Proposed north-south section through stair

Built in the mid-1970s as an urban renewal project, Dilworth Plaza sits above multiple levels of transit infrastructure, linking regional rail lines to city subways, trolleys and buses. Comprising 2.8 acres at the intersection of Philadelphia's major art and cultural districts, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Avenue of the Arts, it has the potential to be a stimulating gathering place in the heart of the city. Yet its multiple level changes, vacant arcades, and confusing passageways deter rather than attract citizens, creating more of an obstacle than a place worthy of lingering.

A proposed redesign, undertaken by the Center City District and created in partnership with KieranTimberlake, OLIN, and Urban Engineers, Inc., outlines strategies to transform Dilworth Plaza into a welcoming gateway and orientation to Philadelphia's extensive network of transit lines, and a vibrant public space on par with other revered town squares in Philadelphia.

Aerial view from the southwest

Aerial view from the north

In the proposed scheme, grade changes are eliminated and the plaza is raised to street level to reclaim the ground plane and unify it with City Hall. The approach to the plaza is made more pedestrian-friendly with curb bulb-outs that narrow the roadway and permit pedestrian crossing from all corners at Market and 15th Streets. Paving gently rises from the perimeter walkways toward the center of the site, where a shallow water feature and sloping lawn panel creates a central gathering space.

Site plan, courtesy of OLIN

The history of water management at the site-Philadelphia's first public fountain and pumping station was located here-is evoked in contemporary terms by the fountain and through the collection and purification of on-site rainwater to irrigate the landscape. The 180x60-foot fountain is made up of "pixels" that can be individually programmed to become a fountain or paved surface for events such as green markets and concerts, and converted to an ice skating rink in the winter. The replacement of trees along 15th Street will restore views of City Hall, and the addition of 21,000 SF of planting and lawns and over 14,000 SF of permeable paving will establish a prominent model for ecological urban landscapes.

North pavilion entry

Two glass pavilions north and south of the Market Street axis are gateways to the transit concourse. Rising to a height of 20 feet at the top of the stairs, the two separate structures appear to emerge from underground, joined through a single arcing gesture that frames rather than obscures views of City Hall. The pavilion roofs gently slope beneath the central walkway from Market Street through City Hall courtyard. Self-cleaning, shatter-proof glass and graffiti-resistant film will be used to protect and maintain the pavilions. Rainwater is collected in 3-foot wide water channels around the pavilions for irrigating the landscape.

North pavilion interior

The new concourse is sky lit by the 96-foot long glass pavilions and reorganized to provide clear and unencumbered access to all transit lines. The granite detailing and semi-circular light well of the 1960s design is retained, but bridged over and illuminated. Archways are transformed into spaces for interpretive displays that celebrate the history of the site. An outdoor café at the north end of the site is positioned for optimal sunlight and mile-long views down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. An elevator in the building provides a third entrance to transit and a direct link to the 15th street subway-surface station.

Proposed concourse looking north

Proposed concourse looking south

Outdoor Café

Working in partnership with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) and its architect, Bower Lewis Thrower, the project will be coordinated with a major renovation to the Broad Street subway station which includes new fare lines to the 15th Street and City Hall stations, with ADA access provided to those stations, as well as to the nearby subway surface line.

For more information, visit www.centercityphila.org or contact the Center City District at 215.440.5500 or info@centercityphila.org.