Fall 2026
Newsletter of the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation
Center City Digest From our President Page 2
Staff Stories Page 5
CCD News Page 6
Reports & Research Page 10
Center City District
Stroll. Shop. Socialize. Sundays, September 13–October 25 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
West Walnut
Presented by
Supported by
From our President
2
Prema Katari Gupta President & CEO Center City District Follow us! @centercitydistrict
Fall 2026 — Center City Digest
The Summer That Was a Test Kitchen Every so often, a city is offered an occasion big enough to justify trying things it’s already been curious about. This summer, Philadelphia got such an opportunity, between the FIFA World Cup, MLB AllStar Week, and the Semiquincentennial. At Center City District, our team took this opportunity and ran with it. Between a weekday version of Open Streets in Midtown Village, a pilot of the downtown wayfinding system we are building, and a pop-up retail and public art initiative activating vacant Market East storefronts, our team conducted many live experiments. I’m proud of all of it, and proud of how thoughtful and iterative our organization’s approach to improving downtown has become.
Market East told a similar story. Storefront vacancy along that corridor has been a persistent problem, and this summer became a proving ground for what could fill it. A $1.85 million City grant from Mayor Parker and Councilmember Squilla funded improvements along Market Street East, from planting street trees to renovating transit headhouses to repairing bus shelters. Two pieces of that work stood out to us as genuine experiments.
The first was retail. Inspired by San Francisco’s Vacant to Vibrant program, CCD hired Meantime, a nonprofit that specializes in activating vacant storefronts, to recruit local entrepreneurs into empty spaces on the 900 block of Market Street: booksellers, a record shop, an art gallery, a coffee There’s one thing that I want to be honest about. shop, water ice, apparel. Comcast, HBSE, the Fashion Visitors were the rationale, not the reason. CCD’s District, and the City all came to the table to make mandate is supporting Center City’s ecosystem: it happen. In the first three weeks, those storefronts office workers and commuters, residents, retail and drew nearly 3,300 visitors and generated almost restaurant businesses, hotels, and cultural institutions. $50,000 in sales, and foot traffic on the corridor rose But this summer’s civic pride brought resources, about 10 percent from May to June. The results were attention, and partnerships that don’t come around convincing enough that we extended the program often. That combination gave us room to pursue ideas past the summer. Several of those businesses are still we’d already been curious about; each one was built there, and Meantime is developing a retail incubator to outlast the season it was born in. model to bring in the next round of entrepreneurs. Take wayfinding. CCD maintains a system of over 1,000 signs in and around Center City; most are part of Walk!Philadelphia, a system largely unaltered since 1997. A year ago, we commissioned a comprehensive wayfinding review and master plan from City ID to plan what should come next. We’ve worked closely with over 40 partner organizations, from SEPTA and PATCO to Visit Philadelphia, to advance this plan, which includes a smaller, more strategically placed network of signs, stronger accessibility, deeper integration with transit, and a new visual language, from color and typography to icons and illustrations, grounded in behavior studies of how people actually navigate downtown.
The second was art. We were inspired in part by London’s high streets, where vacancies don’t default to broker signs shouting leasing information in oversized fonts. Instead, the information is embedded in beautifully designed graphics that improve the sidewalk experience. We wanted to bring that idea here. We worked closely with Mural Arts Philadelphia to cover more than 5,500 square feet of vacant storefronts and building frontages, including a striking mural by Manuela Guillén on the 1100 block of Market. Where retail wasn’t ready to move in, art gave pedestrians a reason to stop and look instead of a reason to turn away.
This summer offered ideal timing to evaluate prototypes of the new wayfinding system. We installed 15 temporary map-based signs along the Market Street corridor and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, tracing a route that linked event venues to the destinations around them, paired with a new printed map distributed through our Community Service Representatives, hotels, and hospitality partners. By June, we had distributed nearly 30,000 copies, and our CSRs reported roughly 20 percent more streetlevel engagement than a typical summer. It was the first time we could see, on real streets with real crowds, whether a year of planning held up. It did, and what we learned is already shaping the permanent system we’re now working — and fundraising — to build.
