PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As 2026 celebrations approach, one of Philadelphia’s major thoroughfares remains largely drab and vacant.
The Market East corridor is expected to get thousands of visitors during this summer’s semiquincentennial party, but officials and civic boosters were concerned about the reception it would receive.
It’s why on Thursday, workers began a $1.8 million effort to make at least cosmetic improvements to the corridor before thousands of visitors use it to get from Old City to Center City. The money comes from a grant provided by the Philadelphia Commerce Department.
Amy Genda with the Center City District said more enhancements are coming in the next two months.
“Transitioning these storefronts, which were blank, to something that is vibrant and joyful is going to add to that pedestrian level experience,” she said.
The Center City District worked with Mural Arts to design the improvements, which will include bus shelters and lighting. Aviva Kapust, chief impact officer for Mural Arts said she’s happy both Philadelphians and visitors will benefit from the improvements.
“We’re just so excited to part of something that both for locals who are coming down Market Street every day and thousands and thousands of tourists so they get to see the color and joy that Philadelphia people bring every day to the city,” she said.
One of the new bright spots for Kapust is the transformation of blacked out windows at 10th and Market Streets into blue, green, yellow and orange art work by artist Manuela Guillén.
“The title of her piece is ‘Philly: Cool People live here,’ and they sure do and they walk down this street every single day,” said Kapust.
A task force is working on long-term plans to revive the corridor, but that could take years.
“This is a temporary intervention, but it’s just the beginning of rethinking this corridor because it is one of America’s most historic and amazing High Streets and I think it has the ability to become that again,” said Genda. “I think this is just a glimmer of hope and renewed focus on this important corridor.”
