Inspired by the Piazza Navona in Rome, Bart Blatstein, the president of Tower Investments, created a public square out of an abandoned brewery lot in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. The plazza, which opened in May at 2nd street and Girard Avenue, is 80,000 square-feet. The architecture critic of The Philadelphia Inquirer said in an interview that the developer had managed to ”create a public space that feels authentic.”
Modern apartment buildings with more than 30 ground-floor retail spaces provide sides for the plaza. “At the southern end, an 80-year-old rehabilitated warehouse, now an office building, serves as a backdrop for live performances. Attached to it is a 40-foot LED screen that draws fans during Phillies’ games and other televised sports events.”
According to The New York Times, the “gritty, authentic” space is viewed as successful by local residents. Furthermore, community boards have also approved of Blatstein’s efforts.
For the piazza, the developer adhered to a few design principles, which may contribute to the space’s social success. ”He limited the height of the surrounding buildings so that none were taller than seven stories. The piazza itself had to be just the right width — no more than 100 feet — so that people would feel safe there.” The site has also been economically successful. Econsult provided some figures: housing values in Northern Liberties increased from $32 a square foot to $140 a square foot since Blatstein bought the brewery. Larry Freedman, the zoning chairman for the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association, said: “It’s been a surprising success on multiple levels.”
The piazza was designed by Erdy McHenry Architecture, a Philadelphia firm.
Image credit: Ryan Collerd, The New York Times
