Philadelphia Fall 2018 Openings

Openings Fall 2018:

• Akwaaba Philadelphia – The sixth of Monique Greenwood’s bed and breakfasts furthers the hotelier’s focus on African-American history and guests. “Akwaaba” which means “welcome” in the language of Ghana, West Africa, welcomes guests to six suites within an 1879 Victorian mansion in West Philadelphia’s tree-lined Powelton Village neighborhood, in University City. Each glamorously appointed suite will have a Philly musician or musical legacy as its theme, including Itchi Gitchi, for Patti LaBelle’s Lady Marmalade; “Like It’s Golden,” for Jill Scott; “Blue Note,” to honor Teddy Pendergrass, McFadden & White and compeers, and “The Roots Retreat,” whose name should need no modern-day explanation. Renovations completed in September 2018. 3709 Baring Street, (866) 466-3855, akwaaba.com
• Shrine to Saint Katherine Drexel – The sacred remains of the Philadelphia-born saint will be enshrined in Center City’s Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in September 2018. Drexel’s stone crypt and a mosaic portrait, formerly part of the Bensalem, Pennsylvania estate of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament—missionaries dedicated to the welfare of Native Americans and African-Americans—will be honored during a mass with Archbishop Chaput on November 18, 2018. 1723 Race Street, (215) 561-1313, cathedralphila.org
• The Philadelphia Bourse– The Historic District’s circa 1895 commodities exchange transforms into an artisan market in the style of Chelsea Market. The new incarnation of the burnished, Victorian-era member of the National Register of Historic Places promises an experience befitting Philadelphia’s current and centuries-old reputation as a city of makers. Among the 29 tenants in the mix: Mighty Melt (grilled cheese), Scoop de Ville (ice cream), Bonatsos Flower Shop, Bluebird Distilling, Prescription Chicken (soup), Chaat and Chai (Indian) and Chocodiem (chocolate). October 2018. 111 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 625-0300, The Bourse Marketplace
• Cherry Street Pier – A $5 million makeover transforms the 55,0000-square-foot Municipal Pier 9 into an accessible, egalitarian, year-round, mixed-use space for artist studios, shopping, performances, dining, drinking, working and relaxing in an innovatively designed public space, including an open-air park at the pier’s end. October 2018. Cherry Street Pier Coming To The Delaware Waterfront
• The Met Philadelphia – The North Broad Street venue that first opened its doors in 1908 after being designed by William H. McElfatrick and built by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein I, the Metropolitan Opera House is being restored to offer major live performances once again—this time, courtesy of Philadelphia-based Live Nation. The $56 million project includes full-service dining, a variety of VIP experiences and space to host large corporate events. Tickets for James Bay and his Electric Light tour (March 9, 2019) and Derek Hough of “World of Dance” (June 14, 2019) are already on sale. December 2018. Broad & Poplar Streets, Look Inside Live Nation's Renovations of The Met Philadelphia