About the Neighborhood
by Tony DeAnnuntis
The Square is nearly encircled by single-family homes, and provides the focal point for a modestly affluent neighborhood
that includes several fine restaurants and a wide variety of shops and small businesses.
The Square also provides the site for annual seasonal events and activities, including the Spring Fair, the Easter Egg
Hunt, a Halloween Party, and the Christmas tree lighting (more about Fitler Square events).
The buildings that surround Fitler Square rarely stand more than four stories tall, and the surrounding tree-lined streets form a continuation of the Square as an urban oasis of tall shade trees and well-tended gardens. An addition to the natural
beauty of the Square is the collection of animal sculptures commissioned by the Fitler Square Improvement Association displayed
within its unpretentious wrought-iron fence (more about the Fitler Square Improvement Association). Dominating the center
of the Square stands an ornate Victorian-era fountain that flows most of the year.
A shipping, shipbuilding and brick-making center from the city's earliest history, the neighborhood became the home of
some of the city's most prominent citizens. The majority of the buildings of the Square's neighborhood date from the mid-19th
to the early 20th century, and the history of the neighborhood's development can be traced through the changing styles of
its remarkably varied architecture (more about history of the neighborhood).
Though rich in history and lively with commerce, it's the human charm of the Square and
its neighborhood that makes it a cherished jewel, seducing visitors and enchanting residents. A heady blend of
neighborliness and intimate community combined with a cosmopolitan urbanity, all set near the heart of a major
American metropolis, Fitler Square provides an environment unmatched by any suburban development, and affords a
rich, exciting diversity that elicits and sustains the passionate loyalty of its neighbors.
Schuylkill River Park: Fitler Square's Neighbor
by Tony DeAnnuntis
Three
blocks west of the Square begins Schuylkill River
Park, among the newest of Philadelphia's parks. Stretching along the eastern
bank of the Schuylkill River, it
provides a bucolic foot-and-bike path along
the river leading to the back entrance of the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, and entrance into
Fairmount Park.
The southern
end of the park, east of the railroad, between Pine and Spruce,
is dedicated to a variety of activities. Here
visitors will find a children's playground, tennis
courts, basketball courts, a softball field, a
dog-run, and a large community garden.
The
view across the river is dominated by the imposing
buildings of the University of Pennsylvania. Most
recognizable among them are the towering walls
of Franklin Field, for nearly a century the home
of Penn's football team, and for nearly twenty
years the home field for the Philadelphia Eagles
professional football team.
North along the river stands the imposing building that was
the US
Post Office, and further north, the classically
elegant facade of 30th Street Station, one of
Philadelphia's two major railroad stations. Finally,
perched at the top of a hill are the yellow walls
and russet peaks of the Philadelphia Museum of
Art.
Schuylkill River Park is an exquisite compliment
to Fitler Square, providing opportunities for
sports activities, the delights of the gardens
of flowers and vegetables, and a scenic panorama.
newspaper article: The
Dream of Schuylkill River Park
(October, 1959)
Trinity Center for Urban Life
by Tiz Block
Trinity Center for Urban Life is a non-religious community organization that promotes the use of the historic buildings of Trinity Memorial Church in the Fitler Square Neighborhood. TCUL's mission is to create a center of community that supports arts and culture, educational opportunities, and neighborhood activities. TCUL oversees the rental of the space to long and short-term occupants, both public and private, and allocates the revenue to support emerging and diverse arts groups. TCUL supports community organizations such as CCRA, the Community Gardens, and the Police Advisory Council, by offering free or low cost meeting space.
For more information, contact TMCAdministrator@verizon.net or visit their web site at www.trinitycentercity.org.
|
