Shopping and dining downtown on weekends will be much easier next month.
On Thursday, the Center City District announced plans to transform one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining streets – 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th Street – by temporarily closing streets to car traffic.
The Open Streets: West Walnut program will take place on four consecutive Sundays in September, beginning on September 8 and ending on September 29.
According to CCD, the event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures taking effect at 8 a.m. and reopening at 6 p.m.
Cross streets will remain open at select intersections, including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street, and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.
This new program invites pedestrians to walk nearly seven blocks through car-free areas while enjoying shopping, restaurants and activities for all.
City center
“Philadelphia has been named one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. and national retail experts have told us that West Walnut Street is one of the most desirable rental locations in the country. This activation combines both accolades and we are confident that Open Streets: West Walnut will encourage real-world interactions between friends, neighbors and passersby by reclaiming streets as an extension of public space,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of Center City District.
According to CCD, streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand their businesses outside. Some stores will even offer discounts, in-store entertainment and special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut.
Additionally, the first two weeks of the program coincide with Center City District Restaurant Week, allowing guests to try some of the participating restaurants right along the route.
“Our Open Streets program will transform Walnut Street into a public space open to all,” said Corie Moskow, executive director of Rittenhouse Row. “Open Streets will build community and support commerce by providing a unique experience for visitors to Rittenhouse Row on Sundays. We can’t wait to see urban residents connect with one another and hope suburbanites use this special program as an excuse to shop, dine and explore our vibrant and cultured part of town.”
