SALT DESIGN STUDIO developed a modern and functional plaza and streetscape treatments at the west entrance of the historic Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia. In tandem with interior building upgrades, the plaza serves downtown office workers, tourists, and pedestrian passersby. Expanding the existing plant bed gave room to include striking bands of native and shade-tolerant plants interspersed with bands of light stone that extend the adjacent hardscape pattern. This plant and stone pattern is intended to be visually exciting from the surrounding skyscrapers above and while walking by at ground level.

A 25’ illuminated interpretive panel on the granite wall at the sidewalk highlights the Wanamaker history and John Wanamaker’s retail legacy. At night, the interpretive panel, a custom ‘WANAMAKER’ sign at the street, and new columnar fixtures light up to bring nighttime presence to this important landmark. Custom-designed benches dot the granite wall, providing much needed seating for people to sit and socialize, enjoy a lunch time break, or people watch. Altogether, this renovated plaza, and streetscape garden revitalize critical public space around City Hall.

Collaborators: Tantillo Architecture

Status: Construction Completed March 2021