Despite having rich cultural neighborhoods like Washington Square and China Town, an outstanding transit infrastructure, and attractions like Independence Mall, the Convention Center, and other historic sites, Market East continues to struggle to live up to its full potential, and the city itself consistently lacks in pushing for positive drastic change. There have been many case studies on how to revive the district but still very little action and a lot of opinion.
One such plan I will discuss, although many drawing have yet to be released to the public, was done by EE&K. Their plan for Market East creates a vision that is integral with strategy. One that is not dominated by one use or project, but is characterized by the diversity of forms and activities that have marked Market Street's colorful history. The plan anchors itself on supporting a more sustainable future for the City by promoting transit ridership, leveraging the city's existing investment in one of the richest transit hubs found in an American City, and improving street-level air quality.
Their vision is based on key strategies for restoring Market Street's role as Philadelphia's Main Street: bringing everyone onto Market Street, focusing on places instead of projects by improving Market Street's pedestrian environment; promoting a mix of uses; and creating a new expanded intermodal transit center. The plan also creates opportunities for Chinatown and Jefferson to expand and envisions bold new connections to the Delaware River Waterfront and adjacent loft district.
EE&K is not entirely responsible for the vision or execution of the Market East plan. The plan was prepared by Philadelphia City Planning Commission staff in collaboration with EE&K, who worked as consultants. The full plan can be found on PCPC's website http://www.phila.gov/CityPlanning/plans/Area%20Plans/mkteastexecsum.pdf
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will post the link
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