PHILADELPHIA, PA—The American Planning Association has named Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, PA one of the 10 Great Public Spaces for 2014.

Each October during National Community Planning Month, APA's Great Places in America program names 30 exemplary streets, neighborhoods and public spaces that add value to communities and foster economic growth and jobs. APA's Great Streets, Great Neighborhoods and Great Public Spaces feature unique and authentic characteristics that have evolved from years of thoughtful and deliberate planning by residents, community leaders and planners.

"Recognizing these special places highlights the role planning plays in adding value to communities," says William Anderson, FAICP, president of APA. "Planners, working with others, help build better communities in a variety of settings, from urban to rural; the result - better neighborhoods, cities, and regions. We applaud these efforts and congratulate this year's designees."

One of the most famous enclosed public markets in the world, Reading Terminal Market is a collection of 76 locally-based merchants spread across 1.7 acres in a complex of buildings below the Reading Terminal Train Station.

One of Philadelphia's top tourist attractions, Reading Terminal Market generates upwards of $50 million in annual sales from the 6 million-plus people who visit each year. Formerly an open air market in operation since 1860, Reading Terminal Market took its current form in 1892 and thrived as one of Philadelphia's leading sources of foodstuffs and provisions until the Great Depression. After earning its designation as a National Historic Landmark in the 1970s, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority acquired the property in 1990 and implemented a top-to-bottom historic rehabilitation. The market today is also the site for free performing arts events, 75-minute walking tours led by food-writers and "Party for the Market," an annual celebration of is anniversary.

In addition to Reading Terminal Market, other public spaces named to the list were: Bayliss Park, Council Bluffs, IA; Cliff Walk, Newport, RI; Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY; Great Plains Trails Network, Lincoln, NE; Lake Mirror Park, Lakeland, FL; Lithia Park, Ashland, OR; Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA; Rainier Vista, Seattle, WA; and The Lawn at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

Since Great Places in America was launched in 2007, APA has designated 230 neighborhoods, streets and public spaces. Places are announced annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.

New this year, APA is seeking input from the public for the “31^st Great Place Designee.” Interested citizens can nominate their Great Place by commenting on APA's Facebook page or via Twitter using hashtag #mygreatplace. The “31^st Great Place Designee” will be announced on Friday, October 31, 2014.

Instant Insights /

Reading Terminal Market Designated One of 10 Great Public Spaces in America

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