Demo plans for Philadelphia’s Jewelers Row losing sparkle
A luxury homebuilder wants to tear down part of Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers Row to build a 16-story condominium tower.
Despite it being the nation’s oldest diamond district, Jewelers Row is not historically protected. That’s leaving preservationists scrambling to stop the demolition, and stunned workers wondering why no one let them know in advance.
A procedural error is buying some time for building opponents. The city says it prematurely issued a permit for the project; the delay is giving all sides a chance to weigh in.
Developer Toll Brothers says it wants to work with the community and maintain the street’s history and ambiance.
But one jeweler, who has worked her entire career on Jewelers Row, says relocating even temporarily will do permanent damage.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
New Jersey Transit approves a 15% fare hike, the first increase in nearly a decade
The increase, which takes effect July 1, also calls for annual, regular fare increases of 3% in subsequent years. It's the first time rates will rise in nearly 10 years.
1 week ago
Investors pour $1B into Delaware River waterfront projects over 10 years
There’s a steady pipeline of projects planned along the Philly waterfront — including apartments, retail and a public park — even though one developer paused mid-construction.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11
Vice President Kamala Harris unveils more student debt relief measures in North Philly
The Biden administration expects the debt relief program will help 30 million people nationwide.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:00