Center City gets a Fashion Makeover
Philadelphia’s fashion district is getting an upgrade, and is one of the most anticipated renovations of the 2018 year. Spanning three blocks wide, the fashion district of Philadelphia will soon be the largest retail shopping area in the city. This new shopping experience will include clothing and accessory vendors, while still hosting restaurants, and many other stores.
AMC has already announced that they will be opening an eight-theatre multiplex that will be part of the former Gallery. This was the first publicly announced tenant for the shopping center. It will soon take over the third floor space currently housing Burlington.
H&M was the second publicly announced tenant that will move into the new center. The popular clothing brand will soon inhabit a 38,000-square-foot outlet. Other confirmed retailers that will be coming to this shoppers’ heaven include Sketchers, Columbia Sportswear, Levi’s Jeans and Francesca’s.
Century 21, a popular store to get designer clothes at discount prices, has continued to stay open through the renovation, announced that it will remain in its original home on Market Street. Other discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Homegoods will soon join Century 21 along with other discount retailers according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In addition to the massive retail boom, the fashion district will also include many eateries and food stores. The area called “Market Eats” will not be the stereotypical mall food court. According to PhillyMag, it will be some of the most gourmet meals around. Joseph F. Coradino, the chief executive officer at PREIT, has confirmed, “there will be best-of-market, all-natural pizza, gourmet burgers and a sports bar that will have take away cocktails.”
Of course, there will be quicker meals available, as Wawa has reportedly purchased property. “How do you rent 600 apartment units? You put a Wawa on the ground floor,” said Daniel Killinger, the managing director of National Real Estate Development.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has also reported that Federal Donuts and Iron Hill Brewery will join the mix. Reportedly, there is another “sit-down” restaurant that has yet to be decided.
Some of the other tenants that will grace the fashion district cannot be categorized in either the food category or fashion and clothes. Wills Eye Hospital has purchased a spot in the complex, among other non-fashion retailers like, City Fitness and AT&T.
More information and progress photos can be found at the official website for Fashion District Philadelphia.
