The Bourse Marketplace Retains It’s Charm as it Renovates It’s Food Hall

October 24, 2017 by HughE Dillon

As the City moves forward, a few of our historic business are heading in the director of new and prettier too while keeping it’s historic charm. One of those places is the popular tourist spot -The Bourse, overlooking Independence Hall.

Charm (Common creative use)

The Philadelphia Bourse was a commodities exchange founded in 1891 by George E. Bartol, a grain and commodities exporter, who modeled it after the Bourse in Hamburg, Germany. The steel-framed building – one of the first to be constructed – was built from 1893 to 1895, and was designed by G. W. & W. D. Hewitt in the Beaux-Arts style.[1] Carlisle redstone, Pompeian buff brick and terra cotta were all used in the facade. The Bourse stopped functioning as a commodities exchange in the 1960s. The structure continued to serve as an office building until 1979 when the trading space adaptively reused the space a food court.

Fast forward to 2017 and the Bourse is undergoing another transformation – to the tune of $40 million, one which will continue as a hub for tourists in the Historic Philly area, as well as office workers and locals, but as a serious food and beverage hall with 27 new vendors.

Earlier this month a press conference was held to showcase the changes as well as introduce a few of the new tenants

Anney Thomas, Chaat and Chai

Chaat and Chai closed their South Philly storefront over the summer but the restaurant will reopen at The Bourse; Bluebird Distilling plans to open a full service bar at The Bourse, currently at the Shops of Liberty Place they have a tasting room; Chef Sylva Senat of Maison 208 is opening Baby Buns, named for what his daughter calls sliders. Pasta makers Vera Pasta plan to serve lunch option, they had samples at the press conference which were delicious. Olive with a Twist, which sells olive oils, balsamic vinegars, jams, and other gourmet pantry items,

Whenever I’m down in Old City and just want to chill, the Bourse was always my go to spot. Plus I liked the various vendors and postcard shops. It was a great hideaway with minimum offers, and now it’s going to have a better selection of food and shops.

Philadelphia Marathon 11/17 – 11/19

Think Seattle Marketplace, wouldn’t it be great if someone tossed a few fish? Updates
MRP Realty, in conjunction with Cana Development, will bring an array of artisanal vendors, as
well as established Philadelphia businesses, to Old City’s The Bourse, one of the city’s most
iconic buildings. Upon opening, The Bourse Marketplace will offer visitors and locals 27 high-
quality businesses under one roof, in addition to four anchor tenants in the building’s four
corners.