Architect Cecil Baker discusses a proposed building plan for 4224 Baltimore Avenue. The plan essentially divides the structure into two parts, with retail space (beginning near his hand) running along 43rd Street and Baltimore Ave.) that would include residential units above and a larger residential section with underground parking (behind his head).

Developers unveiled a couple of possible design plans on Tuesday for 4224 Baltimore Ave., the vacant plot of land across from Clark Park. A key remaining question is whether the building owners, who have the right to start building whenever they want, will go for one of the proposals.

About 50 community members attended the public meeting Tuesday night at the International House on Penn’s campus to offer input on building proposals that include underground parking, retail, possibly owner-occupied condos and one catch – more units. The land owners, Clarkmore Group LLC, currently have a “by right” permit to build a 92-unit residential building with no retail and only six parking spaces. They could start building tomorrow if they wanted to, with no community input. Instead the firm hired U3 Ventures, a development firm headed by former University of Pennsylvania executive and neighborhood resident Omar Blaik, to come up with alternative building plans and present them to the community.

The proposals unveiled on Tuesday included a residential and commercial structure divided into two sections. The first, closer to Clark Park near the southeast corner of 43rd and Baltimore would sit on an angle, opening the entrance to the park and allowing many of the existing trees on the property to be saved. This section would include some 8,000 square feet of retail on the first floor that would front both Baltimore Avenue and 43rd Street. Under one plan, this section would be five stories. Under another plan, just two stories.  Continue Reading

We hear that the University City District has agreed to extend the Heart and Soul piano project in Clark Park for another week, so you can still visit the pianos in the park and play your favorite tune. The project closes on Monday, June 24.

Photo from University City District’s Facebook page.

West Philly Local reader Tina Horowitz snapped this photo of beautiful neighborhood hydrangeas this morning.

We have some good news and some bad news for those who were anticipating a new date in July for the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll after it was cancelled last week due to rain. The merchants have not been able to agree on a reschedule date so there will be no stroll until September, according to University City District’s Mark Christman. The next (and only) scheduled Stroll this year is on September 12, 2013 and we hope that the weather will be more favorable for this popular community event next time.

Another great way to try some of the best food in the area – though not for $1 – is the 9th University City Dining Days, which kicks off July 18. Some 29 West Philly restaurants are participating in the event and taking reservations now. As always, you can select a dining option that works best for your palate (and your wallet!) out of the list of restaurants participating in the “3 courses, 3 prices” promotion – a pre-fixe three-course dinner special for $15, $25 or $35. The list includes both most popular dining destinations, like Dock Street Brewery or Jose Garces’ Distrito, and newcomers, such as Han Dynasty, Harvest Seasonal and Doc Magrogan Oyster House. The restaurants that range from craft beer bars to celebrity chef restaurants to cozy BYOBs to international cuisine are now taking reservations.

Photos via Universitycity.org.

To check out the list of participating restaurants with downloadable menus and to make your reservation, please visit: http://www.ucdiningdays.com/ Note: prices are for dinner only and do not include tax, gratuity or alcohol, and reservations should be made directly through the participating restaurant. University City Dining Days will run until Aug. 1, 2013.

The Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) is holding its annual meeting and potluck dinner on Thursday, June 20 and inviting neighbors to attend. The meeting will take place at the Center for Culinary Enterprises (310 S. 48th St; enter through the back of the building on Hanson St.) Potluck dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:15 p.m.

The meeting will be dedicated to the history of Garden Court. GCCA has been awarded a grant by the Preservation Alliance to put together a historic tour of the community and you can learn more about this project at Thursday’s meeting. There will be an opportunity to share your personal account of the neighborhood’s history. Here are some questions GCCA is asking you to think about so you can come prepared to share your accounts of living in the neighborhood over the years:

– What locations have been important to you and why?

– What monumental or pivotal moments of neighborhood change do you remember?

– How have you connected with others in the neighborhood over time?

Everyone is welcome to bring copies of pictures of yourself and of the community. As a reminder, Garden Court boundaries are between 45th and 52nd Streets and Cedar Avenue and Locust Street.

If you have questions, please Email Kate Mills at katewmills@gmail.com.

P.M. @ Penn Museum, the popular summer outdoor concert series that brings great live music performances and laid back atmosphere to the museum lawns every Wednesday night, from 5 to 8 p.m., is returning June 19. This year, the concerts, which cost only $5 and also include admission to the museum galleries, will run through mid-September and feature a colorful blend of global music performances – from gentle Latin folk to raucous Turkish fusion, to rhythmic Afro-Cuban jazz. American-influenced music will be also well represented, with bluegrass, swing, and good, old-fashioned rock n’ roll performances. See the full line-up here and check out the Events Calendar for upcoming concerts.

The P.M. @ Penn Museum series is specifically aimed at those who want to unwind after a long day at work. This summer the museum’s outdoor Stoner Courtyard will offer a relaxed outdoor locale for the concerts and the Pepper Mill Cafe’s garden bar will serve drinks and light fare. Please note that in case of rain concerts move inside.

This Wednesday, Bill Koutsouros’ internationally acclaimed ensemble, Animus, kicks off the series, offering an exciting fusion of ancient and modern music with traditional elements of Greek, rock, Middle Eastern, blues, Indian, jazz, and African music. On June 26, P.M. @ Penn Museum is hosting Philadelphia-based, multi-ethnic group Barakka, which specializes in Turkish folk-rock with a mix of eastern and western instrumentation.

Animus will kick off the P.M. @ Penn Museum concert series on Wednesday, June 19. (Photos courtesy Penn Museum)