The Center City District has been awarded a federal grant to spruce up Dilworth Plaza (the area beside City Hall).
The Plaza is frequented now by the transient population and stragglers on break from jury duty, but when transformed, it will be a pedestrian-friendly public space with cafes, fountain, and lots of landscaping. For entertainment purposes, the space will also have concert venues which can acommodate 8,000 people and an ice skating rink.
The design fits within the guidelines of the Greenworks Philadelphia plan by reducing impermeable pavement by 38 percent, planting 76 trees (which increase tree canopy by 26%, reduce temperatures by 2 degrees, and remove an estimated 12.92 pounds of ozone per year), and including a storm-water management and irrigation system that will meet 100% of the sites watering needs. Granite from the site will also be salvaged and repurposed as part of the new design.
The improvements and significant increase in permeable surface are expected to not only improve the environment, but provide a warm welcome to residents and the hundreds of thousands of commuters who pass through the transportation hub each day (SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line, Broad Street Subway and the regional rail lines all meet under the Plaza).
Construction is set to begin in 201 1 and be completed by 2013.
