Center City District Is Bringing Open Streets to Rittenhouse Featuring Car-Free Streets For Shopping, Dining, and Activities
It’s been a while since the city provided open streets to its residents but it looks like Center City District (CCD), with support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia, plans to transform one of Philly’s most popular shopping and dining destinations into car-free zones. Open Streets will include 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th and will temporarily close streets to vehicular traffic. During these closures, pedestrians will be invited to stroll nearly seven blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining and activities for all ages.
Open Streets: West Walnut will take place on four consecutive Sundays in September, beginning September 8 through September 29. The event will run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., with closures going into effect by 8 a.m. and opening back up at 6 p.m. The cross streets will remain open at select intersections,
including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.
These pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space, with Rittenhouse Square’s 18th and Walnut entrance being a direct link to the park. Streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outside. Some plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut. Food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route, with many expanding their tables onto the sidewalk. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
CCD will provide ambient entertainment, including acoustic musicians, strolling performers, dance groups and more. A family-friendly zone will offer sidewalk chalk, games and activities for kids. There will be no supplemental vendors on the street; everyone is encouraged to support the businesses located on the
closed streets and surrounding areas. To find the full list of participating businesses, their day-of specials and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.
“Philadelphia has been named one of the most walkable cities in the United States and we are told by national retail experts that West Walnut Street is one of the most desirable leasing locations in the country. This activation blends both of these accolades and we are hopeful that Open Streets: West
Walnut will encourage real-life interaction between friends, neighbors and passersby by reclaiming streets as an expansion of public space,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of Center City District.
“We want visitors of all ages to come together to explore our wonderful Rittenhouse Row at their own pace, including world-class restaurants and retail offerings. Pedestrian-only events already exist in cities across the world, and for four Sundays this fall, Center City Philadelphia will proudly join those ranks.”
“Our Open Streets program will transform Walnut Street into public space open to all,” said Corie Moskow, Executive Director of Rittenhouse Row. “Open Streets will build community and support commerce by creating a unique experience for visitors to Rittenhouse Row on Sundays. We can’t wait to see city residents connect with each other and hope that suburban residents will use this special programming as an excuse to come shop, dine and explore our vibrant and sophisticated part of the city.”
The first two weeks of Open Streets: West Walnut coincide with the fall installment of Center City District Restaurant Week. Diners travelling into Center City are encouraged to note these street closures beforehand. While parking lot access will not be interrupted, some SEPTA buses will be rerouted.
Participating restaurants along the route include a.kitchen, Bar Bombon and Devon Seafood Grille. Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by Center City District with support from the City of Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Row and Rothman Orthopaedics. These events are weather permitting and subject to change.
