New Landscaped Median Between Spruce and Pine Streets Marks First Major Milestone of the $150 Million Tree-Lined Boulevard Transformation
PHILADELPHIA (June 24, 2026) — Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) today unveiled the completion of Phase 1A of AveArts 2.0, a brand-new, plant-filled median on South Broad Street between Spruce and Pine Streets, directly in front of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Arthaus Condominiums. The milestone marks the first tangible delivery of AAI’s ambitious $150 million initiative to reimagine the one-mile stretch from City Hall to Washington Avenue into one of the world’s greatest tree-lined boulevards.
Groundbreaking on Phase 1A took place just five months ago, in January 2026. Despite an unusually challenging construction season, including extensive permitting coordination and winter weather delays that pushed the start date, AAI and its project team delivered the completed median on time, heading into one of the most consequential summers in Philadelphia’s history as the city hosts the 250th anniversary of American independence, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game.
The new median features a raised, landscaped design with native trees and plantings, a rainwater-collection cistern, and curated lighting, creating a greener, more pedestrian-inviting environment. Complementing the transformation, large-scale art banners designed by Philadelphia-based artists are now installed along the Spruce to Pine block, with additional banners extending south along the Avenue from Lombard Street to Washington Avenue, part of AAI’s recently launched Outdoor Art Banner Gallery initiative.
This fall, the median will also welcome a pair of sculptures by South Philadelphia-based artist Miguel Horn. The sculptures will be bright yellow, powder-coated steel works that render the movement of pedestrians in striking, lidar-inspired form, further deepening the block’s identity as a public art destination.
“The Avenue of the Arts has always been the spine of our city — world-class theaters, great history, amazing architecture, businesses, residences, restaurants — but what it has needed is something to connect them,” stated Carl Dranoff, chair of the AAI board. “AveArts 2.0 is that connector. It transforms the Avenue from a string of pearls into a beautiful green necklace, a continuous, living expression of vitality and culture. Phase 1A proves that this vision is no longer just a plan on paper; it is being built, block by block, right now, into one of the world’s great streets.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful moment to mark this milestone,” shared Desaree Jones, executive director of AAI. “Philadelphia is at the center of the world this summer, and the Avenue of the Arts is ready to welcome it. Completing Phase 1A is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and proof that AAI has the momentum, expertise, and commitment to execute this transformation at the highest level.”
Philadelphia Councilmember Mark Squilla, PennDOT Secretary Michael Carroll, Philadelphia Director of the Department of Planning and Development Jessie Lawrence, and numerous additional local and state officials also joined AAI in marking the occasion, reflecting the broad public support that has helped propel AveArts 2.0 forward.
AveArts 2.0, designed by global architecture and planning firm Gensler in collaboration with landscape and urban design practice OJB, envisions a continuous, green, pedestrian-focused public realm with landscaped medians, seating, enhanced lighting, outdoor performance spaces, and rotating public art.
Phase 1A was funded by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and private donors including several AAI board members. Construction was handled by LF Driscoll, with Aegis serving as the owner’s representative managing the project execution. The sidewalk phase is expected to begin in 2027 and, once complete, will extend the public realm into the existing drop-off lane, adding curved raised planting beds, seating, wayfinding, and additional public art.
As each block of AveArts 2.0 is completed, the Avenue will evolve into a continuous cultural landscape that deepens Philadelphia’s standing as a global arts destination and ensuring that Avenue of the Arts becomes, as envisioned, one of the world’s great civic boulevards.
About Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the Avenue of the Arts — Philadelphia’s premier performing arts district along South Broad Street. Founded in 1993 building on the vision of former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, who saw arts and culture as a catalyst for economic revitalization along Broad Street, AAI has played a central role in transforming the corridor into one of the nation’s leading cultural destinations, home to world-class theaters, concert halls, arts institutions, restaurants, residences, and public art. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and programming, AAI advances placemaking, economic development, and public engagement, ensuring the Avenue remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring place for all.
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