Major Independence Mall makeover set to begin soon

America's forefathers united to draft the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia's Independence Hall, which now sits on the southern end of a 15-acre mall that attracts more than 1.6 million visitors per year. Recently, however, the site has come under criticism for having a lackluster visitors center and for attracting tourists who only stay in the city for one day. Now, Independence Mall -- which covers an area between Fifth and Sixth streets north of Chestnut Street -- is about to undergo a major makeover. The $65.6 million project, which has been in the works for nearly four years, was formulated by Philadelphia architects Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates in conjunction with the Pew Charitable Trusts, the National Park Service and the city. Plans call for renovating much of the mall, including revitalizing the surrounding landscaping, renovating the parking garage below the second block and building a new pavilion for the Liberty Bell. National Park Service officials fault the current architectural design of Independence Mall for dividing the city into eastern and western halves. The new design for the area will alleviate this problem by including east-west walkways. The revitalization of Independence Mall might fulfill Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell's long-standing hope of extending the stay of many visitors to the city. "We want more people to stay overnight, and that involves making the Mall a much fuller experience," said Kevin Feeley, the mayor's spokesperson. Another problem with the current make-up of the site is that leaves the park's second block largely underused, as tourists commonly visit the site's first block -- which contains the Liberty Bell -- and then head south to Independence Hall. The center of the plans to revitalize Independence Mall is a proposed Gateway Visitor Center, which would serve as the region's orientation point for tourists. The $30 million, 50,000-square foot center, which is designed to attract more visitors to the mall's northern end, should be completed by the summer of 2001. Located on the northern side of Market Street along Sixth Street, the center should also help to promote other attractions in the city. And this week, Pew announced that Penn Trustees Emeritus Walter and Leonore Annenberg will donate $10 million toward the project. The Annenbergs' gift will provide $4.2 million to create a new educational facility for the Liberty Bell adjacent to the city-funded chamber which will contain the bell itself. The remaining $5.8 million will complete funding for the visitors center. In a written statement, the Annenbergs said they hoped their gift would help "to ensure that Independence Mall, with the Liberty Bell as its centerpiece, is an unparalleled destination and an inspiring experience for visitors from throughout our nation and the world." The Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trusts, one of the nation's largest philanthropic organizations, has committed $10 million to the project's fund. Private and public sector contributions comprise another $10 of the project's funding. "[The Gateway Visitor Center] would offer visitors an exciting and educational experience," said Barbara Beck, a Pew spokesperson. "A central theme of heritage would integrate the services and programs of the center and its surroundings." Last November, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and Rendell announced the the state would kick in $10 million, accounting for the final one-third of center's estimated cost. In the third, northernmost block of the mall, Rendell wants to build a National Constitution Center to highlight the effect of that document on citizens' everyday lives. This center is estimated to cost $123 million and is not yet funded. Groundbreaking is set for September 2000. Last summer, officials announced that the University would serve as the center's academic arm. Rendell is spearheading the campaign to raise funds for this center, and, according to Feeley, the prospective center has already gained much momentum and support in Washington, D.C.