From 12/10/07 Article:

Philadelphia - Midtown Village, located between Market and Spruce from Broad to 11th Street, is a testament to a neighborhood's ability to re-create itself successfully.

Several years ago - despite naysayers who insisted that decay had already suffocated this section of town - real-estate developer Tony Goldman persisted with his revitalization plan. After a track record of turning other cities' dilapidated pockets into desirable hot spots such as New York's SoHo and Florida's South Beach, the visionary dedicated to re-use and historic preservation polished Philly's 13th Street's buildings with elegant European flavor. Newly restored and spruced-up facades soon encouraged boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants owners to re-enter the resuscitated "Blocks Below Broad," initially dubbed B3.

Advertisement
Last fall, 60 of the 80 merchants in the area elected to rename the neighborhood Midtown Village, prompting mixed reactions. But despite any controversy regarding the neighborhood's moniker, the renewed life and lively atmosphere are undeniable. The following are just a few of the arts-related businesses that have helped to breathe life back in this city "village."

At Absolute Abstract, visitors will find decorative art in a relaxed gallery, which sometimes welcomes visitors with hot cider on cold winter days. Co-owners James McManaman and David White, drawing on experience in art and framing stores and fine art galleries on both coasts, offer selections in residential and commercial art. In addition, Mr. McManaman was instrumental in forming Midtown Village's merchants association. Absolute Abstract's "Work in Progress" also raises funds for charities on the second Saturday of each month through a silent auction of original artwork. Learn more at www.absoluteabstractart.com.

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney - the co-owners behind Open House, Lolita, Grocery and this week's newbie Bindhi - are another major force behind 13th Street's renewed success. In addition to an upscale food market/cafe and restaurants featuring Mexican and Indian menus, Open House offers creative artistry in home decor; the owners personally select and regularly update the collection of contemporary designs from around the world. For more details and samples, see www.openhouseliving.com.

Caleb Meyer Studio, with locations at 11th and Locust as well as on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, is a combined American craft gallery and fine jewelry studio. Creating custom-designed pieces, Caleb Meyer is dedicated to the art of the handmade - displaying hand-blown glass, hand-thrown pottery and hand-carved wood. The work of many artisans, honoring the traditions of their individual crafts and skill, are showcased along with the jewelry of innovative and talented silversmiths. Carrying on a family tradition as a custom jewelry maker, Mr. Meyer draws on art, architectural and natural influences in his work. For more information, visit www.calebmeyer.com.

Robin's Bookstore, the oldest independent bookseller in Philadelphia, hosts a full line-up of weekly author events. Today at 6 p.m., Jennifer Bartlett, author of Derivative of the Moving Image, will appear with Andrea Baker and Jim Stewart. Tomorrow at 6 p.m., the Moonstone Poetry Series will present Don Riggs and Allison Whittenberg. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., author of Market St. Elevated Passenger Railway, Joel Spivak will present an illustrated lecture and sign books. On Thursday at 6 p.m., Miriam N. Kotzin - a founding editor of Per Contra: The International Journal of the Arts, Literature and Ideas, and a contributing editor to literary magazine Boulevard - will appear with Jeffrey Ethan Lee, who is now editing Many Mountains Moving. On Sunday, "Philadelphia Ink: Celebrating Writers From Philadelphia Who Have Published in 2007" will feature talented authors in the area. For more information, see www.robinsbookstore.com.

From Wednesday to Sunday, participating businesses in Midtown Village's Holiday Week will offer special holiday events, discounts and extended hours. The Philadelphia Voices of Pride Chorus will be caroling through the neighborhood from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday.?In addition, the PhilaCappella Singers will be strolling on Friday.

PhilaCappella, formed in 1995, is a seven-woman a cappella singing group based in Philadelphia. Lorrie Holm founded the group, which is a member of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America; the music director is Susan Algieri-Platt. The ensemble, which has appeared at Stagecrafters Theater and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, sings popular music without instrumental accompaniment. With a repertoire ranging from the 1940s to today, PhilaCappella performs at street fairs and festivals, holiday events, benefits and other special events. To learn more, visit www.philacappella.net.

