📐 Chinatown Stitch Designs

Philly released three potential designs this week for the $4 million Chinatown Stitch project, which aims to reconnect the neighborhood through a cap above the Vine Street Expressway. Construction won’t begin until 2028, as the city is planning more community feedback sessions. Residents can now fill out a survey on the three proposed designs. [PhillyVoice]

🏫 More Heat Dismissals

Philly remains under a heat advisory, and now 86 Philly schools, up from 74 earlier this week, will be dismissing students early due to a lack of adequate cooling systems. In summer 2021, the School District of Philadelphia invested millions of dollars into HVAC upgrades at nearly two dozen schools. Officials say the eventual goal is to upgrade every school’s system. [WHYY]

✅ Jawn Gets Official

• We’re collecting your hot takes on the use of “jawn” and other Philly slang terms. Don’t hold back!

🎸 Unique Library Finds

If you’ve been going to the library and only picking up books, you’re missing out. Philadelphia libraries offer a lot more, from music to bird watching supplies to cooking materials. Find out what neat item you can pick up from your local branch with Free Library programming manager Christine Caputo. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Olde Kensington, also known as South Kensington, is an artsy neighborhood west of Fishtown and north of Northern Liberties. It’s bounded by 6th street on the west, Front Street on the east, and Girard Avenue on the south.

From the archives: Kensington was once home to a wide range of factories, making everything from glass to chemicals. But, the textile industry dominated all others. In the 1920s, the John B. Stetson factory, famous for their cowboy hats, produced 3 million hats per year. After deindustrialization, many of these warehouses emptied out. Now they're getting new lives as apartments, offices, and shops.

Here a few great spots to visit next time you’re in the area:

Indulge in authentic Pueblan cuisine like sizzling fajitas and savory enchiladas at this family-owned Mexican restaurant 🇲🇽

1356 N. 2nd Street

This roving market and online shop has lots of Philly-inspired gifts: from vibrant watercolor paintings of Elfreth’s Alley and the Art Museum to Gritty and Phanatic stickers. Next month, they're hosting an event with 20 local vendors Halloween-themed games 🎃

Location varies

Whether you’re working remotely or just catching up with friends, this coffee shop is a great place to be. Enjoy a matcha latte or a cherry espresso cola at this cozy café ☕

310 W. Master Street

If you’re a contemporary art fan, check out this former plumbing warehouse that’s been turned into a creative haven. Crane Arts hosts poetry readings and musical performances, as well as art galleries 🖼️

1400 N American Street

This pizzeria, bakery, and bottle bar was named one of Eater’s 11 best new restaurants in America in 2021. Enjoy warm sourdough bread, wood-fired pizzas, and smoked salmon 🤤

310 W Master Street

I’ll admit it: these scavenger hunts aren’t always easy, but S/O to Hey Philly reader Helen D. for correctly locating this mural. This adorable panda is on 125 N 11th Street, right next to one of my favorite brunch spots: More Sugar.

Can you identify what street I’m on in this photo? If you get it right, you can submit a photo for next week’s challenge!

🤣 Comedy | Thursday | 8 p.m.

Treat yourself to a hilarious evening of comedy at Ortlieb’s. [$10, Northern Liberties]

❤️

Finding Home | Friday | 6 p.m.

Head to Vox Populi and check out Chelsey Luster’s immersive art exhibition, which includes paintings, text, and film. [free, Callowhill]

📖

Literacy Day | Saturday | 12 p.m.

Join Tree House Books for a block party to celebrate reading, writing, and learning through play. All ages welcome [free, North Philly]

🦅

Eagles Party | Sunday | 12 p.m.

The Birds are back! Celebrate with merch raffles and themed food and drink specials at The Post. [pay-as-you-go, West Philly]

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, the first Black woman to serve in this high-profile position, is resigning at the end of the month. Outlaw led the department through the pandemic, massive protests about policing, and a spike in gun violence. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chris Palmer, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about Outlaw’s legacy and what’s next for the city.

From Sept. 8 through Sept. 17, Philadelphia is celebrating the contributions of our immigrant communities with festivals and events 🎊

Talk tomorrow, friend.

- Brittany Valentine

This newsletter was edited by Laura Benshoff.