Two questions:

1) What was where Boyd's is now?

2) What's going into that abandoned building next to DiBruno's future site on Chestnut?


Besides the fact that this would waste alot of money, the other big problem is where is this replacemetn building going to go? If we plop it down anywhere else in Center City, you'll recreate the same problem there. Plus, I'm sure no one in Center City will approve a zoning variance to have Jeff next door. So they're only option is to relocate out of Center City but this would take away jobs, pedestrian traffic, etc. Liek it or hate it (and I agree their buildings create dead space), Jeff is a major integral factor in that area. Take it away and the neighborhood will no longer have an anchor.

That was built in 1907 as one of several locations of Oliver H. Bair funeral home and was later occupied for a time by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, before Boyd's moved in.

Here's the state historical listing for it:

http://www.arch.state.pa.us/display.asp

...and there's a detailed history in the National Register nomination form:

http://www.arch.state.pa.us/pdfs/H000811_01B.pdf

Interesting that it originally provided guest quarters and dining facilities for mourners to stay overnight.

__________________
Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.

I have to second that remark about DiBruno's. mmmmm. The superstore is going to generate quite a buzz and a lot of foot traffic. The two stores on 18th are great but I always hated the fact that they were seperated. Their products are outstanding. Can't wait.

I hope all the development helps to push Spencer and Mahoney to come to a resolution quicker. They are screwing themselves and cheating us out of two new skyscrapers. Plus, the street level shops of 1441 Chestnut would be an added bonus to that busy block.

The biggest boon to Chestnut will be the reopening of the Boyd. I easily see that starting off a rennaissance in the form of new restaurants and cafes in that immediate area to cater to the theater crowd. The other thing that SHOULD open on Chestnut is a Ritz theater. The Rittenhouse area certainly demands one and it seems like the NIMBYS will stop at nothing to prevent one from being built on Walnut so why not Chestnut? Its not in anyone's backyard at the moment. THe abandoned Eric theater (between 15th and 16th) might be a good candidate for renovation into a Ritz. It may be smaller than their liking but if that's the only spot they can get in that area then why not? With the Boyd theater, the Ritz, and House of Blues, I can easily see Chestnut taking off.

Chestnut is the new Walnut.

I agree a ritz in that building would go a long way toward developing chestnut west.

There is a lot of talk about Boyd's being the next big thing on Chestnut. Even with the renovations and additions I don't think the store has much hip factor. I guess that isn't the demographic they are going after. It's a shame Barney's never followed through with opening up a CO-OP store here.

Are you guys talking about the same thing?

There is Boyd's - the store - and then there is the Boyd Theater...

Apparently not but I do agree with the person who posted about the Ritz. It's time for a new theater in this area.

cc is referring to the Boyd Theater. I agree it could be a huge catalyst.

I'm looking forward to watching vintage movies there with my daughter - introduce her to the old-fashioned movie experience. Though mainly it's going to be a live venue, not so much a cinema.

I can't wait til the Boyd opens up. And yeah.. A Ritz or something would be great around there, why are they all so close to each other in old city/society hill like that? The Ritz theaters are the so cool, I love them.. Rittenhouse Square, being a premeire neighborhood, should deffinitely have one!