Community leaders, project partners, and elected officials gathered in Old City to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Commerce Connector, a pedestrian walkway and public space improvement project at 4th Street and Market Street, extending north to Wistar Alley.

Urban, which is providing construction services and led the project’s public outreach and community engagement, joined the occasion in marking the start of construction on this highly anticipated $2.7 million investment in walkability, safety, and placemaking. The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2026, in time for the City’s 250th Anniversary celebration, which is expected to attract millions of visitors to the area.

The Commerce Connector will revitalize a key corridor linking historic sites, cultural institutions, and neighborhood destinations. Designed as a quiet, walkable alternative to vehicle-heavy streets, the project will enhance daily life for residents and the experience of the millions of tourists who explore Old City each year.

The ceremony featured remarks from project champions and community partners, including:

• Maiti Gallen, Director of Operations, Independence National Historical Trust
• Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director, Old City District
• Joe Schiavo, Board Member, Old City Green
• Councilmember Mark Squilla, Philadelphia City Council, District 1

The improvements include new paving, modern site furnishings and seating, enhanced lighting for safety and visibility, expanded greenery and landscaping, and the reconfiguration of an existing retaining wall to improve sightlines, while screening views of an adjacent parking lot.