Both interventions are small pieces of the mayor’s and councilmember’s broader vision for Market East, and our pilots offer early evidence for what that longer-term effort can build toward. So here’s how I’d like you to read this summer: not as a season of one-off events, but as a season of prototypes. Wayfinding, pop-up retail, and storefront art were tested on our streets, and each pointed to a version of Center City worth building further. The work now is to take what we learned and continue the progress. As always, I look forward to hearing what you think. Warmly, Prema
3
Fall, Friends & Fun in Dilworth Park
4
For details on events: ccdparks.org
Fall 2026 — Center City Digest
Events
Amenities
Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics Through October 6 Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Dilworth Park Café & The Patio Dilworth Park Café serves grab-and-go coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. Steps away, The Patio is made for happy hour with friends in the crisp fall air, or a leisurely bite from the menu of Philly favorites.
Free Zumba classes for all skill levels led by a pro trainer from City Fitness.
Starbucks Coffee Kiosk Walk-up kiosk serving a variety of beverages and snacks.
Made in Philadelphia Market September 4 – 6 Friday & Saturday, 12–8 p.m. Sunday, 12–6 p.m. Fresh air, local flair. Over 50 artisans and small businesses make Center City their storefront. Made in Philadelphia Fall Fest October 9 – 11 Friday & Saturday, 12–8 p.m. Sunday, 12–6 p.m.
Fountain Watch the fountain’s three-foot waterspouts put on a show — sustainably designed and fed by captured rainwater stored below the surface.
The Made in Philadelphia Market returns, along with a beer garden and activities for all ages. NRG Pitch at the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn Through October 10 Picnic, play and unwind on the park’s turf lawn.
Host your event or promote your brand at a CCD park!
For information, contact rentals@centercityphila.org
Made in Philadelphia Market
Staff Stories
5
Growing a Public Safety Pipeline COPS program prepares new generation for law enforcement careers CCD’s Community Oriented Public Safety (COPS) program continues to attract new members. The program, launched in spring 2025 with Allied Universal Security Services, bridges a longstanding gap between Philadelphia’s Police Explorer Cadet program, which serves youth ages 14 to 20, and the Police Academy’s age 21 entry requirement, a yearlong gap that has led many aspiring officers to pursue other careers instead. So far, eight participants have joined the COPS program, including recent hire Genesis Yzaguirre, who discovered her interest in law enforcement through the Explorers program in high school. “What I hope to get out of this program is more experience and knowledge of what being a cop is,” she said. Officer Daricnell Abreu, one of the program’s first hires, has since been promoted to a command center dispatch role and is now entering the Police Academy.
Employee Spotlight All-Star Game visitors share praise for veteran CSR Community Service Representative (CSR) Helen Boney has received many kudos from visitors since starting at CCD in October 2017, and this summer was no different. During MLB All-Star Game festivities, two sisters visiting Philadelphia crossed paths with Helen on July 11 and came away delighted. Helen personally walked them to their Airbnb, which happened to be on her beat, and shared her expert recommendations on things to see and do. “She made us feel welcome and made our visit so enjoyable,” the visitor wrote. “Helen was so friendly and outgoing! What a credit to your agency! It should be The City of Sisterly Love, with Helen as the ambassador!” Join our team! centercityphila.org/jobs
Helen’s warmth and local know-how are exactly what CSRs bring to Center City every day, and this summer, that hospitality left a lasting impression.
6
Fall 2026 — Center City Digest
CCD News
$4M in federal funds for Rail Park’s next phase Congressman Brendan Boyle recently secured $2 million in federal funding for phase two of the Rail Park, transforming the abandoned Reading Railroad Viaduct into an elevated green space. Combined with another $2 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the funds will help support a planned expansion connecting neighborhoods and improving access to schools, healthcare, and local businesses.
Revisit 1876 exhibition open on Market East Learn about Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition at Revisit 1876, a free exhibit in the Lits Building at 8th and Market, open through December. Discover how the 1876 World’s Fair introduced America to the typewriter, the telephone, and popcorn, and learn about those who were left out of the story, like Frederick Douglass’ exclusion from opening ceremonies. Open Monday through Saturday.
