Dilworth Plaza breaks ground on major facelift
The Dilworth Plaza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has broken ground on a $50 million makeover.
The project will create 20,571 square feet of new useable space in the plaza, thereby expanding it to 120,557 square feet. The new facility will feature a spacious elevated lawn measuring 115 x 60 feet. The lawn is encompassed by seating areas and is slightly sloped to facilitate access of the disabled. The facility also comprises tree groves, a market street walkway, and an event space with a capacity to house 400 benches and chairs.
A unique feature to be installed in the new plaza will be a fountain with dimensions of 185 x 60 feet. The fountain can be programmed to serve both as a fountain or paved surface. The paved surface can be used to facilitate different events like concerts, and winter ice-skating. The facility will also include a cafe in its northern part. The cafe will have an indoor seat capacity of 25 and over 100 outdoor seats. The look will be complemented by a permanent installation from American artist Janet Echelman which will be integrated into the fountain.
The revamped facility will don a new gateway to and from the transportation center underneath. The main gateway to the underground transportation concourse will now feature a pair of glass sloping pavilions measuring 20 feet in height each. The glass will be shatterproof and self-cleaning while sporting three-feet wide channels around the sides. The channels will help store rainwater to suffice irrigation needs of the plaza. The facility will also be equipped with new elevators to allow access to transit levels.
The project will be financed by various sources. These include $15 million in federal grants through its TIGER programme, $15.5 million from Pennsylvania, $5 million via the capital programme of the city, $4.3 million from SEPTA, and additional funds from foundation, corporate and private contributions. Work is slated to be completed by early 2014.
