Fitler Square
| Fitler Square | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood square |
| Location | Center City West (Fitler Square) |
| Coordinates | 39.9470,-75.1750 |
| Area | 0.5 acres |
| Established | 1896 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Center City District |
| Features | Fountain, seating, dog area, neighborhood gathering space |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA trolley; walk from 30th Street Station |
| Website | Official Site |
Fitler Square is a small neighborhood park in Center City West, serving as the heart of the upscale Fitler Square neighborhood. Named for Mayor Edwin H. Fitler, the square provides a peaceful green respite among the townhouses of one of Philadelphia's most desirable residential areas.[1]
The square anchors a walkable neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and proximity to the Schuylkill River.
History
[edit | edit source]Naming
[edit | edit source]Named for Edwin Henry Fitler (1825-1896):
- Mayor of Philadelphia 1887-1891
- Prominent cordage manufacturer
- Republican reformer
- Died in office 1891
Development
[edit | edit source]The square was established in 1896:
- Part of neighborhood development
- Traditional Philadelphia square concept
- Residential neighborhood centerpiece
- Evolved with neighborhood
Neighborhood Growth
[edit | edit source]Fitler Square neighborhood developed as:
- Late 19th century rowhouse construction
- Early gentrification area (1970s-80s)
- Now among city's most desirable neighborhoods
- Mix of families and professionals
Features
[edit | edit source]Central Area
[edit | edit source]Park elements:
- Central fountain
- Benches and seating
- Mature shade trees
- Landscaped beds
- Pathways
Dog Area
[edit | edit source]Informal dog gathering:
- Popular with neighborhood dog owners
- Morning and evening socializing
- Strong dog community
Character
[edit | edit source]- Intimate scale
- Neighborhood feel
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Well-maintained
Using the Square
[edit | edit source]Daily Activities
[edit | edit source]- Dog walking
- Reading and relaxation
- Lunch breaks
- Neighborhood socializing
- People watching
Community Role
[edit | edit source]Fitler Square serves as:
- Neighborhood living room
- Dog owners' gathering spot
- Green space amid rowhouses
- Community identity anchor
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Open year-round
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 23rd and Pine Streets
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA trolley (routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36) to 22nd or 23rd Street
- Walk from 30th Street Station
By Car:
- Street parking (challenging)
- Typical Center City parking
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The neighborhood around the square is lovely for walking
- Great restaurants on nearby streets
- The Schuylkill River Trail is a short walk
- Quiet alternative to busier Center City parks
Neighborhood
[edit | edit source]Fitler Square neighborhood:
- Bordered roughly by Pine to Lombard, 21st to 25th
- Historic rowhouses
- Tree-lined streets
- Among Philadelphia's most expensive real estate
- Walking distance to Rittenhouse
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Rittenhouse Square — East (larger square)
- Schuylkill River Trail — West
- Graduate Hospital — South
- Center City — Surrounding
- Schuylkill Banks — River access
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Fitler Square". Center City District. Retrieved December 30, 2025