As Philly gets ready to ring in the New Year, we eagerly await new openings and news in developments from future projects within the city limits. It’s a brilliant time to be in the City of Brotherly Love: tourism is spiking with record-breaking hotel occupancy in 2014; our skyline is growing; the arts scene is constantly defying barriers and pushing the envelope; our medical field is unparalleled; our colleges are receiving national accolades and recognition; and our food and bar scene is, of course, an envy in the U.S. So what particular developments are we eagerly awaiting in 2015? Check out the list below and find out!
One Liberty Place Observation Deck – The second tallest building in Philadelphia’s skyline, One Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.) is a 61-story skyscraper that stands 945 feet tall. The building will be getting an observation deck built into the 57th floor, in addition to a restaurant on the 58th floor that’s expected to open in the summer. Look out R2L, this space will officially host the highest views of the city!
Old Original Bookbinder’s – Patrons will get a first look at Jose Garces’ renovation of the Old Original Bookbinder’s in Old City on New Year’s Eve. Although the lease was signed in October of 2013, its name was only just announced, and details about the space have been rather hush-hush. However, we know now that Garces’ iteration will be called The Olde Bar, and the venue will serve as an “interpretation of a classic oyster saloon”. Start making reservations now!
iPic Movie Theater – The old Boyd Theater at 19th and Chestnut streets has been under construction for the better part of the year. It will be opening under the ownership of iPic, an entertainment company which has nearly a dozen locations across the US. The “luxury” revamped theater will house 8 screens and 744 plush, oversized leather seats with the ability to recline if you’re willing to pay extra. If you need more convincing, each seat will include a call button for service staff that can bring food, cocktails and craft beers when summoned.
South Philly Food Co-op – Powered by a member-owned business model, this community-driven initiative hopes to open a cooperative grocery store with fair prices for all residents of South Philadelphia. The program will help to empower the local community through sustainable practices, food-centric education, outreach and community building. The best part? The member requirement is simply 8 volunteer hours per household, per year!
Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care – Hopefully none of our readers have need for it, but we are very proud of CHOP’s newest development! This state-of-the-art building will be the most advanced outpatient facility in the world, with 12 floors of integrated clinical care facilities and amenities for patients, visitors and family; plus a 14,000 square-foot roof garden for recreation and rehabilitation and a 2.6-acre landscaped outdoor plaza. As if we needed to further enhance our city’s outstanding reputation in the medical field!
Bing Bing Dim Sum – Owners of the delicious Cheu Noodle Bar in Midtown are set to open Bing Bing Dim Sum in January, which will feature the same “funky inauthenticity” and fun, noisy atmosphere as Cheu. The new destination is located at 1628 E. Passyunk Ave and will include delicious fusion dishes including Hong Kong-style egg waffle, pastrami bao and sesame pancakes – a welcome addition to Philly’s Asian restaurant scene.
East Market – While it’s not yet known that any businesses will be opening on Market between 11th and 12th streets, we do know that vertical construction will begin in February 2015. Plans to revitalize the city block started underway earlier this year, with the vacation and demolition of businesses. The multi-use pedestrian development will help to energize this tired corridor with artisanal shopping and dining experiences, which we will hopefully hear more about in the coming months!
Cheesecake Factory – The building at 15th and Walnut has been making waves ever since Inquirer darling, Inga Saffron, praised the building’s renderings as “visually sublime” in March 2013. Already being recognized as the “world’s most elaborate Cheesecake Factory,” its 3-story glass cube design may or may not house more than just another location of this popular franchise. But what other businesses will occupy the building, if any? We’re excited to find out!
There is so much happening over the next 12 months in Philadelphia, we can’t neglect to mention Hawthorne Cafe’s reopening, our first Philly SLS luxury-boutique hotel, and changes to Penn’s Landing and the Navy Yard. Plus, we’re anxious to find out more news about the Divine Lorraine, the potential beer hall at 22nd and Washington Ave., and the fundraiser going on now for the first brick-and-mortar location for the spOt burger.
What businesses are you most excited to see or hear more about in 2015? Let us know in the comments!
That movie theater sounds AWESOME. Now I’m pretty excited about that as well. Also, I’m glad that the new CHOP building makes the list. Good choices.