Everybody knows that Philadelphia was a happening place, oh, say, 230 years ago. But if you are one of those people who think the excitement ended when Betsy Ross packed up her sewing kit, then we’ve got news for you: The City of Brotherly Love, circa AD 2005, rocks.
For starters, the venue for GWS2005 is several cuts above your standard big-city chain hotel. The Loews Philadelphia Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel occupies the PSFS (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society) Building. It is an architectural landmark — the first International Style skyscraper built in America, with a design evolved from the European functionalist style of the 1920s. Architects George Howe and William Lescaze built what was heralded at its completion in 1932 as the most radical departure from traditional bank architecture in a century. The 36-story structure’s innovative design went far beyond the exterior, which was determined by interior economic and structural functions including stores and office spaces in addition to the banking areas. Design elements were controlled down to the smallest detail, from use of varied marble panels, bathroom fixtures, graphics used for signs, elegant woodwork in the 33rd-floor board rooms, to the clocks which were manufactured by Cartier. Furniture, designed by the architects, completed the architectural statement. All this was put in jeopardy when the Savings Fund Society closed in 1992, and by 1994 the building was on Pennsylvania’s list of most threatened historic places. The Loews corporation took over in 1998 and turned the building into the hotel we have today, all while scrupulously maintaining the Art Deco look and feel of the original design.
 |
 |
 |
Sleeping room block at Loews is now full. (posted 2/3/05) We learned today that our block of several hundred sleeping rooms (at the federal per diem rate) at the Loews Hotel is now full, except for a few rooms on Wednesday and Thursday nights only. If you wish, you can try calling the Loews at 1-215-627-1200 to see if there have been any cancelled rooms in the GWS room block that you can have.
OVERFLOW HOTELS: The Hilton Garden Inn (11th & Arch Sts., 2 blocks from the Loews) has informed us that they will make a limited number of rooms available to GWS2005 attendees at the federal per diem rate ($116 + tax) whether or not you are a federal employee. 215-923-0100
The following hotels are within 10 blocks of the Loews. Most of these hotels take part in the Federal Premier Lodging Program and have a limited number of rooms on any given night priced at the federal per diem rate ($116) for federal employees. Even if you are not a federal employee, it’s worth asking for the per diem rate, or, failing that, ask for the corporate rate.
http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/cwp/view.asp?A=190&Q=174723
When filling out the form, check the box on Line #2 and write in “Federal employee on official business.” Bring the original with you to the hotel AND a copy for the check-in clerk. Make sure to keep the original for your files.
Hotel room block. A block of over 300 sleeping rooms is being held at Loews. The rooms are at the federal government per diem rate of $116. Additional people are $25 each per night.
Please call 1-215-627-1200 for reservations. Identify yourself as a participant in the George Wright Society Conference. Have your arrival and departure dates and times ready, as well as a major credit card to guarantee your first night’s reservation. Also be sure to state any special preferences (e.g., non-smoking) when you make your call.
Cut-off date for guest rooms: the room block is being held until February 12, 2005, or until all the rooms in the block are taken, whichever comes first. After that, rooms at the Loews will be sold on a space-available basis and the federal per diem rate is not guaranteed. A word to the wise: the room block usually fills up well before the cut-off date, and latecomers have to find accommodations at overflow hotels nearby. Get your reservations early!
And then there’s the city at large. Along with having 300 years of history, architecture, and great museums, Philadelphia has Walnut Street’s Restaurant Row, nightlife along the Delaware River, shopping on South Street, Fairmount Park, and much more. Spend some time either before or after the conference to explore the sights and sounds the city. And plan to spend some time walking around the historic district and sampling our local food and brews.
Use the links below to find out more about the Philly experience that awaits you outside the doors of the Loews.
[Our THANKS go to the people of NPS who put together the website for the 2001 RTCA meeting in Philadelphia. Most of the information that follows on this page was taken from there.]
