Art Commission Approves Philly Live!, Dilworth Plaza

The Philadelphia Art Commission granted final approval to newly-revised plans for Philly Live!, an entertainment complex to be erected in the footprint of the former Spectrum in South Philadelphia. Plans for the site, which architects from Baltimore firm Design Collective called a “tribute to the Philadelphia sports fan,” include a performance venue, six bars and restaurants, and a large amount of green space in accordance with sustainability guidelines. Although plans for this phase of the development do not currently include an art installation, developers will be required to place money in an escrow account to be used towards public art funding in the future.

The Commission also granted final approval for the Race Street Connector streetscape project. The series of renovations at the intersection of 2nd and Race Streets aims to improve the physical and visual connection between Center City and the Delaware River, making the area safer. Changes include an increase in sidewalk width, the introduction of new bike lanes, a large lighted screen and overhead lights beneath the Ben Franklin underpass, and a seated plaza where visitors can relax.

The Commission granted final approval to the installation of a statue honoring South Philadelphia boxer Joey Giardello on Passyunk at 13th and Mifflin Streets.

After more than two years of meetings and revisions, the Art Commission granted conceptual approval to an ambitious $50 million overhaul of Dilworth Plaza at City Hall that includes a public art installation on the plaza’s north side. Artist Janet Echelman unveiled her proposed creation, a sheet of lighted dry mist that rises from the ground in time with the movement of the subway lines beneath it. Developers are also working with C&G Partners, the graphics firm behind New York’s 9/11 site renovation, to develop a system of real-time digital transit and visitor information and to make City Hall’s attractions interactive with personal handheld devices. Previously-revealed plans include more visible transit entrances, a mixed-use lawn on the site’s north side with a programmable fountain and café, and an underground “transit room” with direct access to the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines. Mayor Michael Nutter is expected to address the allocation of city funds necessary for the proposed changes in his budget presentation tomorrow.