Backers of a plan to transform unused rail lines north of Center City into an elevated park say it will draw private investment to blighted areas.

Source: Before Viaduct Rail Park is born, it nurtures area investment

Plus, an updated on the anticipated groundbreaking.

Source: Renderings: Chinatown’s Planned Eastern Tower at 10th and Vine

Harry K climbs the mountainous Terminal Commerce Building at Broad and Callowhill Streets to deliver this 360 degree view of the industrial giant.

Source: Indestructible At Broad And Callowhill | Hidden City Philadelphia

The area surrounding the Reading Viaduct, which is slowly being converted into an elevated park, is preparing for an influx of development interest. On…

Source: PlanPhilly | Commission approves new zoning maps for Chinatown North, west Market Street, Roxborough

If you’ve wandered along North Broad Street lately, you may be scratching your head at the phalanx of stainless steel columns that have suddenly appeared in the center, marching single-file from Callowhill Street to the North Philadelphia station. Are they modernist WiFi antennas? Props for pole dancers? Or maybe just a vulgar gesture aimed at Center City?

Source: philly.com – Changing Skyline: After $14 million on light masts, North Broad remains in the dark ages

Traverse two short blocks of tiny Pearl Street in Callowhill / Chinatown North this week and you have a chance to see this changing…

Source: PlanPhilly | Perspective shifts along Pearl Street Passage

https://twitter.com/SKleinedler/status/653568832808857600/photo/1

Philadelphia’s zoning board voted last week to approve plans for a major development at 1300 Fairmount Avenue, behind the Divine Lorraine. The project, from…

Source: PlanPhilly | Board approves supermarket and apartments behind Divine Lorraine

Before yesterday’s Pop-Up Shop festivities, Mayor Nutter helped break ground on the renovations of the Divine Lorraine into 100 apartments and retail space, including a restaurant that will be featured on the ground floor.

Source: Philebrity.com » Blog Archive » ICYMI: Work On The Divine Lorraine Is Underway

Plans for the Divine Lorraine Hotel, which has become a symbol of urban decay, include 109 new apartments, ground-floor restaurants and retail outlets.

Source: A ‘Billboard of Blight’ in Philadelphia Acts as a Catalyst for a Revival – The New York Times