Center City District

Thank you to everyone who came out this fall to enjoy Open Streets: West Walnut! Whether you experienced the bubble magic, had fun at the Fulton Fun Zone, or listened to live music, there was something for everyone.

One more Sunday to enjoy Open Streets! On Sunday, we're partnering with Farm to City Farmers' Market to bring an extension of the Rittenhouse Farmers' Market on Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop from 10 local vendors, including Doc Pickle, Manna Bakery and more!

Officer Daricnell Abreu's journey to becoming a detective began with the Police Explorer Cadet Program, followed by a year wait before the police academy. During that year, she gained real-world experience through the Community Oriented Public Safety program. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4Arg1nZ

Due to this Sunday's weather, Open Streets: West Walnut is canceled. See you on Sunday, Oct. 18!

Help shape the future of Center City! We've expanded Open Streets, increased homeless outreach, improved public safety and more. Now, we want your input. Take our survey to share your downtown experience. Complete the survey for a chance to win $250 in restaurant gift cards: https://bit.ly/4vx9953

This summer, Philadelphia embraced innovation in downtown with events like the FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Week. CCD introduced new wayfinding systems, activated vacant storefronts with pop-up retail and public art, and tested a weekday Open Streets in Midtown Village. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4e61OTQ

Early mornings in #CenterCity look a little different for our team in teal. They're cleaning sidewalks before the sun's out to ensure our downtown is clean and ready to welcome you during your morning commute.

From January to August, Center City District's outreach teams, in collaboration with Project HOME and the Police Department, have connected 131 individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services. Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/47avb3v

Greater Center City continues to be Philadelphia's primary engine of housing production. Our 2026 Housing Report is here, and it shows that Greater Center City is leading the way in housing production across Philadelphia. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4yIFA2q

Behind every clean street in #CenterCity is a dedicated team member making it happen. Our sidewalk cleaners are out there every day, covering over 200 blocks to keep the district looking its best.

Go birds. 🦅

On 13th Street, new plastic modular curbs are being tested as an upgrade to traditional flex posts, creating an additional physical barrier to help keep cyclists safe as they navigate through one of Center City's busiest corridors. Learn more from Grid Philly: https://bit.ly/4gNyOko

Have you had a chance to visit Revisit 1876 at the Lits Building, steps away from Independence Mall? The exhibition highlights the impacts of the Centennial Exposition, which introduced new inventions like the typewriter, telephone, and more to a wider audience. Learn more at revisit1876.com

Earlier this week, we kicked off the first of our fall Center City FYI events at 1735 Market Street, meeting with office workers to share the work we do to enhance downtown alongside our partners at SEPTA and PATCO.

A new Center for Dance, new office leases and more in this edition of Center City in Sixty!

From January through August, our community service representatives have been on the sidewalks of Center City every day assisting visitors, workers, and residents alike. Next time you see our team in their signature teal, make sure you say hi! 👋

Each year, we invite our community to share their experiences through our Customer Satisfaction Survey. Your feedback is crucial for improving our services in downtown Philadelphia. Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/4vx9953

Within a year of the closure of the University of the Arts, all properties were sold with plans to benefit the community. Institutions and developers in Philadelphia turned this challenge into an opportunity. To learn more, read the latest edition of Center City Insight: https://bit.ly/4wZtFMh

Mark your calendars! Open Streets: West Walnut returns for seven Sundays from September 13 to October 25. Enjoy car-free streets ideal for shopping and dining in one of #CenterCity's vibrant neighborhoods. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hKw3m6

Have you visited the newest spots in Center City? Discover what's new, from national favorites like Bombas to local gems like Mad Cat Brewtique: https://bit.ly/4cv6S3q

Bar Cicci by High Street Hospitality Group is now open! Enjoy the everyday rituals of Northern Italy right in the heart of #CenterCity. 🥂 📍1620 Sansom St.

We want to hear from you! If you live, work, shop, dine, or explore Center City, your feedback is important to us. Our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey helps us understand our performance and identify areas for improvement. Survey: https://bit.ly/4vx9953

If you're seeking an outdoor getaway, visit Sister Cities Park on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a fun-filled family day in Center City. Kids will enjoy the Children's Discovery Garden and the splash pond, while you can relax with coffee from Sister Cities Café.

Open Streets: West Walnut presented by Fulton Bank returns this fall! Enjoy car-free streets for shopping, dining, and strolling along Rittenhouse Row every Sunday from September 13 to October 25. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy #CenterCity. https://bit.ly/4zcpJtO

Clean public spaces make all the difference! From spring to fall, #CenterCity sidewalks are regularly powerwashed as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a vibrant, welcoming downtown for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

In our new Center City Insights, CCD's research team examines two stories about our office district. While office leasing fundamentals are stabilizing and residential conversions are gaining momentum, return-to-office (RTO) rates are plateauing. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fz34ig

Next week, Let's Do Lunch kicks off with a selection of restaurants, cafés, and casual eateries offering $10, $15, and $20 specials. Check our online map for a list of participants and find your next spot only steps the your office: https://bit.ly/4gBpAJQ

