Cityscape Philadelphia

panoramic view of center city skyline, viewed across delaware river east in camden, new jersey comcast center , spired 1 liberty place 2 tallest skyscrapers, 2008




skyline @ twilight southwest on south street bridge, 2016 (annotated version)




skyline @ night northwest on spring garden street bridge comcast technology center toward left crane on roof, 2017 (annotated version)


city planning


a portraiture of city of philadelphia, thomas holme - first map of philadelphia, ca. 1683

philadelphia s central city created in 17th century following plan william penn s surveyor thomas holme. center city structured long straight streets running due east-west , north-south, forming grid pattern between delaware , schuylkill rivers aligned courses. original city plan designed allow easy travel , keep residences separated open space prevent spread of fire. penn planned creation of 5 public parks in city renamed in 1824 (new names in parenthesis): centre square (penn square), northeast square (franklin square), southeast square (washington square), southwest square (rittenhouse square), , northwest square (logan circle/square). center city had estimated 183,240 residents of 2015, making second-most populated downtown area in united states, after midtown manhattan in new york city.

philadelphia s neighborhoods divided large sections—north, northeast, south, southwest philadelphia, west, , northwest—surrounding center city, corresponds closely city s limits before consolidation in 1854. each of these large areas contains numerous neighborhoods, of boundaries derive boroughs, townships, , other communities constituted philadelphia county before inclusion within city.

the city planning commission, tasked guiding growth , development of city, has divided city 18 planning districts part of philadelphia2035 physical development plan. of city s 1980 zoning code overhauled 2007 2012 part of joint effort between former mayors john f. street , michael nutter. zoning changes intended rectify incorrect zoning maps in order facilitate future community development, city forecasts additional 100,000 residents , 40,000 jobs added 2035.

the philadelphia housing authority largest landlord in pennsylvania. established in 1937, nation s fourth-largest housing authority, housing 84,000 people , employing 1,250. in 2013, budget $371 million. philadelphia parking authority works ensure adequate parking city residents, businesses , visitors.

architecture


christ church - example of georgian architecture

philadelphia s architectural history dates colonial times , includes wide range of styles. earliest structures constructed logs, brick structures common 1700. during 18th century, cityscape dominated georgian architecture, including independence hall , christ church.

in first decades of 19th century, federal , greek revival architecture dominant styles produced philadelphia architects such benjamin latrobe, william strickland, john haviland, john notman, thomas walter, , samuel sloan. frank furness considered philadelphia s greatest architect of second half of 19th century. contemporaries included john mcarthur jr., addison hutton, wilson eyre, wilson brothers, , horace trumbauer. in 1871, construction began on second empire-style philadelphia city hall. philadelphia historical commission created in 1955 preserve cultural , architectural history of city. commission maintains philadelphia register of historic places, adding historic buildings, structures, sites, objects , districts sees fit.

in 1932, philadelphia became home first modern international style skyscraper in united states, psfs building, designed george howe , william lescaze. 548 ft (167 m) city hall remained tallest building in city until 1987 when 1 liberty place completed. numerous glass , granite skyscrapers built in center city beginning in late 1980s. in 2007, comcast center surpassed 1 liberty place become city s tallest building. comcast technology center under construction in center city expected completion in 2018. new tower reach height of 1,121 ft (342 m), , tallest building in united states outside of manhattan , chicago.

for of philadelphia s history, typical home has been row house. row house introduced united states via philadelphia in 19th century and, time, row houses built elsewhere in united states known philadelphia rows . variety of row houses found throughout city, federal-style continuous blocks in old city , society hill victorian-style homes in north philadelphia twin row houses in west philadelphia. while newer homes have been built recently, of housing dates 18th, 19th , 20th centuries, has created problems such urban decay , vacant lots. neighborhoods, including northern liberties , society hill, have been rehabilitated through gentrification.