The Rail Park: The Bacon Brothers to Play Concert to Help Fund Phase 1
Rendering courtesy of Studio Bryan Hanes
Want to see the first phase of the Rail Park finally come to fruition? So does Kevin Bacon.
The Bacon Brothers, a duo consisting of Philly guys Kevin and Michael Bacon, will use their musical talents to support Phase 1 of the ambitious park project, one that many have compared to the famous High Line in New York City.
Phase 1 looks to transform an abandoned quarter-mile spur that begins at Broad and Hamilton, curves southeast and culminates near the Goldtex Building at 12th and Callowhill into an elevated green space with landscaping, lighting, walking paths, swings and community gathering spaces. The plans have been designed by Urban Engineers and Studio Bryan Hanes, whose portfolio includes many of Philly’s exciting new green spaces, including Pier 68, Sister Cities Park and the Porch at 30th Street Station.
The concert will be held on February 4 at Union Transfer, with the proceeds benefiting the efforts to construct and maintain the park (ticket info here).
Believe it or not, the $9.6 million project is close to having the necessary funds to start construction. According to Jason Laughlin of the Inquirer, the Friends of the Rail Park and Center City District have raised $5.1 million, and $3.5 million more is being held up in Harrisburg, thanks to the state budget impasse. “That would leave less than a million more to raise,” said Laughlin.
SEPTA has leased the viaduct to CCD for renovation purposes. When the project is finished, ownership will transfer to the City of Philadelphia, and the park will be maintained through a partnership between the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Friends of the Rail Park.
According to a press release from Center City District, “Final fundraising is underway and the project could begin as early as spring of 2016.” So close, yet so far way.
For now, it looks like The Bacon Brothers will channel the spirit their legendary father, former Philly planning head Edmund Bacon, and use their musical talents to help push this project forward.
- Previous Coverage of the Rail Park [Property]
