The Sasaki & Associates report made thoughtful recommendations to the 76 Place proposal that continue to inform updates to the arena plans
Philadelphia, PA – (October 27, 2023) – Yesterday, the Market Street East Improvement Association released the results of an independent master plan evaluation of Market Street East and the role the proposed 76ers arena – 76 Place at Market East – can have on the future of Market East District.
The study, commissioned by the Market East Improvement Association and conducted by Sasaki & Associates, assesses the current state of Market Street and outlines a vision for Market Street East focused on diversifying business uses, enhancing access, connecting neighboring communities and creating a vibrant mixed-use corridor that connects Market Street to other iconic destinations across the city.
“Market East has tremendous untapped potential to become an animated, mixed-use, high-density corridor from Independence Mall to City Hall,” said Paul R. Levy, President and CEO of Center City District. “Our shared vision is to transform the street by enhancing existing assets – including improving transit infrastructure, preserving historic buildings, and accelerating retail, residential, and hospitality development. It envisions a fully revitalized Market East that protects and enhances adjacent communities like Chinatown, Midtown Village, and Washington Square West.”
As part of the study, Sasaki & Associates examined the arena plan and concluded that the proposed 76ers arena’s presence will finally make it viable to develop the south side of Market Street, helping to realize the vision for Market Street East.
“We believe 76 Place has the potential to be a major economic catalyst for revitalizing Market East, driving investment in new developments and much-needed streetscape improvements,” said Daniel Killinger, President of National Real Estate Development and developer of East Market, a one-million square foot development spanning from Market to Chestnut, 10th to 11th streets. “With the proposed arena modifications outlined in the Sasaki study, we are optimistic that 76 Place can enhance neighborhood connectivity, increase visibility and access to public transportation, create significant job opportunities, and contribute to the future vibrancy, safety, and security of Market Street.”
The study made recommendations for modifications to the design and approach of 76 Place that will help improve the corridor. The thoughtful input from Sasaki & Associates is helping to further refine plans for 76 Place. Examples of updates being made include:
- More Public Spaces: The retail ground floor of 76 Place will be open on non-game days to create an active, animated street level presence. The project team is also evaluating the best ways to activate adjacent streets and corners.
- Improved Access to Jefferson Station: 76 Place has made transit more accessible by increasing access points to Jefferson Station and improving wayfinding. As part of the design plans, Jefferson Station will have a front door on Market Street.
- Provide Better Connectivity Between Chinatown and Market East: 76 Place has worked on activating the street and strengthening the connection between Market Street and Chinatown by limiting visual obstructions into Chinatown. For example, the current bridge over 10th Street has hard cladding, while the design of the bridge for 76 Place will be glass, creating a clear view of Chinatown.
“The proposed 76 Place arena is the vehicle we need to revitalize Market Street and bring vibrancy and development back to the neighborhood,” said John Connors, President of Brickstone Realty Corporation. “We strongly support the proposed arena and the economic, cultural, and recreational impact it will have on the entire region.”
The 76 Place development team first announced its plans for 76 Place at Market East more than a year ago. Since the inception of the 76 Place project, the development team has been on a listening tour, conducting more than 85 meetings with community leaders, neighbors, small business owners, nonprofit organization leaders and government officials to discuss the project and understand how the official proposal could be responsive to the needs of the community.
“We are appreciative of Market East Improvement Association for commissioning a third-party study and sharing findings from independent experts that confirms what we have long believed — that 76 Place will help revitalize Market Street East,” said David Adelman, Chairman of 76 DevCo. “The research and proposed modifications to the current arena proposal are especially valuable and have helped us to further refine our proposals as other feedback from the community has done.”
For more information on 76 Place and these initiatives, visit 76place.com. For media interviews, contact: 76ersPR@76ers.com.
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