A rendering of the more than 800,000 Fashion District Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA—The Fashion District Philadelphia, which is scheduled to open here on Sept. 19, reports that Wonderspaces, a new-to-the region immersive art experience, will occupy 24,000 square feet of space at the nearly 900,000-square-foot complex.

Los Angeles-based Wonderspaces, which partners with artists from around the world to present art shows, is scheduled to launch its Philadelphia location in December 2019 when it will open its first Philadelphia show, "Point of View."

The Fashion District Philadelphia location follows successful Wonderspaces shows that attracted a total of 250,000 visitors in San Diego and Scottsdale, AZ.

"Our new home at The District marks our first permanent location in the center of a metropolitan area," says Jason Shin, Wonderspaces' co-founder and president. "We believe taking art to non-traditional places is a key part of inviting new audiences. And exploring how we can make art more accessible is core to our mission and values."

Construction continues on The Fashion District Philadelphia, a joint venture partnership between PREIT and Macerich, which announced more than two dozen new lease deals at the property. Wonderspaces will join the entertainment attractions at The Fashion District Philadelphia that include third level anchors, Round 1, AMC Movie Theater, along with City Winery.

"The District was designed to combine a local Philly flair with a thoughtfully curated collection of first-to-market tenants and unique concepts," says Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of PREIT. "This new-to-market experiential tenant, combined with our unique art installations, will deliver an engaging atmosphere for Fashion District visitors—transcending beyond a retail and dining center to offer a comprehensive destination that celebrates art and community in Philadelphia, ensuring that the district will be an engaging, fun, and accessible place for all."

The addition of Wonderspaces builds on Fashion District's existing $1 million in commissioned artwork in partnership with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority's Percent for Art project. The artwork will be found in nine exhibit locations throughout The District, featuring work from local and international artists across disciplines. The diverse collection of artwork will range from large-scale 2-D and 3-D sculptures, graphic drawings and photography, to several contemporary murals.

Previously announced tenants include City Winery, a culinary and cultural wine experience offering fine dining, classes, concerts, and private events; a third-floor entertainment zone that includes AMC Theatres and Round 1; Market Eats, a grab-and-go market accessible to SEPTA's Jefferson Station; and several in-demand retail brands including Nike, H&M, Samsonite, Sunglass Hut, Columbia, Levi's, ULTA Beauty, and others – joining Burlington and Century 21 Department Store.

Newly signed fashion-related tenants include: Pandora, American Eagle/Aerie, Express Factory, Hollister, Journeys, Aeropostale, Justice, Will's EyeWear, Bella Shoes, Eddie Bauer, American Shaman, Justice, Gamestop, