Grassroots Initiative
Lower Italian Market Revitalization Project
South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Lower Italian Market Revitalization project focuses on a crucial commercial corridor in the geographical and psychological center of South Philadelphia. These blocks have been dominated by vacant storefronts, with small and dilapidated buildings that suffer from overwhelming amounts of trash, crime, and blight. In an effort to reverse the proliferation of vacant storefronts, crime, trash and blight in the Lower Italian Market area, a group of architects, designers, planners, and policy makers formed the Planning & Design Committee of the Passyunk Square Civic Association (PSCA). In 2007, PSCA was awarded a $50,000 grant from the City of Philadelphia to study the area and determine successful factors and strategies for redevelopment.
The neighborhood’s vision for the corridor is to promote and improve conditions for existing businesses, while attracting new development to create a vibrant street life for businesses, residents, and visitors. The Plan addresses green elements, public art, and contemporary concepts that specifically apply to this dense urban area. Interest among residents about PSCA’s revitalization plan was so high that the community formed a new committee to implement its recommendations.
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The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has been holding annual student shows for over a century. Join John Thornton as he tours the 108th of these and tries to find the student who won the same prize he won 29 years ago. His quest leads him to some profound truths about art, fame, friendship, and community.
Brian Tallarico of Tallarico’s Chocolates in Bethlehem, Pa., provides a tasting of his signature chocolates. Students and faculty from Northampton Community College’s Culinary Arts program joins in on the chocolate tasting.
On Friday, May 23rd, 2008, the students of the Uptown Music Collective in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and a cast of avant luminaries and present-day torch-bearers were conducted by Rhys Chatham in the performance of the world premiere of his new composition for 100 guitars: Les 100 guitares: G100. The performance was held at the beautiful and historic Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. This was the first time Chatham has brought one of his 100 guitar orchestra performances to the United States. Special thanks to Seth Olinsky of Akron/Family. Filmed by Lonnie Wilcox. Edited by Colin Haun.