Also known as the “Loft District” for its high-rises and refurbished factory buildings, this former industrial neighborhood is an emerging, artsy area. Hipsters and music lovers flock to Spring Garden Street for its chic brewpubs and live music venues like Union Transfer, known for indie and hip-hop acts. Vibrant 13th street features trendy bars and eateries. The area’s up-and-coming art galleries show eclectic work.
It is roughly located in the vicinity of Callowhill Street, between Vine Street, Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, and 8th Street. It is named for Hannah Callowhill Penn, William Penn’s second wife. Callowhill is physically cut off from its neighbor to the south, Chinatown, by the Vine Street Expressway.
The former Reading Railroad train trestle, the Reading Viaduct, is a defining feature of the Callowhill neighborhood. Neighborhood groups have proposed that the abandoned structure be maintained as a public park. The Reading Viaduct park plan gained momentum in 2009 when Philadelphia’s Center City District (CCD), and its influential president Paul Levy, became enamored of the idea and ultimately became a partner to help manage the project. CCD announced on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 that the first phase of the quarter-mile-long, elevated park would open in spring 2018. The actual grand opening of The Rail park was held on June 14, 2018.
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