Field Notes: The Porch – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Isaac Kremer/ June 23, 2019/ beer, Economic, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, plaza/ 0 comments

The 30th Street Station in Philadelphia became a place for some excitin innovation in November 2011. This is when a drive for vehicle pick-up and drop-off was converted to a people-friendly plaza. This was achieved through the addition of food trucks, a beer garden, plantings, and plenty of space for people to spread out.

A view of the sidewalk that had previously been curb space for the 30th Street Station.
A sculpture, XOXO With Love, Philadelphia gives an instagram worthy moment and also adds a splash of color.
Planters of varying textures and sizes are grouped to create a garden oasis at one end as people enter “The Porch.”
Fermob “Luxembourg” chairs and tables allow people to personalize the space by moving furniture and grouping as they see fit.
Interesting covered swing structure made of steel. Appears to have gotten significant use. Even better than a swing for one is a swing for two.
The Beer Garden is one of several containerized or food truck offerings that expand what the 30th Street Station is able to provide commuters and guests. While a Beer Garden in name, at least during our visit it really did not compare with others in Philadelphia like the Independence Beer Garden.
Graphic place brand element #ThePorchat30th and the University City District that is responsible for management of the space.
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About Isaac Kremer

Isaac is a nationally acclaimed downtown revitalization leader, speaker, and author. Districts Isaac managed have achieved over $1 billion of investment, more than 1,899 jobs created, and were 2X Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists and a 1X GAMSA winner in 2023. His work has been featured in Newsday, NJBIZ, ROI-NJ, Patch, TapInto, and USA Today. Isaac is a Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP), with additional certifications from the International Economic Development Council, National Park Service, Project for Public Spaces, Grow America (formerly the National Development Council), and the Strategic Doing Institute.

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