South Street
South Street is a commercial and cultural corridor in Philadelphia running east-west from the Delaware River through several neighborhoods, historically known as the boundary between Center City and South Philadelphia. The street achieved countercultural prominence in the 1960s and became Philadelphia's bohemian district, inspiring the 1963 hit song "South Street" by The Orlons. While gentrification and changing retail patterns have altered its character, South Street remains a destination for nightlife, dining, and shopping distinct from Philadelphia's more conventional commercial areas.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Early History
[edit | edit source]South Street (originally called Cedar Street) served as Philadelphia's southern boundary during the colonial and early national periods—the city's charter extended from the Delaware River to what would become South Street. The street developed as a commercial corridor serving surrounding neighborhoods, with retail, industry, and residential uses mixed in the pre-zoning era.[1]
Near-Destruction
[edit | edit source]In the 1960s, South Street was slated for demolition to create the Crosstown Expressway, a highway that would have connected I-76 to I-95 through Center City. The threat of demolition caused property owners to defer maintenance and businesses to close, creating blight that paradoxically attracted artists, musicians, and countercultural entrepreneurs to cheap rents. When highway plans were finally abandoned in 1974, this alternative community had established South Street's bohemian identity.[1]
Golden Era
[edit | edit source]The 1970s through 1990s saw South Street flourish as Philadelphia's countercultural center. Record shops, vintage clothing stores, head shops, tattoo parlors, and restaurants serving various cuisines created a street scene unlike anywhere else in Philadelphia. Theater of the Living Arts (TLA) presented concerts and films. The street attracted young Philadelphians seeking alternatives to mainstream culture and suburban shopping.[1]
Contemporary Challenges
[edit | edit source]The 2000s and 2010s brought changes that altered South Street's character. Rising rents displaced independent businesses while chain stores and conventional retailers moved in. The internet affected record shops, bookstores, and other retail categories that had anchored the street. Crime concerns and perception problems affected foot traffic. While South Street retains distinctive character compared to suburban retail, longtime observers note significant changes from its countercultural peak.[1]
Attractions
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
[edit | edit source]Isaiah Zagar's Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a folk art environment constructed from mosaics, bottles, and found objects, has become South Street's most distinctive attraction. The public gallery and adjacent streets showcase Zagar's work, which covers buildings throughout the neighborhood.[1]
Theater of the Living Arts
[edit | edit source]TLA presents concerts in a venue that has operated since the 1950s under various configurations. The theater has presented significant performances across genres and remains an important mid-sized venue.[1]
Dining and Nightlife
[edit | edit source]South Street restaurants range from casual to destination dining, with particular strength in diverse cuisines. Bars and nightclubs create evening activity that extends the street's hours beyond retail. Jim's Steaks (before its fire) was a landmark cheesesteak destination.[1]