Spring is almost here and that means it’s time to get outdoors! After a successful pilot last year, Center City District just announced the return of Open Streets: West Walnut. Stroll, socialize, and shop with ease as navigating will be a breeze!
Open Street: West Walnut returns
Center City District (CCD) is pleased to announce the return of Open Streets: West Walnut! For four Sundays this spring, beginning April 6 and continuing every Sunday through April 27, pedestrians are invited to shop, stroll and socialize along seven blocks of car-free space.
The program was first launched in September 2024 in support of neighboring restaurants and retailers. It was reinstated in Decmember just in time for the holidays.
Needless to say, both installations were a success. Specifically, CCD collected data to analyze its impact, including surveys from those businesses, 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.
Moreover, in December, 70% of businesses indicating an increase in foot traffic and over half (55%) reporting a sales increase by an average of 24%.
“From the moment we closed the street on that first ‘Open Streets’ Sunday, it was clear that we had created something special,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of CCD. “In addition to driving pedestrian traffic, visibility and sales to retailers and restaurants, our goal was to prove that streets filled with people drive more business than streets filled with cars.”
Shop, stroll, and socialize with ease
The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut are as follows:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.
The program route is as follows:
- 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.
Important to note, cross streets will remain open to cars at select intersections, including
- 16th Street
- 17th Street
- 19th Street
- 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street
The 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. Streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outdoors.
In fact, 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. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
CCD will provide ambient entertainment, including acoustic musicians, dancers and an appearance by the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 20. Additionally, along the 1800 block of Walnut Street, a kid-friendly zone will feature sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys. Seating pods will be set up along each block.
“We want to continue to provide a space for people to gather while simultaneously supporting businesses within our District,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of CCD.
“Open Streets has been a wonderful addition to the Center City experience, and we hope to welcome even more visitors and residents this spring.”
A full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.