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Center City District in the News, December 2022

From highlights around the Winter at Dilworth, to the economic and retail recovery in Philadelphia, to news around the return of Restaurant Week, the end of 2022 featured a ton of stories around Center City. Here are some recent highlights:

Stories of Economic Recovery in Center City Philadelphia

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Photo by Scott Calvert/The Wall Street Journal

 

Philadelphia’s Center City Sees Resurgence in Housing, Economic Activity

By Scott Calvert, in the Wall Street Journal

Thanks to strong housing demand, growth in hospitality, and a return-to-work push led by Comcast, Philadelphia is showing fresh signs of economic vitality. Hear what local businesses had to say to the Wall Street Journal.

Guest Commentary: The Return of Center City?

By Paul Levy, in The Philadelphia Citizen

While pedestrian volumes increased to reach 73% of pre-pandemic numbers, there are still opportunities for further improvement, especially in regards to traffic from workers. In this guest article in The Philadelphia Citizen, Center City District CEO Paul Levy comments on what that means for Center City, and what is still needed.  

Life is surging back to Center City, despite Philly’s deep challenges

By Lizzy McLellan Ravitich, in Billy Penn

People are not choosing where to live based solely on their jobs – and that’s a benefit for Center City as more residents move to Philadelphia from New York and Washington DC. Hear what experts are saying in Billy Penn.

For other stories about recovery in Center City, and to read our full recovery report, click here.


Stories of the Future of the Office Space

 

As Center City restores vibrancy, Philadelphia companies juggle future of office space

By Paul Schwedelson, in the Philadelphia Business Journal

From shifts in workspace behavior, as noted by Reed Lyons, Vice President of Campus Operations at Comcast, to the idea of transforming offices into “commute-worthy destinations,” as suggested by Linda Pileggi, Design Director at Gensler, the idea of the office space is changing. Hear what the panelists from our December Central Philadelphia Development Corporation panel thought in this story by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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Future of Center City discussion calls for better office design, more attractions

By Tom MacDonald, on WHYY

The future of Philadelphia’s downtown could mean an expansion of the city’s residential footprint. Read what our panelists had to say about the use of office spaces in WHYY.

To read our recap on the topic, check out our recent blog post, “The Future of the Office District: A Recap of the CPDC December 2022 Meeting.”


Stories of Retail Growth in Center City

Holiday Hopes For Economic Growth in Philadelphia

By NBC10

With about 175 new shops and restaurants coming to the city since 2020, and an additional 40 coming soon, retailers are returning to Center City. “There’s a widespread perception that Center City retail isn’t doing well, and what we’ve been able to do is prove otherwise,” noted Center City District Vice President Prema Gupta to NBC10.

‘It’s an experience, not a transaction’: Despite closures, Center City retail rebounds closer to pre-pandemic levels

By Meir Rinde, on WHYY’s Plan Philly

With our second year of net positive openings, and the opening of new retailers like Brooklinen, Glossier, and Gorjana, there’s been an evolution of Center City retail with new “digitally native brands.” Hear from some retailers in this story by Plan Philly.

Report: Center City boasts second year of growth despite pandemic setbacks

By Pat Loeb, on KYW Newsradio

Thanks to tourism and large residential population in Center City, there has been a second year of growth in new business openings and storefront occupancy. Read the promising news on KYW Newsradio.

For other stories about retail recovery in Center City, and to read our full retail report, click here.


Stories on the Return of Restaurant Week

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Center City District Restaurant Week announces delicious details for 2023

By Molly Given, in Metro Philadelphia

“We need to continue to support our restaurants as they are a vital part of our downtown economic engine,” noted Center City District’s Vice President of Marketing, Michelle Shannon. “During the holidays, gift cards are the perfect present for foodies of all ages.” Read about Restaurant Week, and some popular dining options, in Metro Philadelphia.

Read more about what’s coming from Philly Voice and NBC 10, and check out our announcement press release.


Stories about Winter at Dilworth Park

 

Dilworth Park’s Rink and Wintergarden Open This Week With Phillies Flair

By Laura Swartz, in Philadelphia Magazine

The return of Winter at Dilworth Park kicked off with the Wintergarden’s topiaries sporting Phillies gear, along with the ever-popular Rothman Orthopaedic Ice Rink and Cabin. Check out the highlights in Philadelphia Magazine.

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Photograph by J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

 

Five Holiday Attractions, One Park: A Guide to 2022's Winter at Dilworth Park

By Visit Philadelphia

Holiday sparkle, and family favorite activities right in the heart of Center City, returned this holiday season! Make your travel plans using Visit Philadelphia’s guide.

Deck the Hall Light Show kicks off in Center City

By 6ABC

City Hall is brought to life all holiday season with the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross. See a snippet of the show on 6ABC

Ice skating rink returns to Dilworth Park in Philadelphia

By CBS3

The Rothman Orthopaedic Ice Rink returns this season, through February 26, bringing the classic  holiday tradition back to Dilworth Park! See our opening event on CBS3.

See everything that’s happening at Dilworth Park, including weekly activities like “Cocktails and Cold Ones” and “College Nights” presented by Temple University, on our upcoming events list.


Stories around Holiday Retail

Last-minute shopping, light shows and holiday-themed dining around Philadelphia

By 6ABC’s FYI Philly

From amazing holiday light shows, to decked-out dining spots and must-see holiday attractions, there was a lot to see in Center City this holiday season! Bring back the holiday spirit with this story by 6ABC’s FYI Philly.

Center City Philadelphia. This is how we holiday.

By Philly Voice

Five unique neighborhoods, limitless holiday memories! Find holiday shopping, restaurants, and experiences throughout Rittenhouse Row, Midtown Village, Jewelers’ Row, Market East, and the West Market Parkway District in Philly Voice.
 

See more of our holiday shopping guides on our blog.


Stories around the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

 

8 Festive Holiday Markets in Philadelphia

By Allie Volpe, in Thrillist

With vintage clothing, vinyl record art, fun socks, and more, all by local businesses, there’s a unique gift for everyone! Read about the market, and others in Philadelphia, in Thrillist.

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10 European-style Christmas Markets in the USA You Can Experience

By Skye Sherman, in Travel + Leisure

No passport needed! Read about the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, alongside other major markets across the country, in Travel + Leisure.