Philly is named world’s first Playful Learning City In June, Philadelphia became the world’s first Playful Learning City in recognition of its 70+ areas integrating play-based learning into public spaces. A celebration in Sister Cities Park unveiled the Play Place Launch Pad, an interactive hub for kids age 8 and under that introduces them to Philly-born innovation and inventions by children and invites them to create their own.
Your voice matters! Take our annual survey ccdsurvey.com
Each year, CCD asks people who work, live, shop, dine, and visit downtown to share their experiences and perceptions of Center City. Your feedback shapes the work of our cleaning, ambassadors, park attendants, safety patrol, and homeless outreach teams, plus capital projects, parks, and public events. Tell us how we can do better in our brief survey.
7 New signs guiding summer visitors preview coming updates to wayfinding network As Philadelphia welcomed an influx of summer visitors for FIFA, the MLB All-Star Game, and the city’s 250th celebrations, CCD installed 15 map-based temporary directional signs along Market Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, while our staff distributed nearly 30,000 companion maps during the event period. The summer rollout did more than guide tourists: it also serves as proof of concept for a larger overhaul. CCD’s current wayfinding network, launched in 1997 and now spanning more than 1,000 signs, predates smartphones and no longer meets modern accessibility standards. CCD partnered with Visit Philadelphia and wayfinding consultancy City ID to design a new system over the next three years, modeled on London’s Legible London network and featuring 88 signs with improved typography and accessibility features. To learn about philanthropic support opportunities for this transformative new system, contact Adam Robinson, Vice President of Development & Partnerships: arobinson@centercityphila.org.
Center City Retail News & More
8
Fall 2026 — Center City Digest
New art and infrastructure enhance East Market Street Ahead of this summer’s FIFA, MLB, and 250th celebrations, CCD and Mural Arts installed temporary art across storefronts on East Market Street. Nine local artists contributed, including Manuela Guillén’s mural (left) near 12th and Market. CCD also planted 42 new trees, refurbished four transit headhouses and 21 bus shelters, and painted light and banner poles on the Market East corridor.
Meantime on Market extends, new incubator opens soon Meantime on Market, the initiative founded by architecture and design firm ISA to revive vacant retail sites, is being extended through the fall. Four of the summer’s pop-up businesses are continuing in their formerly vacant East Market spaces. A new three-month retail incubator is opening the remaining spaces to emerging entrepreneurs this fall.
Philadelphia named most walkable U.S. city for fourth year in a row Philadelphia has again topped the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as the Most Walkable City to Visit in the U.S. It’s our fourth consecutive win, besting Boston, Chicago, and New York. USA Today also praised our historic neighborhoods, including Rittenhouse Square.
50+ new businesses open in Center City centercityphila.org/shop
This year’s wave of newcomers underscores Center City’s pull as a retail and dining destination. Some spots like Bathhouse, Bombas, Olfactory NYC, and Toast aren’t anywhere else in the region, while other national names with suburban presence, like Rothy’s and Rally House, are choosing to plant flags in Center City. Our website has the full list.
9
Open Streets is back on Rittenhouse Row Open Streets: West Walnut, presented by Fulton Bank, is back on fall Sundays through October 25, plus a final 2026 winter edition on Sunday, December 6. On those select Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., eight blocks are closed to car traffic on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, and 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust, with expanded al fresco dining, sidewalk retail, live music, and family-friendly activities for pedestrians. Since launching in 2024, Open Streets has drawn an average of more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday, with businesses along the route reporting significant boosts in foot traffic and sales. Visit centercityphila.org/openstreets for the full schedule.
