Center City Happening: Spotlight on Center City, Philadelphia

The landscape of Philadelphia is comprised of dozens of diverse neighborhoods – from the sports arenas in South Philadelphia to the busy Bypass in the Northeast to the scenic sidewalks of Chestnut Hill – but it is the bustling landscape of Center City that stands tall in the iconic Philadelphia skyline.

In fact, prior to 1854, the entire city of Philadelphia was comprised solely of Center City, before the Act of Consolidation extended the city borders to match those of Philadelphia County. The neighborhood is more popular than ever, having grown 10% between 1990 and 2000. With an estimated 183,240 residents in 2015, Center City is now the second-most populated downtown area in the United States, after Midtown Manhattan in New York City.

Though small in size at just 2.07 square miles, Center City offers it’s own diverse sub-scape to Greater Philadelphia, including the central business district and central neighborhoods of Philadelphia – Penn’s Landing, Old City, Society Hill, South Street, Washington Square West,Market East, Chinatown, Logan Square, the Museum District, Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square, the Avenue of the Arts, and Jewelers’ Row.

The iconic City Hall stands as the second tallest masonry building in the world and until 1987, was the tallest in Philadelphia, as well as the tallest building in the world for seven years. It wasn’t until March 1987, that One Liberty Place broke the gentlemen’s agreement not to exceed the height of the statue of William Penn atop City Hall. The most superstitious of Philadelphia sport fans blamed the “Curse of Bill Penn” for the city’s lack of world championship for two decades. In an effort to reverse the curse, a 3-foot statue of Penn was affixed to the top of the Comcast Center upon its completion as the city’s new tallest building in 2007. On October 29, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies won the 2008 World Series, effectively ending the “curse”. Today, seven other skyscrapers now top the statue, with three more proposed building on the way.

The nation’s history is laid within the cobblestone streets of Center City’s oldest streets. During the American Revolution, the First and Second Continental Congresses gathered in Philadelphia. After the Revolution, the city was chosen to be the temporary capital of the United States from 1790-1800.Congress occupied the Philadelphia County Courthouse, which became known as Congress Hall, and the Supreme Court worked at City Hall. Robert Morris donated his home at 6th and Market Street as the residence for President Washington, or the President’s House. When the federal and state governments left Philadelphia in the early 19th Century, the city continued as the country’s cultural and financial center.Today, Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood continues to be a world-class region to live, work, and play. That’s why this holiday season, we’re turning the spotlight on Center City for an up close look at some of the hardworking businesses, organizations, and people that make this community so special.

This is Center City Happening. Explore the beauty of Center City; go behind the scenes at some of the businesses that make these towns tick; and learn about the latest developments going into improving the community:

Zyn Beauty

Since its launch in 2014, Zyn Beauty clients are grateful for this not-so-secret mobile beauty secret! Zyn Beauty offers hair and make-up services to busy women, at affordable prices, in their homes, offices, hotels, or other convenient locations of their choice. The Zyn Beauy Team brings salon quality hair and makeup experiences directly to their clients and eliminates the need to book appointments at multiple locations. Clients can go to their website to book appointments at times and locations that are convenient for them. The Zyn woman is short on time but high on style!

Core Fitness

CoreFitness is the premier alternative to traditional gyms! We have created an inspiring force in healthy living that is like no other approach in the city of Philadelphia. And we offer it to you in an easy, affordable, convenient way to make it a permanent part of your lifestyle.

DJ Perry Angelozzi

Epitomizing the Philadelphia Dance Sound, Perry started spinning records at the age of 12. He landed his first job at the age of 13 at the legendary nightclub the Chez in Atlantic City and has not stopped moving dance floors since. His passion for music began many years ago. Perry started in the music scene throughout Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York and created excitement and a style that has never been duplicated.

Christmas Village

First established in the 1700s, this landmark, historic property is a block from the Delaware River and a 2-minute walk to the Buck’s County Playhouse. The inn’s rooms, many with canopy beds and sitting areas, are individually decorated with period furnishings and have free WiFi, TVs and en suite bathrooms. Views are of the river, canal and/or Main Street below. A pair of on-site restaurants have seating on a glass-enclosed porch and a tented patio.

Philly During the Holidays

It’s the holiday season and you want to go shopping downtown, but don’t want to deal with trying to find a parking spot. Believe me we know how you feel. To help make this holiday season a little easier for you, we’ve put together a list of parking deals in Center City.

Philadelphia Poised To Become First US World Heritage City

America’s birthplace is poised to become the country’s first World Heritage City, joining more than 200 other places that have played pivotal roles in human history.

Dilworth Park’s Ice Rink

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park opened for its second season. This year the rink will offer expanded hours, special events, the opportunity to learn to ice skate and the all new Rothman Cabin, where skaters can take a break from the ice to warm up and enjoy delicious food and drinks from Garces Events.