In collaboration with Tantillo Architecture, SALT developed a modern and functional plaza renovation at the west entrance of the historic Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia. In tandem with interior building upgrades, the plaza aims to serve office workers, tourists, and pedestrian passersby. Expanding the existing plant bed gave room to include striking bands of native and shade-tolerant plants interspersed with bands of white stone that extend the adjacent hardscape pattern. This plant and stone pattern is intended to be visually exciting from the surrounding skyscrapers above and walking by at ground level.

An interpretive sign panel extends along a portion of the granite wall at the sidewalk, depicting ‘A History of Wanamaker’ timeline that honors John Wanamaker’s retail legacy. At night, this interpretive panel, a custom ‘WANAMAKER’ sign at the street, and new columnar fixtures light up to bring nighttime presence to this important landmark. Custom-designed benches dot the existing granite wall along the sidewalk to provide a space for people to sit, enjoy a lunch time break, or people watch. Altogether, this renovated plaza and garden extend critical urban outdoor public space around the southeast side of City Hall.

Collaborators: Tantillo Architecture