Gen Z values walkability, authenticity, diversity, public transit, and cultural experiences. At a recent CPDC event, early-career professionals discussed the importance of exploring neighborhoods on foot and finding welcoming third spaces. 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3RrRI7K

☀️ Which #CenterCity park is calling your name on a beautiful summer day? 1️⃣ Dilworth Park 2️⃣ Sister Cities Park 3️⃣ John F. Collins Park 4️⃣ Cret Park

Do you work, live, shop, dine, or visit Center City Philadelphia? We want to hear from you. Take our brief annual survey and tell us what we're doing well, and where we can improve. Your feedback helps shape the future of downtown. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4vx9953

🍽️ Let's Do Lunch is back August 3–28! Step out of the office and enjoy weekday lunch specials for $10, $15, or $20 at participating #CenterCity restaurants. Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4gBpAJQ

The latest Center City Digest is here! 📰 In the cover essay "Recentering Center City,” CCD President & CEO Prema Katari Gupta notes that while Center City is moving in a positive direction, it would be a mistake to assume it doesn't need continued investments. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4v2nJB2

What's new in Center City? We've highlighted recently opened business throughout Center City - from dining destinations and retail shops to new services and experiences. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3SLm2uv

Revisit 1876 brings Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition back to life 150 years later. Explore immersive exhibits, groundbreaking inventions, untold stories, and the spirit of the first World’s Fair in North America. 📍 Lits Building, 8th & Market 🎟️ Free Details: https://bit.ly/4vLbkmo

What happens in Center City after 5 p.m.? 🌆➡️🌙 From dining and entertainment to late-night foot traffic, our newest Center City Insights breaks down the trends driving the nighttime economy—and where it’s headed next. Read the latest Center City Insights: https://bit.ly/4b0mGuh

One more car-free Tuesday evening to enjoy this summer! Open Streets: Midtown Village in the Gayborhood is happening one more time on Tuesday, June 30, from 5-7 p.m. Don't miss your final chance to stroll, dine, and soak up the excitement after work!

15 new wayfinding signs are up along Market Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, helping summer visitors navigate Center City, and also previewing a full overhaul of CCD's 30-year-old downtown sign network. More: centercityphila.org/initiative/wayfinding

An award-winning chef, concourse improvements and more in this edition of Center City in Sixty!

Congressman Brendan F. Boyle announced $2 million in federal funding for phase two of the Rail Park project, which will convert 6.8 acres of brownfields into an elevated park. . Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4xgxi1A

Center City District has installed 15 new navigational kiosks along Market Street and the Parkway to guide visitors to FIFA Fan Festival™ Philadelphia, along with new maps that can be picked up from our community service representatives. Grab yours today or view it online: https://bit.ly/3Q2702D

Last fall, Dilworth Park's fountains transformed into an interactive art installation where visitors could create unique combinations of water and sound. Attendees crafted their own symphonies, blending water with music in collaboration with CCD and The Philadelphia Orchestra. See below!

Summer in Center City starts this Wednesday! 🌞 Center City District Sips is back, turning your midweek evenings into Philadelphia's top social hour celebration every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. through the end of August. More info: https://bit.ly/4a2RqKG

The countdown is over! ✨ The CCD Sips Preview Party is happening tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Dilworth Park. Come celebrate with us as we toast to the start of another unforgettable Sips season! See you there!

Euro summer loading... Open Streets: Midtown Village is just one week away! Experience outdoor dining like never before on Tuesday evenings in June from 4-9 p.m. Stroll five blocks of car-free space, enjoy expanded outdoor dining, local shopping, live music, artists and more.

Have you explored Meantime on Market yet? Vacant storefronts along Market East are coming to life with local Philadelphia retailers for the summer! Discover how temporary use is shaping the future of one of our city's most significant corridors. Stop by and support local!

Get ready to kick off Sips season in style! Join us for an exclusive preview event at The Patio at Dilworth Park on May 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Presented by Hornitos Tequila and Truly, this is your chance to celebrate the start of summer in Center City before everyone else.

Recently, we released the 2026 State of Center City report. Key highlights: 💼 Center City supports 309,000 jobs, 42% of Philadelphia's employment 🏙️ Greater Center City is the third-largest residential downtown in the U.S 🛍️ Retail occupancy hit 84%, the highest in seven years https://bit.ly/4u9yfqI

Open Streets returns to Midtown Village! New this year, we are hosting Open Streets: Midtown Village on Tuesday evenings! Mark your calendars to join us from Tuesday, June 2 to June 30, from 4-9 p.m., to shop, dine, and stroll through Center City. More info: https://bit.ly/4dpPttQ

Will we see you this Sunday at Open Streets: West Walnut? Shop, dine and stroll along Rittenhouse Row on Sundays through May 17th!

In this year's "State of Center City" report, we highlight the positive trends around jobs, population, retail, and leasing, while also identifying the need for progress in tax reform, SEPTA funding, and homelessness. Full report ➡️ https://bit.ly/3QBcHV6 🎨 Cover: Branche Coverdale