Over 40 years ago, Philadelphia took a big swing: we developed Market East as a transit hub where all regional rail lines, the Market Frankford El, the Broad Ridge Spur and PATCO converged to give easy access to the east side of Center City for most city and suburban residents. With this bold investment, Philadelphia created an unparalleled civic asset that other congested, transit-poor cities across the country envy and can’t replicate without billions of dollars and generations of construction. While development plans for Market East have suffered since then due to shifting patterns of work and shopping, and SEPTA continues to suffer from anemic state support, Market East can still realize its full potential and be a power player for mobility and a catalyst for development - a central node where residents, workers and tourists access Philadelphia’s greatest attractions on foot and yet get anywhere in the region without a car. It’s an ever-present reminder that the transit network resting beneath Philadelphia’s walkable grid of streets is a gift from previous generations whose value could finally be unleashed for public benefit.

With the proposed Sixers arena, we have an opportunity to tap this potential, but only if we require it to be a great civic building that meets high standards for connectivity and access, serves as a good neighbor, contributes to the life of the street and catalyzes revitalization of Market Street from the Delaware River to City Hall.

We’re reminded that New York City has spent a generation trying to correct the urban and aesthetic issues that resulted from stacking a graceless sports arena on top of a major transit station. The proposed arena is a generational project with an opportunity to learn from MSG and create a development that amplifies and integrates Market East station seamlessly, a necessity if we are to meet or beat the goals for 40% of fans to arrive by transit.

We hope that the more detailed presentation of the principles and posing important questions results in rich civic conversation and an improved project, with a sense of place authentic to Philadelphia, leading to an improved Market East. Together, let’s push this development to be a true civic asset that we look back on as providing the tipping point for a revitalized Market East worthy of being Philadelphia’s Main Street.