The wolf, the turkey, the turtle and William Penn are all part of an infrastructure improvement project down by the waterfront in Fishtown. In addition to creating a streetscape that includes tree plantings, rain gardens and other sustainable elements, the Columbia Avenue Connector will feature public art that pays tribute to the treaty signed between the Lenni Lenape Indians and William Penn in Penn Treaty Park.

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is creating a Columbia Avenue Connector that will improve access between the neighborhood and waterfront at Delaware Avenue, according to Karen Thompson, a DRWC spokesperson. The section of the Columbia Avenue west of the I-95 underpass, between the overpass and Girard Avenue will be improved by a streetscape designed by Studio Bryan Hanes.

Current view

In the future

Hanes…

We’ve heard buzz about this place for months, and starting tomorrow we’ll be able to check out Morgan’s Pier in person. Located at in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge at 221 N Columbus Blvd., in a space that was formerly Octo and before that Rock Lobster (and before that, Hooters?), Morgan’s Pier will try to turn the “tide” that’s resulted in so much turnover here over the years.

From the north

And considering the people behind this concept, we’re inclined to believe that they will be successful. This spot will be brought to us by many of the folks who operate the wonderful new venue, Union Transfer. Included in the ownership group are Avram Hornik, of Four Corners Management, Sean Agnew, of R5 Productions, and Dave Pianka of…