Editing Rittenhouse Square (section)

== Notable Residents ==

By the dawn of the 20th century, some of the wealthiest and most important families in America maintained primary residences on Rittenhouse Square. The neighborhood continues to attract Philadelphia's elite.

'''Historical Residents (1876-1929)'''
* '''Alexander Cassatt''' — President of the Pennsylvania Railroad
* '''John Wanamaker''' — Department store founder
* '''William Weightman III''' — Real estate entrepreneur
* '''Edmund Bacon''' — Philadelphia city planner and "Father of Modern Philadelphia"
* '''Kevin Bacon''' — Actor, son of Edmund Bacon, grew up in the neighborhood

'''Contemporary Residents'''
Rittenhouse Square remains a hub for executives, athletes, and celebrities:
* '''Stephen Starr''' — Restaurateur, owns a 6,000-square-foot home near 21st and Locust
* Multiple Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers players have owned condos in the luxury towers surrounding the square

The 31-story tower at 1706 Rittenhouse and the buildings at 10 Rittenhouse Square have been particularly popular with professional athletes and executives.

{{FAQ
| q1 = Who was Rittenhouse Square named after?
| a1 = Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 to honor David Rittenhouse (1732-1796), a Philadelphia astronomer, clockmaker, and the first Director of the United States Mint. The square was originally called Southwest Square.
| q2 = Is Rittenhouse Square free to visit?
| a2 = Yes, Rittenhouse Square is a free public park open daily from dawn to 11:00 PM. There is no admission fee.
| q3 = What are the best restaurants near Rittenhouse Square?
| a3 = Top restaurants include [[Friday Saturday Sunday]] (James Beard Award winner), [[My Loup]] (ranked #8 nationally by Food & Wine), [[Parc]] (iconic French bistro), and [[Rouge]] (famous for its GQ-rated burger).
| q4 = Is there a farmers market at Rittenhouse Square?
| a4 = Yes, the Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market operates every Saturday year-round, typically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan foods.
| q5 = When is the Rittenhouse Square Art Show?
| a5 = The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is typically held in early June, with a second show sometimes in fall. It has been held annually since 1928, making it one of America's oldest outdoor art exhibitions.
| q6 = How do I get to Rittenhouse Square by public transit?
| a6 = Take SEPTA's Broad Street Line to Walnut-Locust Station (2 blocks east) or bus routes 9, 12, or 21 along Walnut Street. The park is at 18th and Walnut Streets.
| q7 = Is parking available near Rittenhouse Square?
| a7 = Street parking is extremely limited. Nearby garages include 1616 Walnut Street, 1845 Walnut Street, and Rittenhouse Claridge Garage at 201 S. 18th Street.
| q8 = What events are held at Rittenhouse Square?
| a8 = Annual events include the Spring Festival (May), Fine Art Show (June), Saturday Farmers Market (year-round), and Christmas Tree Lighting (December).
| q9 = Is Rittenhouse Square safe at night?
| a9 = Rittenhouse Square is considered one of Philadelphia's safest areas due to its affluent character, constant foot traffic, and police presence. The park officially closes at 11:00 PM.
| q10 = What are the sculptures in Rittenhouse Square?
| a10 = Notable sculptures include Lion Crushing a Serpent (1832) by Antoine-Louis Barye, Duck Girl (1911) by Paul Manship in the reflecting pool, Billy the bronze goat (1914) by Albert Laessle, and the Giant Frog by Cornelia Van A. Chapin.
}}