On-Site Research

St. Peters Way to Bingham Court

Fred Keller & Shane Ennis

Situated in the heart of Society Hill and Old City, the walkway that encompasses St. Peters and Josephs Ways, Three Bears Park, and Bingham Court is a quaint and comfortable architectural passage that blends traditional city
planning with modern living spaces. Society Hill being the original commercial center of the city,it became well developed in the 1740s, when affluent families wanted large houses free from the commercial bustle of Old City. The
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia states that the area boasts a higher concentration of original 18th-century arhitecture than any place in the United States.
1858-1860 Philadelphia Atlas (Hexamer & Locher)

1910 Philadelphia Atlas (G.W. Bromley)

1942 Land Use Map (Works Progress

Administration)

1962 Land Use Map (Works Progress

Administration)

St. Peters Church

Established in 1758 and constructed in 1761, St. Peters is a standard mid-Georgian

auditory style church - abundant in straight lines, clear windows and red bricks. The
cemetery houses the remains of some very prominent historical Philadelphian figures no surprise considering the fact that those who frequented the church in its early days
included George and Martha Washington.

St. Peters Way

St. Peters Way

Three Bears Park

Three Bears Park

St. Josephs Way

Once a car-accessible road called Orianna Street, St. Josephs Way was created during
Bacons rejuvination of Society Hill, for the purpose of creating a peaceful transition to
St. Josephs Church, located across Willings Alley from the Court. Combined with the
park and St. Peters Way, the alley creates a peaceful, buffered path between the
notable nearby areas (South Street, Independence Hall, etc.)

St. Josephs Way

Bingham Court

Conceived during urban planner Edmund Bacons 1960s rejuvination of Society Hill,
Bingham Court is surrounded by a small collection of quaint townhouses, and was
designed by architect I.M. Pei. It was designed with the intention that it should be a
useful site for the residents.

Bingham Court

Overall Notes & Observations

-Weather Deterrents: This site offers no real relief from weather, on our visit the weather was less than
desirable (raining, 58 degrees fahrenheit) and consequently no one was using the space.
-Seating: Ample seating was provided within the playground/park area as well as at Bingham Court,
however, it is important to note the lack of seating within St. Peters and St. Josephs way.
-Demographics: Although this walkway and park system are open to the public, they predominantly serve
a largely residential community consisting of upper middle and higher classes.
-Time: We visited our site between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
-Aesthetics: This site is situated in a rather beautiful neighborhood with both historic and modern
architecture as well as modern sculptures. There is also a healthy amount of vegetation and landscaping
work to promote a feeling of disconnect from the city at large.