17th and Ranstead
You turn down a busy street and you’re walking with a crowd. So many ants marching along and you’re one of them. You look up and you’re right outside Liberty One, the center of Philadelphia business. You look and realize that Duane Morris now occupies what was once the United Engineers and Constructors building. The only remnant you see of your old stomping ground is that it’s called United Plaza. Most likely few of the people there even realize that UE&C built that building, or even what UE&C was.
It doesn’t matter though, you have a goal and all of the ants around you are meaningless. You turn down a decrepit alley where four or five miscreant types are hanging out. The shoe repair shop is still there. It’s good that some of the history clings to survival. You think that it’s funny how 200 feet away one of the largest law firms in the city is sitting, but here things aren’t so nice. Then you see the gates. Are they closed? Has your destination been destroyed, possibly replaced by a garbage pile? No, somebody just walked out.
With a quickened step and a growing smile you approach. Sure enough, your sanctuary is still there. The fountain/waterfall, the wood benches and chairs. Even the tables look as they did so many years ago. Everything is so peaceful. Right outside is the alley, but here all the walls, the walls that are at least 20 feet high, are covered with beautiful vines. The water fills the entire place with a soothing sound like something from a meditation CD. A few lunchtime stragglers are sitting about. Some with books, some carrying on a pleasant chat, others grabbing a quick nap. In all it is just as it should be and that warms your heart and soul.
Anyway, do you feel happy and warm now? I happened to have time to kill at a client today that’s at 16th and Market. It provided me the perfect opportunity to visit what is probably my favorite Philadelphia park. This little hole in the wall (literally) place that’s hidden form anybody except a few who stumbled upon it. I first discovered it as a kid when my mom worked in the city and it’s had a special place in my hear ever since. If you happen to be in the city with some time to kill, check it out.
Happy Friday!