American Planning Association recognizes

thriving eight-block segment of South Broad Street

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 19, 2008) — An eight-block stretch of Avenue of the Arts on South Broad Street that offers some of Philadelphia’s best retail, restaurant, residential and entertainment destinations, was recently honored by the American Planning Association (APA) with a “Great Streets” designation.

 

Avenue of the Arts was among 10 honorees to make APA’s “Great Streets” Honor Roll as part of its 2008 “Great Places in America” program. Avenue of the Arts, from City Hall to South Street, was recognized for “its historical character, focus on the arts, social vibrancy, and public and private redevelopment efforts.” First developed in 1861, South Broad Street is one of the oldest planned streets in the country.

“We are grateful for the “Great Street” designation, and happy to see that we’re helping set our great city apart as a standard for redevelopment,” said Karen Lewis, Executive Director for Avenue of the Arts, Inc., the non-profit organization that coordinates and oversees the growth and development of Avenue of the Arts.

Some $100 million in public funds invested in South Broad’s redevelopment has attracted more than $1 billion in private investment. That has paved the way for streetscape improvements and given new life to nearly 40 performing arts institutions. That includes world-class venues like the Kimmel Regional Performing Arts Center, Wilma Theater, the Philadelphia Clef Club, and Freedom Theater, which complement a stable of high-end retailers, restaurants and residential communities.

Avenue of the Arts, Inc., is an independent non-profit organization created in 1993 that aims to reinvigorate Broad Street as the arts and entertainment heart and soul of Philadelphia and the region by providing leadership for the growth of Avenue of the Arts as a vibrant and attractive place to work, shop, live, learn and play.

The Avenue of the Arts corridor is a 3.5-mile section of Broad Street from Temple University (Glenwood Avenue) in North Philadelphia to Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia. AAI has played a vital role in the creation of several key performing arts venues and has advocated for the physical improvement of the district’s streetscape. AAI serves as a catalyst for policies, programs, and projects that encourage economic and cultural development on the Avenue of the Arts through marketing, beautification projects, and careful planning and research for sustainable growth. For more, visit www.avenueofthearts.org.

APA is a non-profit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society. For more, visit www.planning.org.