45th and Baltimore Triangle Grove Dedication
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 11am
Last spring, in an exciting partnership, the Philadelphia Department of Streets, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Baltimore Avenue in Bloom, UC Green, Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), the Philadelphia Water Department, and University City District (UCD) redesigned the 45th Street and Baltimore Avenue traffic triangle into a beautiful new gateway, enlivening the Avenue’s commercial corridor. With the support of Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, the William Penn Foundation and the City of Philadelphia's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Program as well as University City neighbors, including members of the Vineyard Community Church, Drexel's Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the HMS School, the project was a remarkable collaborative success.
Dramatically increasing its size, the triangle grove now offers improved pedestrian safety and invites use. The appealing new landscape added 50 perennial plants, 1000 spring bulbs, nine ginkgo trees, and the resurfaced sidewalk diverts rainwater into the two planting beds. In addition, the Fairmount Park Art Association is expected to eventually install a public art sculpture to the triangle.
On Tuesday, September 27 at 11am, the partners will be celebrating the success of this project through a public dedication held at the triangle. All partners will be in attendance and those expected to make brief remarks include the Philadelphia Department of Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson, Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, University City District’s Executive Director Lewis Wendell, Philadelphia Green’s Senior Director Mike Groman, and representatives from UC Green and the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. In addition, the Philadelphia Green’s Mike Groman will be awarding Certificates of Appreciation. All are invited to join in celebrating the success of this revitalization project. For more information, please contact UCD at 215-243-0555.
###
University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community. University City is the region’s leading community for technology, research, higher education and health care integrated with historic and desirable residential neighborhoods, vibrant commercial and cultural attractions, and strong transportation connections. Visit www.ucityphila.org for more information.
Release Date: Friday, September 23rd 2005
