The South Street Headhouse District is always looking for ways to improve the landscape of the area to bring new businesses, beautify the surroundings and find new means for neighbors and businesses to engage one another.
The following are capital improvement projects, either recently completed or underway.
South Street re-lamping and tree planting- Winter 2015-16
In December 2015, 25 new trees were planted throughout the District, replacing dead trees and empty tree pits, as well as replacing broken concrete with organic mulch around all the trees.
In January 2016, 130 pedestrian lights on South Street were relamped from the current yellow lights to brighter white LED lights. In addition, electrical outlets will be placed on all poles for special events and lighting.
4th Street Fabric Row Lighting Project- Winter 2015-16
After months of planning and an unseasonably warm December that allowed construction to move ahead of schedule, we are wrapping up the project that installed 40 new pedestrian lights and 10 overhead lights from Lombard to Christian Streets. In addition, curbs and sidewalks were repaired, new crosswalks were installed, and new trees were planted.
Special thanks to all the partners that made this amazing transition a reality: Councilman Mark Squilla, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, Philadelphia Streets Department, Seravalli Construction, Urban Engineers, Carr-Duff, and all the businesses on 4th Street.
Headhouse Plaza Redevelopment- in progress 2016-2017
Through funding from City Commerce Department, SSHD began the process of creating a new master plan for the area of 2nd Street between Lombard and South Streets.
The design process is ongoing, as are any updates for community groups.
Bainbridge Green- in progress 2017
The Friends of Bainbridge Green have been working for three years with the goal of reimaging “Bainbridge Green”, the tree lined area between 3rd & 5th Streets and things are beginning to take shape to take the project to the next stage.
Over the course of the last few months, the group and SSHD has conducted several meetings with various stakeholders as well as conducted traffic studies and enlisted landscape architects to flush out pre-schematic designs.
In September Jonathan Rubin and company worked to add beautiful mums and planting to the corner of 3rd & Bainbridge, as well as installed anti-skateboard plates on the walls and for that we thank them.
During Halloween weekend a small temporary ‘parklet’ was installed at the corner of 4th Street in the round-about in order to test the viability and use of the space as well as to see how it would effect traffic and businesses.
The next step are for a series of meetings with businesses, neighbors and community members to show the possible designs, take feedback and proceed with a plan for the viability of the park.
Partner Projects
Outdoor Street Art
Through a special grant program from the John L and James S Knight Foundation, SSHD sponsored a new mural from South Street’s Patron Saint of Artist’s, Isaiah Zagar.
The new installation will be on the westside of Schell Street on the 800 block of South Street on the side of the new Marketing Salon and Octo Media. The new glass and stone work will nearly complete the corridor street between South & Bainbridge. Over the years, the small alley street has become a popular attraction for fans of the artist’s work and extends the community of great art in the district.
In addition to the Zagar Mural, SSHD has sponsored the painting of numerous utility boxes and big belly trash cans to spruce up a normally drab functionality. The eclectic and dynamic ranging of artists has been coordinated and curated by Paradigm Gallery’s Sara McCorriston and features many up and coming artists from Philadelphia and beyond.
Additional art was commissioned through the grant with artists Buck & Eagle to transform vacant windows at the Abbott’s Square property on the 200 block of South Street into a magical winter wonderland.