Reports & Research
10
Fall 2026 — Center City Digest
New data-driven explorations of key economic sectors
Center City Housing Report centercityphila.org/housingreport
Center City and its surrounding neighborhoods are Philadelphia’s housing production engine: since the beginning of 2025, Greater Center City has accounted for 40% of the more than 10,000 housing units completed citywide, despite comprising just 6% of the city’s land area. Ongoing production and absorption of housing units in Center City contribute to Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. Initiative to build, preserve, and restore 30,000 units. Greater Center City alone has created more than 7,800 units since the start of the Parker administration, 26% of this ambitious target. Building ample housing in the core has helped to slow rent growth and lessen demand on other neighborhoods by capturing a high share of inbound buyers and renters.
Center City Insights: Nighttime Economy
centercityphila.org/nighttime-economy When you picture a vibrant nightlife scene, what comes to mind? Theatergoers heading to a show, couples out for dinner, crowds gathering for a concert, and streets filled with people whose evenings are just beginning. Center City is where this happens nearly every night of the year, and the numbers suggest that after sundown, downtown is firing on all cylinders. Between hybrid work, SEPTA’s ongoing challenges, and muted tourism levels driven by macroeconomic forces, 2025 daytime foot traffic remained below 2019. But after business hours, it exceeded 2019 levels. Read the brief to find out why.
Center City Insights: Building Back the Daytime Office Population centercityphila.org/building-back-office-population
This research brief examines the state of Philadelphia’s downtown office district and finds two divergent stories playing out: office leasing fundamentals are stabilizing and residential conversions are gaining momentum, while return-to-office rates have plateaued, with no meaningful uptick in the office district’s daytime population over the last two years. CPDC is spearheading new initiatives this fall, including a series of focus groups with downtown office workers about what they love, what they don’t, and what they want more of in Center City.
Gen Z and the future of Philadelphia At June’s Central Philadelphia Development Corporation (CPDC) membership meeting, CCD Vice President of Economic Development Clint Randall shared new research on Gen Z’s outsized role in Philadelphia’s growth, noting the city gained over 42,000 net new Gen Z residents in two years, making it the only generation contributing to population growth. A panel of early-career professionals from law, real estate, hospitality, and tourism, moderated by CCD Director of Research Lauren Smith, then explored what draws their generation to cities and what keeps them there.
CPDC
11
Panelists discussed the enduring value of in-person mentorship despite flexible work norms, how digital tools help newcomers build real-world community, and the pull of walkable neighborhoods and “third spaces” like gyms, bars, and trivia nights. They also noted shifting spending habits, including growing demand for affordable non-alcoholic options. The consensus: Philadelphia’s affordability and walkability position it well, but converting temporary residents into long-term ones remains the challenge ahead. Lauren expanded upon the discussion with a July 30 essay in The Philadelphia Citizen titled “What Gen Z actually wants from work and from Philadelphia.”
Become a member today Business leaders who are members of CPDC have access to year-round programs and exciting events from panel discussions to hard-hat tours of some of Center City’s most exciting projects. Membership pays for research and member engagement and enables CPDC to continue to provide reliable marketplace information and enhance the competitiveness of Center City. To learn more about CPDC and how to join, visit joincpdc.org or contact CCD Director of Research and Special Projects Lauren Smith at lsmith@centercityphila.org.
joincpdc.org
Become a Friend of Sister Cities Park Donate to the Center City District Foundation today
Since 2012, when Center City District transformed an underused plaza into a richly planted, family-friendly play park, Sister Cities Park has welcomed thousands of children to its wading pond and Children’s Discovery Garden, sustained a 6,000-square-foot pollinator garden alive with native birds, bees and butterflies, and offered a peaceful respite for neighbors, workers and visitors. Maintaining this 1.3-acre gem depends on support from a caring community that understands, as we do, that a great city deserves great public spaces. If you agree, consider becoming a Friend of Sister Cities Park. As a Park Friend, your gift supports the programming, planting and maintenance to keep this small but mighty park thriving, so it can spark curiosity and creativity in the city’s next generation. Friends also enjoy first word on events and programs through a seasonal email newsletter, a 10% discount at the Sister Cities Park Café, and an invitation to an annual Friends event in the park. Join a community that’s helping one of Center City’s best-loved parks flourish for years to come.
tinyurl.com/ sistercitiespark