PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia officials announced new retail, art, and streetscape improvements along Market Street East as the city prepares for large crowds expected during major summer events, including celebrations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup.
What This Means for You
- Temporary retail shops and new public art will appear along the 900 block of Market Street.
- Streetscape upgrades, including new trees and transit shelter improvements, are already underway.
- City officials say the improvements are intended to prepare the corridor for an estimated 1.5 million visitors this summer.
City leaders and the Center City District announced the initiatives Wednesday during the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation’s quarterly meeting.
The projects are funded in part by a $1.85 million grant from the City of Philadelphia and include retail pop-up shops, temporary murals by local artists, and aesthetic upgrades to the streetscape.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the improvements are intended to showcase Center City as visitors arrive for major national and international events scheduled this summer.
“This summer of celebrations and events will be a catalyzing spark in the engine of Market East’s revival,” Parker said. “We’re prepared to welcome 1.5 million visitors to Market East.”
Pop-Up Retail to Fill Vacant Storefronts
One key initiative involves filling vacant storefronts with temporary retail businesses.
Local retailers will occupy up to eight previously empty storefronts on the 900 block of Market Street.
The spaces are owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Comcast, and the Fashion District Philadelphia.
The program is being coordinated with Meantime, a project developed by Philadelphia-based Interface Studio Architects that supports short-term retail concepts and community-focused businesses.
Officials say the effort is designed to help small businesses test physical retail locations while bringing additional foot traffic to commercial corridors.
Center City District President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said the initiative aims to showcase local businesses and improve the area’s visitor experience.
“These interventions will help us put our best foot forward by showcasing some of the small and diverse local businesses that call Philadelphia home,” Gupta said.
Murals and Streetscape Improvements Planned
In addition to retail pop-ups, Center City District and Mural Arts Philadelphia will install a series of temporary art installations along Market Street.
The murals will cover more than 5,500 square feet of building frontage.
The first installation, created by Cuban Salvadoran artist Manuela Guillén, will appear on the exterior of the Fashion District Philadelphia at the corner of 10th and Market streets.
City Councilmember Mark Squilla said the improvements are intended to energize the corridor during the upcoming events.
“I am grateful for the collaboration among the City, Center City District, local stakeholders and property owners to create pop up retailers and art installations that will activate and beautify the East Market corridor,” Squilla said.
Additional Improvements Already Underway
The Center City District has already begun several streetscape upgrades along Market Street.
Those improvements include planting 42 new trees, refurbishing four transit entrance structures known as headhouses, repairing 21 bus shelters, and repainting light and banner poles.
Officials say more details about the participating pop-up businesses and additional art installations will be announced in the coming weeks.
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