Last week I attended a press conference where Mayor Cherelle L Parker and the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, announced the launch of Gateways to Philadelphia, an anti-graffiti and highway beautification initiative supporting the Mayor’s goal of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city ahead of America’s 250th birthday.
This is going to be a very exciting project, one which will benefit Philadelphia well beyond 2026. Years ago there was a beautiful mural along this wall, but during the pandemic it became a magnet for graffiti. “Our goal is not just to clean up but to transform these spaces,” said Carlton Williams, Director, Office of Clean and Green Initiatives
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City of Philadelphia, Secretary of Transportation Michael B. Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer Trish Wellenbach, City of Philadelphia, Senior Vice President Donna Frisby-Greenwood, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Director Carlton Williams, Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, President Matt Rader, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Founder and Executive Director Jane Golden, Mural Arts Philadelphia
Who’s in the guest gallery: The guests watching the press conference were muralists and employees who have been working on the projects. I also spotted Tyrone Dixon, 2026 Deputy Director of Philadelphia, and Michael Newmuis, Philly Director of 2026 as well as Manny Smith, the Mayor’s First Deputy Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office
“This year, Pennsylvania is expecting more than 209 million visitors,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we’re hard at work making sure the Commonwealth is ready for folks across the world to visit and celebrate Pennsylvania’s integral role in the founding of our country 250 years ago. Our highways are critical entry point to the region, and we’re excited to work with the City of Philadelphia and our other partners to give visitors a warm welcome to Philadelphia.”
“This project reflects a shared vision for transforming Philadelphia’s most visible spaces expanding on PHS’s long-time commitment to making our gateways and public spaces beautiful,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “This spring and for years to come, Philadelphians and visitors alike will experience the impact of that vision. With more than 85 trees, 500 shrubs, nearly 2,700 ornamental grasses, and over 96,000 bulbs planted, this holistic effort brings partners together around a common goal and creates a landscape that is greener, more resilient, and welcoming to everyone who enters the city.”
The targeted list of priority locations includes:
- 26th Street Gateway at Penrose Avenue
- South Street Bridge, walls, medians and on/off-ramps
- 30th Street Station walls, medians and ramps
- I-76 and I-676 interchange at 15th and 16th Streets and Vine Street
- I-76 and I-676 interchange at 6th and 8th Streets and Callowhill/Vine Streets
- I-76 and I-95 interchange at 2nd and 3rd Streets and Callowhill/Vine Streets
- CSX/Amtrak wall at Spring Garden Street
The work started last fall, and will be complete this spring.
Love this for us!!
Socially yours, xoxo HughE