Philadelphia 2035 (York, Washington, Ardmore: real estate, lofts, condos)

[AshbyQuin]

Haven't seen this posted yet: https://twitter.com/RealGlenMacnow/s...322585601?s=20

Looks like the Sixers are still exploring possible stadium locations. Their current lease with WFC ends in 2031, so I thought this would be an appropriate place to post this.

I wouldn't mind an arena on the Camden waterfront if they were to relocate.

[Tweb66]

Urgh, I hate everything about what Harris is trying to do. First they wanted NIZ money which is an abomination. The NIZ only exists in Allentown and for good reason, it kind of worked too well. But that was to revive a dead downtown. Center City is not dead. If they need money for surrounding infrastructure upgrades, thats pretty standard. But I see no reason why a dime of public money should go into the construction of a new arena for the Sixers.

[Tweb66]

Oh, and I would bet a lot of money that if he doesn't get tax payer money he will threaten to move the team to Newark, which is probably what he wants anyway. There is a reason why out of town owners stink.

[AshbyQuin]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

Urgh, I hate everything about what Harris is trying to do. First they wanted NIZ money which is an abomination. The NIZ only exists in Allentown and for good reason, it kind of worked too well. But that was to revive a dead downtown. Center City is not dead. If they need money for surrounding infrastructure upgrades, thats pretty standard. But I see no reason why a dime of public money should go into the construction of a new arena for the Sixers.

Probably been reading those BS news articles on how "Fashion district is a failure'.

Still, If it were between Hahnemann and the Fashion District, i'd go with the later, but a Camden waterfront arena is still more practical.

[Tweb66]

That has nothing to do with it. There is no reason why public money has to go to an arena. As for the location, the reason cities put stadiums and arenas in their downtowns was to reverse trends and give people a reason to go downtown. That isn't a problem here. As for Camden, for the majority of the fan base, that location is remarkably less convenient than the Wells Fargo Center. What the sports complex lacks in charm and nearby amenities it more than makes up for in accessibility.


In short, public money for a Center City arena is probably the worst idea I've heard in years.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

That has nothing to do with it. There is no reason why public money has to go to an arena. As for the location, the reason cities put stadiums and arenas in their downtowns was to reverse trends and give people a reason to go downtown. That isn't a problem here. As for Camden, for the majority of the fan base, that location is remarkably less convenient than the Wells Fargo Center. What the sports complex lacks in charm and nearby amenities it more than makes up for in accessibility.


In short, public money for a Center City arena is probably the worst idea I've heard in years.

Agreed.

But the block bounded by Market, Chestnut, 8th and 9th streets really should become something other than a parking lot with one surviving fragment of the old Gimbels still standing on it.

If the Sixers are willing to put up their own money to build the arena, I would be willing to use public funds to buy out the owner of 833/841 Chestnut and knock it down. But then again, it would be better if the Sixers spent that money directly.

(Of course, this may not be possible if that building is on the city historic register, which it may well be.)

[Muinteoir]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

That has nothing to do with it. There is no reason why public money has to go to an arena. As for the location, the reason cities put stadiums and arenas in their downtowns was to reverse trends and give people a reason to go downtown. That isn't a problem here. As for Camden, for the majority of the fan base, that location is remarkably less convenient than the Wells Fargo Center. What the sports complex lacks in charm and nearby amenities it more than makes up for in accessibility.


In short, public money for a Center City arena is probably the worst idea I've heard in years.

Yeah I completely agree. The money could be so better spent. What's wrong with the arena down in the stadium area of South Philadelphia anyway? I like that all of that is contained in one area, and that the rowdiness is removed from our core.

[thedirtypirate]

Originally Posted by Muinteoir

Yeah I completely agree. The money could be so better spent. What's wrong with the arena down in the stadium area of South Philadelphia anyway? I like that all of that is contained in one area, and that the rowdiness is removed from our core.

Sixer's are owned by a private equity firm. They want to increase the value of the franchise by owning their own stadium. Which means they shouldn't get public money. Especially considering the Wells Fargo was built with public money and just went through a $100+ million upgrade. It's worth noting that the lease at the WFC doesn't end until 2031. So we are a longggg way off still (though it does take a few years to build, but still years and years away from anything serious).

[Pennsport]

Yeah but you have to think about what’s best for the city. Harris is worth 6B. He doesn’t have a ton of incentive to put up his own money to build a stadium in a new location. A stadium in the middle of Market would generate so much more revenue for the city than a Deep South Philly location. When I go down to watch a game (any of the four teams) I either eat and buy beer at XFinity or the stadium itself. I would love to be able to walk three blocks to my choice of bar/restaurant. The city would make so much more revenue if the Sixers relocated to Market East or somewhere on the Delaware.

[Hedonism]

It's been 38 years since the 76ers have won the championship. Just sayin'.