Transition :: Please Note!
I will be transitioning to a different Blog platform within the next week or so.

You should update your records with the new URL:

http://elliptic.typepad.com

You will be re-directed to that site in 5 seconds or so.

Even more about Old City!
There has been some talk about a new apartment / housing development taking root at:

1. The National Products Building on 2nd St. between Arch and Race, and
2. The empty lots between Bread St. and 2nd St.

I had only heard about this as an abstract plan, but I have bumped into some blueprints and visuals to accompany the proposal and a PDF of some of the changes to the plan resulting from community feedback.

There has been some concern about demolishing and/or altering the National Products Building -- concern that led to it being designated a historic building worthy of some protections. The other sector of the project, between 2nd St. and Bread St., fills some empty, blighted space left behind by a fire that razed some buildings about five years ago -- though there are some grumblings out there that it may "crowd" the narrow and rickety Bread Street.

| Center City Philadelphia Development Map 1992 - 2003 (PDF) |

More changes to Old City (in Philadelphia) in the works...
Apparently, Yaron Properties has plans to revamp some spots in Old City.

The corner of Front & Market as well as the area around the corner of 3rd and Arch seem to be candidates for:

- a hotel
- a Stephen Starr restaurant
- a bank
- a "major national bookstore chain" ::shudder::
- a "5-star quality" spa

Of course, all this is subject to the impressive pressures known to be presented by neighborhood and historic associations -- so a "wait-and-see" attitude seems about right. Oh, and note that discussions about these initiatives have been going on for about two years now -- see "Related Topics" box next to the article in the Philadelphia Business Journal.