Art installation finally being installed on substation at 13th and Mifflin
UPDATE: According to E. Passyunk Crossing Civic Association president, Joe Marino, the design of the art installation panels in phase one of this project are exactly as originally proposed.
Back in January of 2013 we told you about the plans for an art installation for the SEPTA substation at 13th and Mifflin. After quite a bit of a delay, that art installation is finally being installed.
The art installation by Donna Backues was originally planned to be installed by June of 2014.
The installation includes five mesh panels that will cover the windows of the Mifflin St. side of the substation. The images in the installation show a progression of South Philly from the 17th century through today.
This is just the first phase of plans to make this substation less of an eyesore. Other plans for the substation include a mosaic band to cover the damaged terra cotta, planters to add greenery, and benches.
A lack of funding for the project is what caused the delay, so we’re happy to see this project finally being put into motion.
Nice! it had been so long, I’d forgotten about that project. It would be great if there was someway to address the “issues” with the alley behind the substation.
aren’t they building new condos/townhomes back there? that might move things along.
Condos are mostly up, I’m guessing they’ll clean up the alley from all the trash and construction stuff within a month or two . Graffiti could still be a problem – lots of junk tags in the area. Not sure how you stop all the drug trade.
Hope the murals can be cleaned easily (You just know they’ll be hit as soon as they are done)
I love the art. Can’t wait to see it finished!
Lily Goodspeed has another shot:
The images are nice, I guess, but architecturally the windows are a better scale for a residential street than the large mural panels. The building is quite handsome for its function. What it really needs is actual maintenance to keep up the exterior condition (paint, pointing, cleaning, repairs). Sigh.
I couldn’t agree more. There are many other spots for murals. They have a purpose and this cool building isn’t right for them.
All I want is that washed out horrific eyesore that is the Philly Row Home Magazine billboard above Isabella’s pizza taken down. Can the crane operator just swing over there real quick and save us all from one more day of seeing that? PLEASE?
AGREED. Its the perfect spot for a mural or just leave it blank. That faded thing is such an eyesore.