Weekly Press
The South Street West Business Association (SSWBA), along with the South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA), the Center City Residents Association (CCRA), and the Grays Ferry Triangles group, is planning a series of festivities to follow the City of Philadelphia’s official reopening of the South Street Bridge on November 6, 2010.
The celebration will take place at the Grays Ferry Triangles at 23rd and South Streets from 4 to 7pm, immediately following the bridge re-opening. Representatives from SSWBA, SOSNA, CCRA, and the Grays Ferry Triangles Group will be present to cut the ribbon with Mayor Michael Nutter, Governor Ed Rendell, and State Representative Babette Josephs at 3pm on the western side of the bridge. Participants will then walk down South Street to the Triangles at 23rd for refreshments, live music, and celebration.
“We are overjoyed that the bridge is finally re-opening,” states Jessie Frisby, President of the SSWBA and a business owner at 1537 South Street for over 40 years. The bridge closure has affected the viability of many businesses along the South Street corridor West of Broad Street, compounding the difficulties many faced in light of the struggling economy.
SSWBA has coordinated a “dollar day” event with local businesses who will be offering a variety of items and services for $1 on Saturday, November 6th. They include items such as $1 fudge at Betty’s Speakeasy, $1 egg rolls at MyThai, among others. “We want the community to get re-acquainted with existing businesses and see the great new restaurants, shops, and professional offices that have opened since the bridge closed,” says Matt Levinson, a South Street West Business member who is preparing to open The Quick Fixx, a gourmet takeout restaurant in January of this year.
To help call attention to the development that has occurred since the bridge closed, SSWBA is also launching a corridor marketing campaign with the bridge reopening. The slogan, “Venture Off-Center,” reinforces the notion that South Street has always been a little different, with a mix of businesses as diverse as the owners themselves. It’s also meant to remind Center City residents that a short wander southward will lead them to find hidden gems all along South Street west of Broad. Banners, advertising campaigns, and other activities will help to communicate the message, crafted by Message Agency, a South Street communications and web development firm.
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