Jazzing up retail on 40th Street
(mention of the Writers House in an editorial by Lindsay Faber)
The Daily Pennsylvanian
July 30, 1998
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Jazzing up retail on 40th Street
The Daily Pennsylvanian
If the retail in this area were reflective of historically established West Philadelphia culture, 40th Street would likely not be cluttered with such oddities as Radio Shack and F.W.O.T., institutions which are probably not the best choices for the consumer population in our neighborhood.
...International craft galleries might thrive here, as would art galleries featuring contributions from promising West Philadelphia and student artists. Sansom Commons has been bult as a haven for upper-middle class consumers interested in Arctic mocha drinks and pricey sporting goods. But Xando, CitySports, Urban Outfitters and Parfumerie Douglas are not exactly screaming "culture."
...But the University has certainly made some moves in the right direction, too. It spearheaded the development of the University City District... And in the retail department, administrators in Executive Vice President John Fry's office are in the process of securing the artsy Sudance Cinemas for 40th Street.
Those decisions were two very smart moves which work in bettering town-gown relations and making the 40th Street area more attractive and cultural. On campus, we already boast the Annenberg Center, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Kelly Writers House, three institutions which give the University more of a polished flair....