Philadelphia: A New Upscale Artist Community

What happens when a big-time developer has big plans for a thriving artists' community?

1 minute read

September 23, 2001, 6:00 AM PDT

The artists of Northern Liberties form a close-knit community, and not just because they all show up on summer nights for the 'lawn-chair drive-in' movie in Liberty Lands park. Their community is close-knit because the people who live in the neighborhood actually own the neighborhood. Many of the homes are owner-occupied. Monthly rent checks often stay within the 19123 ZIP code.The main exception in this locally owned neighborhood is multimillion-dollar real estate developer Bart Blatstein. The developer, who lives in the suburbs, owns a huge swath of Northern Liberties, where he plans to build an 'artists community.'"

Thanks to Tom Collins

FULL STORY: Bart and the Deal

Saturday, September 22, 2001 in Philadelphia City Paper

Land Use Pennsylvania

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.