The Old City is, roughly speaking, centered around Independence National Historical Park. The district lies about 6–8 (short) blocks east of the Loews, straight down Market Street.
|
Free Quaker Meeting House Society Hill: The name refers not to a badge of social position, but rather to the Free Society of Traders to whom William Penn made liberal concessions of land and privileges that gave its name to Society Hill. In 1683 its assets included a sawmill, a glasshouse and a tannery. It fell upon hard times in the 20th century, but today it is the very model of urban renewal and urban amenity in a historic setting. Today Society Hill includes the land from the Delaware River to Washington Square and from Walnut Street to Lombard Street. The charm of this part of the city is that its homes are not museums, but are lived in by Philadelphians who delight in 18th- and 19th-century houses. It is a vital part of the city. Here is an on-line tour of Society Hill. |
| Old City: Starting north of Market Street (two blocks from the hotel) is Old City, the city’s first commercial district. In addition to Betsy Ross’s home and Elfreth’s Alley — America’s oldest continuously residential street — Old City is known for the some of the most interesting art galleries on the East Coast. Take an on-line tour of Old City here.
Elfreth’s Alley |
| South Street: Another must see area is located a few blocks to the south of the hotel. South Street, the “hippest street in Philadelphia,” is famous for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants and dynamic nightlife. There’s no better place to people-watch on a Friday or Saturday night.
|
| Washington Square District: Centered around one of the public squares planned by William Penn, this area of the city connects the historic and commercial districts. Take an on-line tour of Washington Square, where you’ll find quaint neighborhoods, Jewelers Row and Antique Row, two of the city’s specialty shopping areas, as well as the Walnut Street and Forrest theaters.
|
| How do I get to these places? Use this map of central Philadelphia. |
All of these sites are within walking distance of the Loews.
| Reading Terminal Market: A must-visit for food lovers! In fact, this is the place to go for lunch — it’s just two blocks away. A smorgasbord of 80 eateries and merchants, the Reading Terminal Market is connected to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Mennonite vendors at Reading Terminal Market |
Chinatown: The “Chinese Friendship Gate” at 10th and Arch Streets welcomes you to this bustling community that has established itself as a center for fine art, culture, and the very best in Asian culinary delights for more than a century. |
Swann Fountain, with sculptures created by Alexander Calder Parkway/Museum District: Stretching from City Hall to The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is flanked by some of the city’s most acclaimed institutions. Logan Circle, one of the public “squares” in the city‘s original design, is home to the magnificent Swann Fountain. Here is an on-line tour of the parkway. |
 |
| Rittenhouse Square District: One of the most prestigious addresses in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is famous for its world-class shopping and restaurants. Part of William Penn’s original city plan, this beautiful public square is a popular destination for Center City residents and visitors alike. Here is an on-line tour of the Rittenhouse Square area. |
| How do I get to these places? Use this map of central Philadelphia. |
Philadelphia is a very walkable city, but if you want to venture farther afield, there’s no need to pay for a rental (and the parking fees that go with it).
When your thoughts turn to food, you will certainly have plenty of options. If you’d like to start thinking about the possibilities, here are some links to check out:
Breakfast & lunch options: the Loews has only one restaurant, an upscale seafood place, so you’ll need to go offsite for most of your meals. The Reading Terminal Market has an incredible array of food options, including a farmer’s market and Pennysvlania Dutch offerings, as well as a couple of cheesesteak places (see next paragraph) and just about any kind of ethnic food you can imagine. The market is 2 blocks from the Loews and is open 8–6. There are also various fast food places and lunch-serving restaurants close to the hotel.
Food, Local Philly Style: You don’t want to come to Philly without the experience of doing some local eatin’. Often imitated, but never duplicated, a Philly cheesesteak is a must during your visit. Although there are many variations, the classic cheesesteak (yes, it’s all one word) consists of thinly sliced flank steak, grilled but not chopped, topped with Cheez Wiz (of course), with or without onions and served on a long Italian roll.
It’s fat, crusty, chewy, and best served with mustard. It’s a Philly soft pretzel. Almost everywhere you go in Philadelphia, somebody will be selling soft pretzels. Although it was probably stolen from the Pennsylvania Dutch sixty miles to the west, it was Philadelphia that perfected the soft pretzel and made it a staple of everyday life. Soft pretzels are a bargain, too, the best snack you can get for about 35 cents. Buy them early in the day from any street vendor.
Bards
2013 Walnut St.
Phone: (215) 569-9585
Fergie’s Pub
1214 Sansom St.
Phone: (215) 928-8118
Irish Pub
2007 Walnut St.
Phone: (215) 568-5603
McGillin’s Old Ale House
1310 Drury Ln
Phone: (215) 735-5562
Irish Pub
1123 Walnut St.
Phone: (215) 925-3311
T.A. Flannery's
11 S. 21st St.
Phone: (215) 561-1193
Independence Brewpub
1150 Filbert Street
Phone: (215) 922-4292
