Opinion Eyes on the Street

‘The Streets of Philadelphia’ mural gets reprieve

PlanPhilly staff

January 3, 2012

(Details of Walter Gardner's The Streets of Philadelphia mural in the Spring Garden Post Office | Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia)

A WPA-era mural in the Spring Garden Post Office appears to have a new lease on life.

As previously reported on PlanPhilly, “The Streets of Philadelphia” mural was listed on the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s 2011 Endangered Properties List because the U.S. Postal Service had slated the Spring Garden Post Office for closure.

But good news this week: The Postal Service now only plans to close the the 3oth Street Station branch, leaving 13 others it had identified for closure open for the time being. That news means the WPA mural is less endangered for the time being.

The mural, painted in 1937 by Walter Gardner, depicts the bustling trade near the Merchants’ Exchange and busy streets of early 20th century Philadelphia. Gardner’s WPA-era work can also be found among the murals in the Family Court building, part of the group recently designated by the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

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.