The document summarizes the transformation of a parking lot in front of 30th Street Station in Philadelphia into a public space called "The Porch". The parking lot was underutilized and did not serve the needs of pedestrians traveling between the train station and surrounding offices. "The Porch" replaced the parking lot with seating, landscaping, and recreational areas to create an active public space that better serves the large number of pedestrians in the area. It has become a popular place for people to relax, socialize, eat, and wait for trains.

1. The Porch
at 30th Street
Station
Parking Lot to
Public Space
Photos: University City District

2. “The Porch” is a thriving new public space in Philadelphia in front
of the high traffic 30th Street Amtrak Station
Photo: University City District

3. The area in front of the station did little for the city and its
residents in its previous configuration as a parking lot
Photo: University City District

4. The minimal sidewalk was ineffective as a public space
Photo: University City District

5. Lingering was rare, yet there was high pedestrian activity
between the station and the surrounding offices
Photo: University City District

6. The station area was overwhelmingly designed
for cars, despite clear pedestrian needs
Photo: University City District

7. The Porch transformed this
space to better serve its
range of users
Photo: Google Maps
Photo: University City District

8. It enlivens a neighborhood, and improves life for
thousands of area workers, residents, and travelers
Photo: University City District

9. It provides a place to relax, to wait, to read, and to eat
Photo: University City District

10. to practice mini-golf
Photo: University City District

11. and yoga
Photo: University City District

12. to socialize
Photo: University City District

13. and play
Photo: University City District

14. „Rightsizing‟ the space meant meeting the area‟s needs by
creating a place for people rather than just for cars
Photo: University City District

15. Even after reducing the space for cars, pedestrian space attracts
far more users per foot per hour than the remaining space
between the Porch and 30th Street Station on Little Market Street
Graphic:
University
City District

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