Inside the $100M plan to transform the Avenue of the Arts

A $100 million plan is in the works to overhaul the Avenue of the Arts into a pedestrian-friendly park.

Why it matters: The facelift would add new green space, art and public amenities to a drab stretch of South Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue.

Driving the news: Nonprofit Avenue of the Arts Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its plans to transform the area with upgraded landscaping, seating, sculptures and outdoor performing spaces.

What they're saying: "This project is needed right now because there have been no significant improvements to the infrastructure of this street for 30 years," executive director Laura Burkhardt tells Axios.

• She said the project would better showcase Philly's performing arts scene and that area's special role in the city — think gatherings for sports victories and backdrops for engagement and graduation photos.

Reality check: Funding for the project is not yet in place.

• The nonprofit recently received $1 million from the city to kickstart the first phase of the project for upgrades between Pine and Spruce streets.
• The group hopes to attract enough investment to complete the bulk of the project in five years, Burkhardt says.

Zoom in: The first phase, which would improve the area in front of the Kimmel Center , is expected to cost between $6-$10 million and break ground in April 2025. The goal is to complete the project by the following spring.

• The improvements would add new trees and landscaping for South Broad Street's concrete median and both sides of the roadway, including most of the parking spaces on the northbound side.
• Plus: New sculptures, street furniture and bus shelters.

💡 1 cool thing: Music is the unifying theme for the overall improvements but the design of every block will be different, reflecting the unique character of each area.

Context: The Avenue of the Arts has seen a flurry of new developments in recent years, from hotels to apartments, condos and restaurants.

• Yes, but: The area faces challenges: Concerns linger over public safety, and performing arts facilities have yet to recover audiences to their pre-pandemic levels.
• The sudden closure of the University of the Arts also ended one of the area's longest tenants.

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