Port Coffee opened last week at 4013 Walnut St. (former Metropolitan Bakery storefront).

The West Philadelphia business scene is welcoming several new culinary additions, boutique retail shops, and neighborhood relocations this season. From highly anticipated eateries to unique specialty storefronts, here is a look at what is coming to the area, along with a notable coffee spot that has already opened its doors.

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Note: This study is focusing on older adults, though adults of any age can enroll. Participants do not need to have experienced hearing loss (all hearing levels are welcome).

                Photo by G. Widman

Philadelphia will take center stage this Saturday for the 250th Semiquincentennial anniversary, bringing extensive road closures and schedule modifications across the city. If you need to time a last-minute grocery run, find a place to cool off, or navigate a modified SEPTA schedule, check out this quick guide of what’s open, closed, and altered around West Philly for July 4th.

Public Services & Closures

Government Offices: All city, state, and federal government offices are closed.

The Free Library of Philadelphia: All branches will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, however the Walnut Street and Blackwell branches will operate as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a Heat Health Emergency across the city, warning residents that a dangerous heat dome is expected to push real-feel temperatures into triple digits. The emergency takes effect Wednesday, July 1, at 11 a.m. and is currently scheduled to remain in place through Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service have issued an Extreme Heat Warning for southeastern Pennsylvania, noting that multiple days of intense humidity combined with highs near 100°F could drive heat index values as high as 105°F to 110°F.

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The University of Pennsylvania has acquired the former Hummus Grill property at 3931 Walnut St. for $4 million, according to a report by The Philadelphia Business Journal. The building includes five residential units and a ground-floor restaurant space. The purchase has brought the university one step closer to gaining full real estate control over that specific block of University City.

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A historic neighborhood anchor is hitting a major milestone this week. The Walnut Street West Library, located at the corner of 40th and Walnut streets, is turning 120 years old, and the community is invited to celebrate its rich history and ongoing service to West Philadelphia this Friday, June 26th.

The current building officially opened its doors to the public on June 26, 1906. It holds a distinct place in local history as the very first branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia funded by an Andrew Carnegie grant, constructed on land originally donated by Clarence Clark—the prominent West Philadelphia banker and Clark Park namesake. Prior to moving into its permanent Carnegie home, the West Philadelphia Branch of Philadelphia Public Library first began serving the community in 1895 out of three rented rooms down the block at 40th and Ludlow streets (see photo below). It was renamed the Walnut Street West Branch in the 1970’s.

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