Public art installations, wine classes, local entrepreneurs: The $420 million Fashion District Philadelphia project proves that retail’s new landscape is about much more than shopping.
Th e transformation of 901 Market Street’s grotty The Gallery into the style-conscious Fashion District Philadelphia (fashiondistrictphiladelphia.com) has been led for too long in the “TBD” column, its massive revitalization idling for five years. Finally launching Sept. 19, this once-unremarkable stretch of city property has been reborn—with a $420 million-plus price tag— as a dynamic retail and hospitality hub with a genuine commercial purpose and several tony amenities courtesy of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, along with Macerich development group and JPRA Architects.
While JPRA brought natural light to the development to showcase its variety of tenants, Joseph Coradino, CEO of PREIT, brought smart, aesthetically minded occupants to the mix. City Winery, a national concept rolling out its seventh location in Philly, hosts concerts, classes, fine dining, and private events. Th e 4,647-square-foot concourse level is dedicated to Uniquely Philly. The space is comprised of local brands like American Hats, Dolly’s Boutique, Duafe x the Sable Collective, and South Fellini. Coradino also tapped Philadelphia’s Bridgette Mayer Art Advisors for a series of contemporary large-scale murals, 3D designs and digital art to add another layer of interest to the project.
“City Winery is one of many new-to-market experiences— solidifying FDP as a one-of-a-kind destination,” says Coradino. “With Uniquely Philly, Fashion District is cultivating local businesses by working with entrepreneurs to grow their companies. As their businesses grow, we hope to help expand their brick-and-mortar presence and welcome the next collection of local entrepreneurs to thrive alongside major national brands.”
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Brownstein Group
