After a successful pilot in September, Center City District (CCD) proudly announced it will be bringing back Open Streets: West Walnut. Sip, shop, and stroll as a portion of Rittenhouse Square will be car-free just in time for the holidays.
Open Streets: West Walnut is back
Mark your calendars! West Walnut will return for two Sundays during the holiday season, December 8 and December 15. The street closure program temporarily pedestrianizes sections of Walnut Street and 18th Street in Rittenhouse Row. Enjoy a welcoming space to shop, stroll and socialize along nearly seven blocks of car-free space.
Moreover, after its launch in September, Center City District collected data to see the impact it had on the area.
The results were more than promising.
According to the findings, nearly 90% reporting an increase in foot traffic to their storefronts. The average increase in traffic across respondents was 86%. However, some retailers cited increases as high as 300% above their typical Sunday
“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. “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.”
“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,” she added.
What to expect
Indeed, during Open Streets: West Walnut, the area will go completely car-free on Dec. 8 & 15th. The pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space. Rittenhouse Square’s 18th and Walnut entrance being a direct link to the park.
Specifically, streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outdoors. You can expect exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut.
Additionally, food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route.
Important to note, open containers of alcohol will not be permitted. Takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
Lastly, CCD will program ambient entertainment, including acoustic musicians and holiday carolers. Along the 1800 block of Walnut Street, a kid-friendly zone will feature sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys, as well as weekly story time events with Santa Claus. Cozy seating pods will be set up in the streets, including an area on South 18th Street where passersby can watch holiday movies. Philadelphia Eagles games will be broadcast live from the same location at 1 p.m. on December 8 and 4:05 p.m. on December 15.
The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Street closures will begin starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. along the program route: 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.
Cross streets will remain open to cars at select intersections, including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.