Get to know the many neighborhoods of Philadelphia in Agent Lady’s blog series “Philly Neighborhood Spotlight.” Whether you are looking to buy a home in this wonderful City of Brotherly Love or just want to get to know the lay of the land, read about the history, location, and highlights of Philly neighborhoods.
Rittenhouse Square
Location
Just a few minutes walk away from Philadelphia’s grand City Hall and the populated Suburban Station, Rittenhouse Square is located in Center City West at 18th St and Walnut St. The park itself takes up a 6-acre square, or one full city block, in the city with restaurants, stores, hotels, and brick row homes surrounding it.
History
One of the original five park squares planned out by Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, Rittenhouse Square was not always the beautifully maintained park you see today. Originally named Southwest Park, it was eventually renamed after Philadelphia astronomer, David Rittenhouse.
In the 1700s the grassy square was used as a pasture to keep livestock owned by residents around the square. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the square started to resemble a park when the elite moved to the area. Just before the Civil War, residents attempted to add fountains to the park. However, due to a build up of mud the City decided to remove them.
It wasn’t until 1913 that the modern layout began. Thanks to Paul Phillipe Cret, the park received a brand new design with the diagonal walkways you see today. Today, the nonprofit organization, Friends of Rittenhouse Square, fund the upkeep and events that take place in this gorgeous park.
Atmosphere
Rittenhouse Square is one of the few places where people of all walks of life will gather in Philadelphia. On a nice warm day, one can find employees enjoy their bagged lunches on a wooden bench, students studying for exams, owners walking their adorable dogs, babies pushed along pathways in strollers, and the elderly reading a new book.
Surrounding the park are high-end restaurants such as the well-known French restaurant, Parc. Designer stores line Walnut Street, leading up to the park as well. Don’t be surprised if you hear street performers showing off their talents in and around the square.
Red-bricked row homes line the one-way streets in Rittenhouse Square where Philadelphia’s elite still reside. Homes in the area are some of the highest price in the city.
Wiki Commons
Events
Rittenhouse Square is a hub for seasonal events in Philadelphia. At the end of the year residents and guests can witness the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and walk under twinkling yellow lights hung in the trees. When spring rolls around, the streets are shut down for the annual Rittenhouse Spring Festival. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, Rittenhouse Square is home to fine art and craft shows and weekend farmer markets.
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Looking to Buy a Home in Philadelphia?
Are you looking to by a home in our beloved city of Philadelphia? If so, make sure to contact Philadelphia’s lead real estate Cherise “Agent Lady” Wynne. Friendly, motivated, and professional, the Agent Lady team is experienced and looking to help home buyers make Philadelphia their home.
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About Brittany: Brittany is the super organized (and awesome) marketing assistant that helps home buying and selling clients have the best experience possible. She also shares her creative side by writing compelling short stories about the home buying process that are loosely based on actual client situations.