For Midtown Village's Holiday Week coupons and additional information about many other creative merchants in the area, visit www.midtownvillage.org.

Andrea K. Hammer is the founder and director of Artsphoria: Celebrating Arts Euphoria (www.artsphoria.com).

The readers of Citypaper have declared that the best place to rent in Philadelphia is Midtown Village. Wait till all those renters realize how much great shopping, dining and activities Midtown Village has in store for them too! Thank you to all the people who voted for us.

The newest addition to the exciting Midtown Village community is Blue Lotus Gallery at the corner of Sansom & Juniper in the space formerly occupied by long-time favorite Nova Hair Salon (dont fret- Nova is thriving at its new location down the street in the Arts Condominium at Juniper & Locust).
Blue Lotus Gallery imports antiques, decorative arts and Himalayan Couture, mostly from Nepal, but with key additions from Tibet and other regions of South Asia. The collection is nowhere else to been seen in Center City, let alone New York or the world. And surely there is no gallery that serves Nepali Tea after shopping.
Antiques range from Tibetan chests, and other furniture used by monks as long as a four hundred years ago, to rescued architectural elements,vernacular household items and oddities such as a 200 year old yak collar and a south Indian snake charmers box. In addition, the mezzanine of the Gallery displays a carefully assembled array of collector and museum quality antiques.
Blue Lotus Gallery also offers a line of newly crafted furniture and home decor which reinterprets traditional Himalyan designs for the modern home or office. Hand knotted carpets made in the age-old Tibetan method are custom made at direct importer prices. For the dining room, bedroom, reception area or patio, these pieces provide a dramatic accent to any decor. Contemporary thangkas, or devotional paintings, by Mukti Singh Thapa are based on the careful study of the themes and techniques of a traditional art form. As Nepal rapidly modernizes, these painting represent the last, best work of a disappearing art.
So whats Himalayan Couture? Its a fabulous collection of coats, shawls, jewelry and accessories. You wont find these coats anywhere else except Kathmandu and Paris. Designed by Tenzin Tseten, a Sikkimese designer based in Kathmandu, the striking collection takes traditional Tibetan and Himalayan motifs right to the runway of Midtown Village. Near 100% pure silver jewelry and clutch purses are made by artisans in the hill country of northern Thailand. From the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, Blue Lotus features sterling fillagree with turquoise, coral, and other semi-precious stones. From a small village in Cambodia, the collection includes shimmering hand-made silk handbags.

DeCarlo Hair Salon New Location,
After 29 years we are relocating to 1210 Sansom St. Glad to stay a part of Midtown Village. Please stop by to see our all new salon. You will still find that same friendly warm atmosphere,with the latest styles and fashions full retail center with all the top line of products!
To celebrate our opening, we are offering $10.00 off all hair services and 20%off our retail products When you mention this article.
click here for our new website

Blue Lotus Gallery, formerly at Sansom & Juniper, is celebrating relocation to 111 S. 12th Street, in the White Building between Chestnut and Sansom, with a Grand Re-opening Sale through October 31. Everything is up to 25% off, and check out the great handmade and antique masks and stunning marionettes from Nepal just in time for Halloween.

Blue Lotus Gallery offers a unique collection of art, antiques, Tibetan rugs, home decor and jewelry, sweaters, coats, cashmere shawls, handbags and gifts items from Nepal, Tibet, and Ssouth Asia. We personally select our products, often working directly with the craftspeople, to create inspired modern interpretations of traditional crafts. Everything is hand-made and fair trade, sustainable, or through economic development programs.

Start a tradition at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and bring your children in to experience a tea in the historic Liberty Ballroom.

Three Dates Only!
Sunday November 30th
Sunday December 7th
Sunday December 14th
11am - 2pm in our historic Liberty Ballroom

$45 per ticket, exclusive of tax
Nutcracker Performance (20-minute show) Gingerbread house display
Photo giveaway for all children
A story book gift
Traditional "Tea" Menu with tasty sandwiches and more!

Advance ticket purchased required. For reservations, call (215) 625-6012.
To book an overnight package for the Children's Liberty Tea, click here here for a special offer.

