Funding pledged for Avenue of the Arts on North Broad
The theaters and restaurants along Broad Street south of City Hall draw many residents and visitors. Now federal and city officials hope to draw those crowds to the north stretch of the Avenue of the Arts, with $475,000 in recently approved federal funds that could change the face of North Broad.
The theaters and restaurants along Broad Street south of City Hall draw many residents and visitors. Now federal and city officials hope to draw those crowds to the north stretch of the Avenue of the Arts, with $475,000 in recently approved federal funds that could change the face of North Broad.
Transcript:
The money is one earmark Philadelphians might not mind.
Officials say it will be used to make North Broad Street a destination, and stimulate economic development.
Avenue of the Arts Board member Ken Scott says the southern stretch of Broad Street has gained a reputation as an arts hub.
He hopes potential physical improvements like lighting, trees, and sidewalks could help people realize how much North Broad already has to offer.
Scott: Obviously Temple’s doing a Baptist Temple which is going to be another entertainment venue, trying to restore the Uptown Theater, the Tyler School of Arts, Rock Hall, the Movie Theater complex with the restaurants, the Liacouras Center which is sports and entertainment.
Scott says other developers may see the government’s financial investment in North Broad Street, and decide to launch projects of their own.
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[audio: arts20090409avenue.mp3]
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