Center City News

SEPTA is working day and night to keep their riders and staff safe and healthy, whether they’re taking Regional Rail downtown or making their way around town on our subways, buses or trolleys.

This CCD and CPDC monthly report on the Philadelphia economy and the vitality of Center City describes the transitional moment we are in as the logistical challenges of achieving sufficient vaccine supply and distribution are limiting the opportunities for economic recovery. However, the prospects for another federal relief package and expectations that, after initial stumbles, vaccine distribution will ramp up, point to a strong economic rebound by the end of 2021.

Center City District (CCD) is launching an advertising campaign across multiple media platforms to promote Philadelphia’s restaurants during the coldest winter months from January through March. The new campaign encourages the public to patronize restaurants through takeout orders, because not all restaurants have been able to install heated outdoor dining areas and the return to indoor dining will probably be gradual when it begins.

Dilworth Park remains a safe, outdoor destination for Philadelphians throughout the rest of the winter season. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn can be enjoyed through February 28, featuring a variety of free activities. Increased health and safety protocols, like mandatory mask wearing and social distancing, continue in accord with State, City and CDC guidelines.

This special edition of the CCD and CPDC quarterly newsletter documents this extraordinary year in photos and features CCD President, Paul R. Levy's letter, Ready to Rebound in 2021.

Center City Philadelphia is the largest employment node in the nation’s eighth most populous metro area. While the pandemic seriously affected retail sales nationally in 2020, this sector has proved resilient in Philadelphia. Retailers have gradually reopened, relying on new safety protocols to sustain recovery. Many restaurants are providing protected and heated outdoor seating and relying on take-out through the cold winter months.