The restaurants, shops, and businesses of the ever trendy and expanding Midtown Village district of Center City Philadelphia are taking to the streets to host the third annual Fall Festival. The outdoor street festival will run from 12 Noon to 8:00 P.M. Saturday, October 4th (rain or shine).

13th Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets; Sansom Street between Juniper and 12th Streets; and Drury Lane will all be closed to traffic so that visitors can stroll the street and enjoy the food, fun and music.

The Fall Festival will feature international cuisine and beverage tents from nearby restaurants, product booths by retailers, all types of live music, adult and kids games, charitable giving and much more in celebration of Midtown Villages revival as a stylish, diverse and creative enclave of businesses and people.

Among the highlights:

From Noon-3PM come out and see Q102's DJ Richie Rich who will mix and spin live during the event. They will also be raffling off tickets to upcomming events.
From 3-6PM 94WYSP Philly Rock Station will also be on the street, spinning and sending out prizes.

Stop by RAW Sushi & Sake Lounge for sushi rolls, BBQ skewers, and sake bombs. Then test your strength and prowess in our Sumo Wrestling Ring.

Outside of Fergies Pub will be a forty foot outside bar serving an array of beers and fun foods including: Scotch Eggs, Bocodillos and Fish & Chips. Traditional Irish Music Session 1-4 PM; Soul Piece (rock cover band) 4.30pm to 8pm.

Bring you children to the Little Villagers area this year. Located on 13th street near Chestnut, this years events will include; a Magician, a Face Painter, and several additional entertainers. Scarlett Fiorella, Robins Books, Gene's and other merchants are putting together a great childrens area this year. Your children can spend hours bouncing around in the Moon Bounce, or just hang out in their special area. Stop by the Little Villagers stage for a schedule of captivating events from 12 Noon to 4PM.

Absolute Abstract will feature local artists this year selling their original artwork outside with several painting live. Meet local artists John Stango, Colin Powers, Dennis Flynn, Chris Furbay, Joan Palmer, Rose Marie Strippoli, Greg Campisi and photographer Veronica Antoinette. Absolute POP! will be displaying the new Absolute Philadelphia photographs as Art blocks for $39 a POP!

Sweet and savory sister restaurants Lolita and Bindi will be serving up pork carnita tostadas and fresh tamales or Chicken Tikka wraps and Saag paneer. Wash it down with a fruit infused blood orange agua frescas or mango lassis

Decorate your own organic cotton totes at the Open House table while you nibble on Grocerys devilishly good cupcakes.

Come for Vintage and Times beer and wine garden - cocktails, 60+ wines by the glass wines, and tons of beers on tap with live DJ.

Fusion: Heart.Muscle.Mind will be offering people chances to Dunk-a-Trainer, to raise money for their project building a fitness center for a local school in need.

Sing your heart out at McGillins Olde Ale House, Philadelphias oldest tavern, as they host karaoke outside, on Drury Street under a tent.

Robins Books will sell books by the pound from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday with new books added every hour.

This year, stop by and meet the team from the newest Hotel in Midtown Village - "The Independent".

Come out an meet the gang at MANNA with their new delivery trucks.

Check out the new cars offered by our newest neighbor "Zip Car".

Meet the folks behind the Bejamin Franklin Thinking Society who will be there.

Don't miss the premier of Smart Sports new stylish motor scooters - cooler than a Vespa and affordable to boot!

Sponsoring this years festival are: City of Philadelphia, Center City District, City Bank, Starr Restaurant Group, Travel Host Magazine, Where Magazine, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Gyro Worldwide, Sailor Jerry, Keller Williams, Philadelphia Weekly, City Paper and Specialty USA.

The Holiday Inn Express - Midtown
Proudly Presents a Midtown Village
Special Rate: $109 plus tax—for all festival patrons
Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast
Call to make reservations – 215-732-2022, ask for our special “Midtown Village” rate.

The Holiday Inn Express "Midtown" is offering a special rate for Fall Festival guests. For only $139.00 (October 3rd -6th), you can come into the city for the Fall Festival and spend a night or two. Tax is 14%. All guests should make their reservations through the hotel directly. The VIP number is 215-732-2022. The VIP line is available M-F 9am-6pm. After those hours please contact the front desk at 215-735-9300.

