PlanPhilly Archive
Philly historical commission designates ‘flashy’ Frankford movie palace
The Circle Theatre was once home to a 3,000-seat auditorium. The ornate property remains today, but it hasn’t shown movies for decades.
3 months ago
The 40-unit property, on the border with the Belmont section of West Philadelphia, is expected to open in a couple months.
3 months ago
Listen 0:48Protesters arrested after disrupting construction of CHOP parking garage in Grays Ferry
Three protesters were arrested after standing on the site for more than an hour Thursday morning. They say the garage will worsen air pollution.
3 months ago
Could Philly’s Logan Triangle transform into a hub for modular homes? Mayor Parker hopes so
For decades, the site — 35 acres of grassy lots where 1,000 rowhomes once stood — has sat empty. Parker’s proposal could change that, but residents are wary.
3 months ago
Listen 4:35Shapiro calls for $1B investment amid Pennsylvania housing affordability crisis
The request came during the fourth and final budget address of the governor’s first term. He is calling for a total of $53.2 billion in spending.
3 months ago
Listen 0:54In Norristown, student artwork finds a permanent home at Montgomery County’s new courthouse
The original art is meant to bring balance to an austere space while empowering students to be change agents in their communities.
3 months ago
Listen 1:20Philly City Council vote unlocks $800M for housing, shifting more aid to lowest-income residents
The legislative hurdle was cleared after intense pressure from Mayor Cherelle Parker opposing the changes to the H.O.M.E initiative's first phase.
4 months ago
Listen 1:06Philly’s Logan Triangle, infamous for sinking homes, could soon become a place that builds them
As part of her signature housing plan, Parker wants to bring homebuilding factories to underutilized sites in Philadelphia.
4 months ago
Listen 0:59From firewood to solar: This Philly rowhouse has seen over 250 years of energy transitions
A rowhouse built around 1760 in Old City was once heated with firewood. Now, it has solar panels on its roof.
4 months ago
Listen 1:22New Pennsylvania loan program seeks to expand affordable rentals for at-risk populations
The $35 million initiative comes courtesy of the American Rescue Plan. The funding will be distributed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
4 months ago
Listen 1:07Germantown residents are mobilizing against displacement: ‘People power is real’
With a nod to King's vision for America, grassroots organizers aim to empower residents to "fight for their neighborhoods" amid mounting affordability pressures.
4 months ago
Listen 1:17‘Strawberries to collard greens’: The Original American Foundation grows free food in Kingsessing
Founders of the Original American Foundation say their goals are to lower food costs for neighbors and prevent gentrification.
4 months ago
Listen 0:55Affordable housing will remain a top issue in 2026 as lawmakers aim to help renters and expand supply amid an ongoing crisis.
4 months ago
Listen 1:00‘Going to make my life much better’: SEPTA trolley riders react to tunnel reopening
The trolley tunnel has been closed since November. It reopened Monday, but will close again for shorter periods in January and February.
4 months ago
$84 million reboot: PHA seeks to transform vacant Germantown properties into 153 affordable rentals
The properties were part of Germantown Settlement’s vast real estate portfolio before the social services nonprofit was undone by scandal.
4 months ago
Listen 0:52Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.














