you to make a difference.
So gather your friends, savor delicious dishes, and turn your dining experience into an act of compassion. For more details and to explore the list of participating restaurants, click here.
| | Community News and Events | | History With A Shot of Scotch Whiskey | | |
For those double-dippers with a passion for BOTH history and scotch whiskey, the curators of the famous Carpenter’s Hall have added a new twist to their offerings: a special after-hours combo scotch tasting and building tour – running every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM through May 29 at the historic venue located at 320 Chestnut Street.
Attendance at each tour is limited to 10 people, so you’ll enjoy an intimate experience sipping the whiskey in the 19th Century Library and touring around the rest of the 1770 National Landmark. In addition to the three rotating scotches that will be served, tours feature access to the Hall’s rarely-seen second floor led by Executive Director Michael Norris.
You can learn more at the Carpenter’s Hall website, or from this article in the Metro newsletter. The $45 tickets are available through Airbnb.
| | The Penn Relays is Like Having the Olympics in Your Own Backyard | | |
Simply out, there is nothing remotely like the Penn Relays, and we are insanely fortunate to have it within walking distance of Center City.
It’s the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at historic Franklin Field. More athletes run in the Penn Relays than at any other track and field meet in the world.
It regularly attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs throughout North America and abroad, notably Jamaica, competing in more than 300 events over five days.
If you’ve never been, you really, really should. This year it’s April 24 through 26. Sprint, pole-vault or high-jump to the details here.
| | Frame It! Philly’s Finest on Display | | |
Discover history and artistry at the 63rd annual Philadelphia Show, April 24–27, 2025, on the East Terrace of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Browse fine art, antiques, and design from over 40 top dealers, and enjoy special lectures, free Dealer Talks, and a family-friendly Treasure Hunt (April 26–27, 11am–5pm).
Highlights include talks from Antiques Roadshow’s Sam Farrell and FBI Art Crime Team’s Jake Archer. Proceeds support the museum’s Department of Learning and Engagement.
Some events, including lectures and the Preview Party, require separate tickets. Learn more about The Philadelphia Show here, explore lecture details and browse all events and activities.
| | The Schuylkill River Park Farmers Market Returns | | Get excited! The farmers market comes back on Sunday, May 11 from 9 am to 1 pm. Follow along here for updates. | | 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. | | CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