Read this month's newsletter by clicking here: Midtown Village Beat: September 2008

duross & langel Launches Summer In-Store Events
A Taste of 13th Street Every Wednesday Night after Center City Sips
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - June 21, 2008 - Local Master Soap Maker Steve Duross has just
released his summer workshop schedule and the hip new Midtown Village neighborhood
is the place to be after Center City Sips. Throughout the months of July and August,
duross & langel will be offering their popular workshops FREE complete with a taste
of the flavors used in every soap and lip balm class. I draw inspiration from the fresh
ingredients and vibrant flavors used by my neighbors at Bindi, Lolita and Capogiro
says Duross- The goal was to create a line of mouth-watering soaps and lickable balms
that would capture the essence of these flavors without being cute or crafty.
The d & l customers must agree with his vision because these yummy soaps are flying
right off the store shelves.
Each Wednesday night during July and August from 6 PM to 8 PM, the whole family is
invited to experience the process of making soaps and balms while sipping on a Lolita
Margarita (virgin for the kiddies) or sample Capogiros limoncello sorbetto while brewing
a fresh batch of limoncello soap plus you get to take home a sample of whats being made.
July 9th - Capogiro Pompelmo de Campari - 100% natural extra-virgin olive oil
lip balm bursting with pink grapefruit and a touch of Campari
July 16th - Lolita Margarita - juicy lime aloe & olive oil soap with a splash of
orange and a dusting of sea salt crystals
july 23rd - Capogiro Peppermint Stracciatella - a wild concoction of fresh peppermint
shea butter soap with floating chocolate soap flakes
july 30th - Bindi Bar - sensual, tropical mango nectar blended with spicy
cardamom oils in an olive oil & shea butter soap

For a complete schedule with descriptions go to: http://www.durossandlangel.com/workshops.htmlClick here for more on Duross and Langel

In October, Chef-partner Steve Gonzalez will debut Zavino (112 South 13th Street, 215-732-2400), an Italian pizza kitchen and wine bar. Featuring a seasonal menu, classic cocktails, an approachable selection of wine and beer and the areas best late-night menu, Zavino is sure to become a neighborhood favorite in the citys trendy Midtown Village.

Read this month's newsletter by clicking here: Midtown Village Beat: August 2008

Next up is a jaunt through Midtown Village, the trendier-all-the-time neighborhood that consists of the blocks below Broad Street. Dinner is at Lolita, a contemporary Mexican bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) hotspot. Before hitting the restaurant, stop by the Wine & Spirit Store at 1218 Chestnut to pick up some tequila, which you can mix with fresh margarita mix provided by the restaurant.

Not feeling spicy? You can opt for delicious light fare and try out a new varietal at Vintage wine bar or chow down on sushi and sake-tinis at 1225 Raw.

Save room, though, because there's great dessert to be had at Capogiro (artisanal gelato and sorbet made from local ingredients) and Naked Chocolate Cafe (just about anything you'd need to satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth cravings).

Every Wednesday, Midtown Village retailers, restaurants, bars and galleries are offering special discounts and will stay open later than usual. Shop local and save!

Midtown Village Wednesdays Deals for 7/22/09:

Fruit Flowers: 50% off a select item of the week.

Absolute Abstract: Buy any Art Block or Tin sign and receive the second one at 50% off.

Blue Lotus Gallery: 10% off everything in the store.

Open House: Buy one Votivo candle, get the second at 50% off.

Scarlett FiorellaBuy one home accessory & receive 50% off any other home accessory of equal or lesser value!

Verde:Buy one box of Marcie Blaine artisanal chocolates, get the second box (same size) for 50% off. (available on 8 piece, 18 piece and 32 piece boxes only)

Bindi & Lolita: Buy one dessert, get the second one free

Grocery: Buy one homemade Grocery cookie and receive the second one free.

TBar: Buy any retail item valued at $20 or more, and receive 50% off a Large Steep Beverage.

