Construction has begun on the vacant lot on the southwest corner of 40th and Pine Streets (400 S. 40th St) where a 19th century Italianate mansion, designed by architect Samuel Sloan, once stood.

A developer, Equinox Management & Construction, is redeveloping the site into a market-rate apartment complex called The Azalea, which will be targeted at graduate students. The first construction permit – for the building’s foundation – was issued last month.  Continue Reading

The first electric trolley debuted 125 years ago today on the Catharine and Bainbridge Street Line. Photo from the The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.

On December 15, 1892, the first electric trolley began running on the Catharine and Bainbridge Streets Line, making public transportation a little more affordable for the masses.

SEPTA is marking the anniversary today with a ceremony and a “wrapped” trolley (pictured below) commemorating those early days that will run on the 11, 13, 34 and 36 lines for the next year.  Continue Reading

The 9th annual “Big Push” Holiday Concert will take place at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 48th and Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The concert will feature a cameo performance by Philly Funk band Breakwater, and all proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Other musical guests include: Calvary UMC Choir, Salsa singer Anthony Colon, Latin percussionists Raul & Asaf Berrios, and more. Suggested donation is $20, and there is free admission for children.  Continue Reading

Winter is here and so are winter illnesses. Check out this short educational video from myDoc Urgent Care University City about how to prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URIs), how to treat them, and what to do if your cold symptoms persist. If you’re planning a visit to myDoc Urgent Care, click here for a coupon.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Kol Tzedek, West Philly’s reconstructionist synagogue, is hosting their annual Hanukkah Party. This year, the party is titled “Rejoice and Resist” and will benefit Kol Tzedek’s Jewish-Muslim solidarity work.

Kol Tzedek, which means Voice for Justice, has been actively participating in many social justice causes and projects in the area. The synagogue is a member of POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild), a consortium of faith communities from across the city. Kol Tzedek members participate in several social justice projects and movements, including the Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Project, whose goal is “to create relationships with local Muslim communities, and to work with them against Islamophobia and discrimination.”  Continue Reading

Improvements are coming to the Cobbs Creek Parkway, which has been identified as problematic due to its speeding traffic, complex intersections, and high rates of pedestrian and vehicular crashes. Residents are invited to learn more about the planned improvements at a community meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Police Department’s 12th District Headquarters at 65th and Woodland. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.  Continue Reading