Former Wawas IV: Wawa Goes Forth

A Cole Haan store opened on Walnut at 16th in the space previously occupied by a Wawa Express, the (circa 2005) closure of which surprised anyone who had queued there for a Shortie. Midday lines inside typically stretched the length of the small store. With the subsequent closure of the Wawa at 20th and Locust, those in search of an affordable lunch in the Rittenhouse Square vicinity are left no alternative but the hot dog cart.

Top Ten Philadelphia Jobs According to Me

I have lived in Center City Philadelphia for more than seven years now, and during that time I have observed the city, and learned a thing or two about it. What follows is a list of what are, by my estimation, the most popular "jobs" in America's fifth-largest city. As you can see, some of them are quite respectable professions. Others of them however, are not really jobs in the traditional sense of the word, and might be better described as "lifestyle choices".

1. Student
2. Nurse
3. Physician
4. Other University faculty or staff
5. Other Medical staff
6. Bike messenger
7. Bartender
8. Metermaid
9. Vagrant
10. Thug

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Poorly placed concrete planters outside of the Morris Animal Refuge reduces the usable area of this Lombard Street sidewalk. As shown above, a 2' 10" sliver of walkway separates stoop from planter - barely enough space for a typical manual wheelchair.

Greetings from the Queen City

The Trashman Cometh

Subterranean Museum of Philadelphia History

To walk through Center City Philadelphia's extensive underground pedestrian concourse is to walk through a living museum of the great city that was. Here are some highlights:


Under South Broad. Renamed First Union Building, then Wachovia Building...

PNB was absorbed into CoreStates, which later became First Union, which was bought by Wachovia, which in 2008, was acquired by Wells Fargo.

Under 12th & Market Streets, PSFS signage remains underground and atop its legendary tower, which itself is now home to a hotel. Elsewhere in the concourse, signage for a PSFS branch office remains, and newer tiling evidences the location of its long-gone underground entrance.

No smoking, folks. Presumably, this sign has not yet been removed because SEPTA's employees are too busy sitting in token booths refusing to make change.

The venerable Strawbridge & Clothier chain shuddered, it's former flagship location is now proposed as a home to Center City's first slots parlor.

Beneath 8th Street at Market. Closed and the large building demolished, Gimbels' former site is now occupied by surface parking.

Former Wawas III: From Wawa to Nada

The space formerly occupied by a Wawa store in the Dorchester at 20th and Locust Streets, is now vacant.

Philadelphia, The Next Great City (Part II)

My Nightlight

Former Wawas II: 20th & Chestnut

Long a favorite of area hipsters attending indie rock shows in the basement of the nearby First Unitarian Church, the Wawa in the 2000 block of Chestnut Street has been replaced by an Old Nelson Food Market. Note: not only has one been upset, but for some reason, there are two PW boxes on the sidewalk out front.

Former Wawas: First in a Series

Wawa is well-known in the Mid-Atlantic states for their convenience stores which are generally clean, well-stocked and open 24 hours. Despite expansion into the ever-farther-flung suburbs of Philadelphia and beyond (as far even as Virginia) the number of locations in central Philadelphia has declined. By my reckoning, just four remain in Center City where five years ago there was at least twice that number. This former Bella Vista location (pictured) on S. 8th Street at Bainbridge, while not technically in Center City is close enough for me to count.

Coke Below Zero

Frozen sodas for sale at the 7th and Market Rite Aid.

Cultural Tourism

An Die Musik

Unopened double LP purchased for $1.00.

The Real Philadelphia

And what is it with stupid people and quotation marks?

With a little effort, you can fine a lot.

Philly's More Fun When You're Hungover

A man vomits in Washington Square West Saturday.