How Philly transformed a trolley station into a garden
Transit hubs are more than just places to wait for the train, bus, or trolley – they are opportunities. More often than not, they are paved, barren landscapes that contribute to urban heat island effect and stormwater runoff while offering minimal safety and comfort to riders. Yet there are ways to mitigate this unfortunate reality. In West Philadelphia, a model of successful green stormwater infrastructure can be found at 40th Street’s Trolley Portal Gardens. [whyy.org]
Emilio Estevez is the new voice of the Cincinnati streetcar
“Cincinnati Bell Connector is now approaching Findlay Market on Race Street… Cincinnati Bell Connector is now approaching Washington Park and Music Hall,” Emilio Estevez is the new voice of the Cincinnati streetcar. Officials with the Cincinnati Bell Connector announced that the famed actor and director has donated his voice to the streetcar, and will announce upcoming stops and landmarks to passengers along the 3.6-mile loop route. Celebrating its fifth anniversary officials with the streetcar released a video of Estevez recording each stop. [wlwt.com]
Explore the art of New York’s new Moynihan Train Hall
When New York City’s new Moynihan Train Hall opened in January, one of the big stars of the hall was the public art installed throughout. Installations by artists Kehinde Wiley, Stan Douglas, and duo Elmgreen & Dragset brought excitement and creativity to the brand new space. The $1.6 billion hall transformed the old James A. Farley postal building, a 1912 Beaux-Arts-style design by McKim Mead and White, into a museum of its own. [untappedcities.com]
Ancient church found at UK high-speed rail excavation site
Archaeologists working on the route of Britain’s HS2 high-speed railway have found the remains of an Anglo-Saxon church. The discovery was made during excavations at the site of the old St Mary’s Church, Stoke Mandeville, Bucks. The Norman church, which dates back to 1080, previously made headlines when it was revealed around 3,000 bodies will need to be moved to a new burial site as part of the excavation. Anglo-Saxon remains beneath have been described as a “fantastic discovery”. [bbc.com]
