Philadelphia: A New Upscale Artist Community

What happens when a big-time developer has big plans for a thriving artists' community?

1 minute read

September 23, 2001, 6:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The artists of Northern Liberties form a close-knit community, and not just because they all show up on summer nights for the 'lawn-chair drive-in' movie in Liberty Lands park. Their community is close-knit because the people who live in the neighborhood actually own the neighborhood. Many of the homes are owner-occupied. Monthly rent checks often stay within the 19123 ZIP code.The main exception in this locally owned neighborhood is multimillion-dollar real estate developer Bart Blatstein. The developer, who lives in the suburbs, owns a huge swath of Northern Liberties, where he plans to build an 'artists community.'"

Thanks to Tom Collins

Saturday, September 22, 2001 in Philadelphia City Paper

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

6 seconds ago - Cal Poly News

Washington D.C. Protest

USDOT Releases Climate Strategies Playbook

The USDOT's new Climate Strategies that Work Playbook provides detailed information concerning benefits and implementation requirements for 27 transportation-related emission reduction strategies.

1 hour ago - Climate Strategies that Work Playbook

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Global Report Shows Urban Forests Failing to Meet Vital Standards

The study reveals significant gaps in urban forestry, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms, innovative planting solutions, and expanded tree canopy to combat climate change and improve urban health.

2 hours ago - The Conversation

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.