To those who might question the value or effectiveness of urban renewal projects, we say, behold Headhouse Square.  At one time, a bustling anchor of immigrant activity, the two block stretch of 2nd Street between South and Pine provides ample evidence of its past while obscuring much of the squalor and disrepair that once enveloped the area.  Today a picturesque integration of Philly’s colonial history and its urban modernity, the Library Company of Philadelphia tells that the area once known as the New Market was established in 1745.   The image here below, taken from Charles Ellet, Jr.’s 1843 Philadelphia County map, shows two vertical shaded rectangles where the market stood.

The New Market, already nearly a century old in 1843

The two rectangular islands were surrounded by cobblestone and bisected by Lombard Street.  At the north end of the market, facing out toward Pine Street was the market’s…

Last summer, we attended a Toll Bros. presentation, highlighting their plans for the long vacant Stamper Square/New Market site, in Society Hill. While that session was for information only, and no vote was taken at the time, we got the sense that the community generally supported this project, in contrast to the reactions of near neighbors to the last proposal for this site, a fifteen-story boutique hotel plus condos.

View from above

New site plan

Last week, Toll Bros. came to the community again, this time with more concrete plans for 410 S. Front St., along with some sparkly renderings. Toll intends to build a four story condo building, with a huge green roof and a large roof deck. Some private courtyards and one public courtyard are also included in the proposal.…

Beginning Friday, May 11, the Shambles at Headhouse Square will be a regular host to an exciting gathering of regional vendors. Locally grown and handmade goods from food purveyors, craftsmen and artisans will be sold in the historic open air market every Friday evening from 3 – 9pm, with live music at 7:30. Named The New Market as more than a nod to what the meeting place was originally called when established in 1745, The Shambles setting will give a historic backdrop to this newest asset to the South Street and Society Hill neighborhoods.

The Shambles

Closer look

Bob Logue, partner in Bohdi Coffee and Federal Donuts, is behind this venture to bring a new community shopping experience to Philadelphia. The current merchant roster currently includes Farm to City, Capogiro,…