Friday, May 3, 2019 – 3:30pm

WALK LEADER: Francesca Russello Ammon, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design
MEETING PLACE: Entrance to Bingham Court – at intersection of Locust Street and S 4th Street.
Free. All are welcome. Rain or shine.

Today, Society Hill is a historic district recognized on both local and national historic registers. But during the 1950s, city planners labeled Washington Square East (as the area was known at the time) as dilapidated, blighted, and in need of dramatic repair. This walking tour of Society Hill will focus on the urban renewal of the neighborhood that took place during the 1950s-70s. While walking along its streets and greenways, we will look especially at sites that experienced demolition, restoration, and/or new construction. Excerpts from oral history interviews conducted with residents who experienced this transformation first-hand will further enliven our experience.

We will meet at the S 4th Street entrance to Bingham Court, located at the intersection of Locust Street and S 4th Street. We will end the tour at Society Hill Towers, which is located at the intersection of Locust Street and S 2nd Street.

During our time together, we will wind our way along Spruce, Pine, and Delancey Streets, between roughly S 4th and S 2nd Streets. The tour is accessible via various buses, or within a short walk from the 2nd or 5th Street stations of the Market-Frankford Line.

Walk Notes:

  • Approximate duration: 90 minutes
  • Accessibility considerations: Uneven terrain.
  • Dogs welcome. Bicycles welcome.

On Facebook? Head there to tell us you’re going, invite friends, or keep track of this event.