Fergie's Pub:Buy one entree and receive the second entree or special at 50% off.

McGillin's Olde Ale House:: Buy one entree, receive the second at 50% off.

Zio's Pizza: Buy any two slices and receive a small soda free.

Vintage Buy one dessert, get the second at 50% off.

Andre Richard Salon :Half price gift cards.

Danny's Buy two dvds priced $9.99-$14.99 and get the third one free.

Read this month's newsletter by clicking here: Midtown Village Beat: July 2008

Starting this Monday, June 9th, Salon Vanity will be open on Mondays with stylist Lori McCloskey. Book your appointment today with Lori and start your week of off right! Call Salon Vanity at 215.925.2211.

Click HERE for Salon Vanity's Website

Read this month's newsletter by clicking here: Midtown Village Beat: June 2008

On April 17th, John Stango was painting live in Absolute POP! and created an original piece titled "America".
The painting was available for Silent bidding for two weeks, and it ended with the work going to Ellen and Ed Dashevsky, of the Midtown Village law firm Dashevsky, Horwitz, Kuhn & Novello.

John will again be painting live on Saturday, June 7th at Absolute Abstract for their monthly "Work in Progress" series that occurs on the first Saturday of each month.

John will be painting live from 2-7PM and his creation will remain in the store for 2 weeks. The highest bidder will own the piece and all proceeds are donated equally to Mazzoni Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

When Midtown Village, the new name for the district defined by Market, Spruce, Broad, and 11th Streets was unveiled, Tastykake makers and Cheesesteak gurus began pecking at their keyboards like rabid seagulls. Too New York-y. Too gentrified. Too WASP-y. Some offered alternate suggestions like Izzodelphia and Dick-ins Village, while one blogger remarked, "It sounds like a 24-hour diner, or a collection of bad gift shops in Cleveland."

Midtown Village was the majority-rules decision based upon votes from 60-something area merchants last fall, according to James McManaman, Midtown Village champion and owner of Absolute Abstract. Other choices included District 13 ("sounds like a Jerry Bruckheimer TV show," said one PhillyBlogger) and New City, a reversal of Old City.

When McManaman opened Absolute Abstract in March 2006, "People were walking straight by 13th Street on Chestnut or Walnut. Concierges wouldn't send people here because of the area's sordid history [as a red-light district]."

Real estate developer Tony Goldman, the man behind such successful acronymborhoods like SoHo and SoBe, was the original pioneer for a Nuevo 13th Street several years ago. He christened the area B3 for Blocks Below Broad, but unlike New Yorkers we compass-loving Philadelphians read streets as East or West rather than Above or Below, and the moniker tanked with a DisneyQuest-like thunk.

That was when McManaman started campaigning for a new name. "I went door-to-door talking to area businesses about a neighborhood re-branding." The response was well received, and soon the Center City District and Gyro Worldwide Advertising, Inc. got involved, which led to the vote on November 7, 2006.

Much of the blogosphere backlash about Midtown Village has had an undercurrent of anti-gay accusation, pitting Midtown Village advocates like McManaman against Gayborhood activists, residents, and businesses.

"There's no animosity. We all go to each other's association meetings," says McManaman, who finds it ironic that Midtown Village be vilified as a Gayborhood sugarcoating or hostile take-over, since he himself is gay. As are Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, the couple who run 13th Street's mini-empire Lolita, Open House, and Grocery, recently featured in last month's Food & Wine.

"Midtown Village describes our location in the middle of Center City and the type of businesses attracted to this area: independently owned, unique, [and] small," says Safran.

The name also actually has some historical significance. The Greek population in Philadelphia, which originally settled in the area between Camac and Quince Streets, referred to this neighborhood as "The Village." 'Midtown' derives from the neighborhood position in the middle of Center City, which makes one wonder: If this is Midtown Village, what is Continental Midtown doing on 18th Street? Truly a question for the ages.

"Whatever the name, I'm just happy to see independent businesses in Philadelphia uniting to compete with the national chain stores," says Jason Crook of PHAG. "Whether it's known as the Gayborhood, Midtown Village, or whatever, it provides a destination, unique to Philly, that people should be excited to visit."