Earlier this year Open Streets: West Walnut, a new initiative from Center City District, debuted in Philly. Now, the wildly popular activation is back with some festive updates for its holiday edition set for next month.
With support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia, Open Streets transforms and expands the area — specifically, 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th — by temporarily closing streets to traffic. During the event, locals are invited to stroll nearly seven blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining and activities for all ages.
“The idea of Open Streets: West Walnut began with a hypothesis: streets filled with people drive more business than streets filled with cars,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of CCD in a statement. “September’s four-week pilot program proved just that, while also creating an extension of public space for pedestrians to use how they wanted, whether chasing giant bubbles with their kids, relaxing in lawn chairs or dining outside with friends.”
As a release notes, CCD collected data to analyze the impact of September’s installment, including survey responses from businesses along the route, with nearly 90% reporting an increase in foot traffic to their storefronts. The average increase in traffic across respondents was 86%, though some retailers cited increases as high as 300% above their typical Sunday. Feedback from respondents, along with data accessible on CCD’s Data Dashboard, informed the decision to add the December dates.
“With the holiday season approaching, this winter edition of Open Streets will add even more magic to an already festive Center City and provide an extra boost to area businesses,” Gupta added.
Open Streets: West Walnut has set dates for two Sundays this winter (Dec. 8 and 15), with activity hours locked in from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closures start at 9 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. along the program route. Cross streets, however, will remain open to cars 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, a news release notes. 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 as well.
The Holiday edition of this Center City initiative will also feature acoustic musicians and holiday carolers. Families can find activities like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys, as well as weekly story time events with Santa Claus on each date. Additionally, “cozy” seating pods playing holiday movies will also line parts of 18th Street.
Sports fans are also in luck, Philadelphia Eagles games will be broadcast live from the same location at 1 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 4:05 p.m. on Dec. 15.
To find the full list of participating businesses, their day-of specials and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.
