Philly Pholly

INDEPENDENCE MALL — SOLAR ROOF CAPS

5th and 6th Streets reimagined as a shady, linear promenades reminiscent of the Tuileries — a grand, walkable spine that finally gives Independence Mall the lushness and dignity it deserves.
Double rows of shade trees frame both streets, creating a continuous canopy that cools the air and softens the monumental scale of the Mall. Underfoot, Pennsylvania bluestone pavers set within crushed‑granite borders give the promenade a timeless, civic texture.

A Continuous Greenway to Penn’s Landing
Connecting the surrounding green spaces — from Franklin Square to the blocks east of Walnut and Chestnut Streets — this vision weaves together some of the most historic sites in the city into a single, walkable, richly landscaped greenway leading all the way to Penn’s Landing.

Along the route, landmarks such as Carpenters’ Hall, the Benjamin Rush Garden, the Robert Morris Statue, the Merchant Exchange Building, the Museum of the American Revolution, Revolution Place, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Philadelphia Service Port become integrated elements of a unified civic landscape rather than isolated destinations.

The result is a continuous, tree‑lined, museum‑quality promenade — a historic corridor that links parks, plazas, gardens, and institutions into one coherent experience, guiding visitors seamlessly from Independence Mall to the waterfront.

Wherever possible, water features animate the landscape — shallow rills, playful jets, and reflective basins that draw people in. Banks of cherry trees add seasonal drama, turning the Mall into a springtime destination.

The program is intentionally diverse:
• Playgrounds tucked into garden rooms
• Dog parks with shade, seating, and durable surfacing
• Public toilets integrated into elegant pavilions
• Lush gardens layered with perennials and native plantings
• Dog‑friendly drinking fountains
• Public art installations that anchor each block
• Green roofs with solar arrays atop new structures

A stronger residential presence surrounds the Mall, recognizing that this is not just a civic space — it’s a special place that should support daily life, not just tourism.

Government buildings have roof-top gardens and cafés topped with solar arrays.
Never take tourists for granted.
A beautiful, welcoming, richly programmed Independence Mall becomes both a civic front yard and a global calling card — a landscape that honors history while embracing the city’s future.

Pete Buttigieg
Parks Conservation Association
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Service
State Parks
State Parks and Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Foundation

INDEPENDENCE MALL — SOLAR ROOF CAPS
5th and 6th Streets are reimagined as a shady, linear promenade reminiscent of the Tuileries — a grand, walkable spine that finally gives Independence Mall the lushness and dignity it deserves.

Double rows of shade trees frame both streets, creating a continuous canopy that cools the air and softens the monumental scale of the Mall. Underfoot, Pennsylvania bluestone pavers set within crushed‑granite borders give the promenade a timeless, civic texture.

Wherever possible, water features animate the landscape — shallow rills, playful jets, and reflective basins that draw people in. Banks of cherry trees add seasonal drama, turning the Mall into a springtime destination.

The program is intentionally diverse:
• Playgrounds tucked into garden rooms
• Dog parks with shade, seating, and durable surfacing
• Public toilets integrated into elegant pavilions
• Lush gardens layered with perennials and native plantings
• Dog‑friendly drinking fountains
• Public art installations that anchor each block
• Green roofs with solar arrays atop new structures

A stronger residential presence surrounds the Mall, recognizing that this is not just a civic space — it’s a special place that should support daily life, not just tourism.

Government buildings have roof-top gardens and cafés topped with solar arrays.

And above all: never take tourists for granted.
A beautiful, welcoming, richly programmed Independence Mall becomes both a civic front yard and a global calling card — a landscape that honors history while embracing the city’s future.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Parks Conservation Association
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Service
State Parks
State Parks and Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Foundation

INDEPENDENCE MALL -FRANKLIN SQUARE -CAP 676 /VINE STREET GREENWAY — LUSH
5th and 6th Streets are reimagined as a shady, linear promenade reminiscent of the Tuileries — a grand, walkable spine that finally gives Independence Mall the lushness and dignity it deserves.

Double rows of shade trees frame both streets, creating a continuous canopy that cools the air and softens the monumental scale of the Mall. Underfoot, Pennsylvania bluestone pavers set within crushed‑granite borders give the promenade a timeless, civic texture.

Wherever possible, water features animate the landscape — shallow rills, playful jets, and reflective basins that draw people in. Banks of cherry trees add seasonal drama, turning the Mall into a springtime destination.

The program is intentionally diverse:
• Playgrounds tucked into garden rooms
• Dog parks with shade, seating, and durable surfacing
• Public toilets integrated into elegant pavilions
• Lush gardens layered with perennials and native plantings
• Dog‑friendly drinking fountains
• Public art installations that anchor each block
• Green roofs with solar arrays atop new structures

A stronger residential presence surrounds the Mall, recognizing that this is not just a civic space — it’s a special place that should support daily life, not just tourism.

And above all: never take tourists for granted.
A beautiful, welcoming, richly programmed Independence Mall becomes both a civic front yard and a global calling card — a landscape that honors history while embracing the city’s future.