The revival of the ten-block stretch of Avenue of the Arts on South Broad Street will begin this month, following the unveiling of updated designs on January 14, writes Molly McVety for PhillyVoice.
Over the next decade, $150 million will be invested in streetscape upgrades along the area, in a project dubbed “AveArts 2.0.”
Desaree Jones, executive director of Avenue of the Arts Inc., said the aesthetic upgrades will pay homage to the area’s history as a hub for the arts.
“It’s about reclaiming the avenue as a public, shared civic space,” she said. “We’re building a center stage for civic life.”
The upcoming new look will feature greenery on medians and sidewalks, larger pedestrian and dining zones, and public art installations.
Construction on Broad Street from Pine to Spruce streets will start on Friday, January 30, following a nearly year-long delay, and is projected to conclude by June, in time for Philadelphia to host World Cup matches and events for America’s 250th birthday.
Ten phases are planned for the project, with the first focusing on a raised, landscaped median that includes trees, a rainwater collection cistern, and lighting. Phase two, scheduled for 2027 and expected to last a year, will expand sidewalks and feature raised planting beds, public art, seating, signage, and banners.
Read more about the planned revival for Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia at PhillyVoice.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA.Today in January 2026.
