Class Map Space: Rittenhouse Square

Image taken from Google Maps

Rittenhouse Square is apart of the original five open green spaces that were designed by William Penn during the 17^th century. The park is located between 18^th and 19^th along Walnut Street. Since the 18^th century, Rittenhouse Square was highly ranked and surrounded by those within a higher economic class. High-rise buildings, popular restaurants, residential mansions, two hotels, and luxury apartment complexes surround the park today. The layout of the main walkways can be described as diagonal, but then are intercepted my smaller circular walkways as it comes to the middle of the square. The park is made up of a variety of trees, park benches, and green landscaping. It has a few public art pieces that include sculptures, where one can be dated back to 1832. The park is utilized in a variety of ways from person to person and includes dog walkers, runners, people taking a break from work, leisurely activity from locals, and tourists. The park is also known to hold arts and culture events like a yearly flower show and art exhibits from local artists. The park has maintained its green space over the years due to the partnership between Fairmount Park and Friends of Rittenhouse Square. They have preserved most of its original design from French-born architect, Paul Phillipe Cret since he designed it in1913. Today, Rittenhouse Square is one of the more predominant parks within the heart of center city Philadelphia and it even has it’s own Twitter account.