University City District Unveils The Porch at 30th Street Station

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

 For Immediate Release

Contact: Lori Brennan, 215-243-0555 or [email protected]

 

UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICT UNVEILS THE PORCH AT 30TH STREET STATION

Once a congested parking lane, The Porch is Philadelphia’s next great public space, hosting a variety of outdoor festivities, plantings, café seating and much more.

  

(Philadelphia, PA) – On Wednesday, November 2, University City District (UCD) held an opening celebration to unveil University City’s new signature public space, The Porch at 30th Street Station. Once a congested parking lane and bland, barren sidewalk, The Porch is sure to quickly become one of the most animated public places in Philadelphia, with amenities such as abundant and comfortable seating, sun and shade, trees and plantings, and ongoing performances, farmers’ markets, yoga classes and a variety of special events and festivities. As the name suggests, UCD sees this new space as Philadelphia’s front porch, a welcoming entryway to the city, as well as a place to linger and socialize, and a place to entertain and be entertained.  The Porch serves to balance the indoor grandeur of 30th Street Station with the wonder and expanse of Philadelphia.

Adjacent to the second busiest train station in the country, between two magnificent historic buildings and within 1,200 feet of over 16,000 jobs, The Porch is part of a key gateway to the Philadelphia region. And, over the coming months and years, The Porch will be a place to showcase some of the best that Philadelphia has to offer; to preview the work of iconic cultural institutions and unfamiliar art alike, to be inspired by the two beautiful buildings that bookend it, and to soak in the people who walk through it.

UCD have decided to kickoff The Porch programming in style with a variety of events and festivities for all throughout the month of November. Beginning in 2012, look out for many more exciting events coming to The Porch.

Lunchtime Serenade
Tuesdays, 11am-1pm (November 8-December 6)
French Swing Accordion Music by Dallas Vietty 

The Porch Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 3pm – 7pm (November 2-23)
Farm to City Market featuring Frecon Orchards (bagged apples, cider and fruit by the pound) and FreshaPeel Hummus (all-natural hummus infused with unique flavors) 

Sounds to Transport
Thursdays, 4-6pm (November 8-December 6)*
Traditional and original Eastern European and Balkan music by West Philadelphia Orchestra
*there will be no programming on Thanksgiving

Fitness Fridays
Fridays, 12:30–1:30pm (November 4-December 16)
Put your lunch break to work for you with fitness programming by Drexel University’s Recreational Athletics staff. No equipment or experience needed. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle and wear workout clothes and sneakers!

November 4 – Yoga
This class is crafted to create a balanced and invigorating practice for all participants with postures that will purify the body and steady breathing that will soothe the mind.

November 11, 18 & December 16 – Boot Camp
This 60-minute drill inspired class will have you pushing yourself to the max. Class consists of strength, cardio and agility drills.

December 2 & 9 – Kickboxing
Backed by high energy music, this cardio kickboxing workout incorporates kicks, punches, elbows and knees. You’ll use movements from martial arts and boxing as well as effective athletics drills to burn calories and relieve stress.

Circus Fridays
Fridays, 4pm-6pm (November 4 – December 9)
The Give & Take Jugglers and their Little Circus will surprise and delight. Using juggling, comedy and audience involvement, they use traditions from Vaudeville, circus arts, and theater to create a lively and contemporary show.

Fall Festival at The Porch
Saturday, November 19, 11am-1pm
Experience a little country in the heart of the city. University City District is excited to welcome autumn with the first official festival at The Porch at 30th Street Station. Fun for the entire family, the Fall Festival celebrates the season with food, music, and more.

• Milk & Honey presents West Philly honey tasting with Urban Apiaries
• Cooking demonstration and tasting by The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College
• Street Puppetry from Geppetta
• Homespun Merry-Go-Round
• Taste of Apple Cider History with Bartram’s Garden
• Bluegrass and Country music from West Philly’s Citywide Specials
• Give & Take Little Circus
• Free S’more’s kits to the first 100 people

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