EDITORIAL: Philadelphia of tomorrowland

Several multi-million-dollar projects should be effective in bringing more tourists to the city. But city officials hope to change all that with several impressive multi-million-dollar projects that -- while they may not put Philly on par with the likes of Orlando, Las Vegas and Yellowstone -- should bring in more visitors. Walt Disney Co.'s interest in building an entertainment complex in Center City is just the latest of these projects. And whether or not the deal comes through, Philadelphia is well on its way to becoming a magic kingdom of sorts. Last year, city officials announced a major makeover for Independence Mall to the tune of $65.6 million. In the winter, Mayor Ed Rendell gave a rallying cry for 2,000 more hotel rooms by the year 2000. And in April, the mayor unveiled plans for a $245 million performing arts center. Add that to a $174 million entertainment complex in the works for Penn's Landing, along with the possibility that the city may be able to snag a convention or two for the year 2000 presidential election, and it looks like the city will be rolling in tourism dollars -- and dealing with an improved tax base -- in the near future. Bolstering these efforts in Center City are Penn to the west and Temple University to the north, both of which are investing vast amounts of time and money into revitalizing the economically depressed areas around their campuses. From all sides, the city is becoming increasingly attractive -- so much so that tourists may start extending their typical one-day stop on their way to New York or Washington. But attracting tourists only goes so far in achieving a happily-ever-after ending. The obvious next step is to lure more corporations into the city, ensuring a solid economic base when the market slides. The mayor's Business Action Team has seen limited success in trying to stem the exodus of corporate headquarters bound for the suburbs. A new plan of attack in that area is, perhaps, needed. The immediate future, however, looks bright. And it's certainly worth pointing to this upward trend when trying to sell the city as a backdrop for the national conventions.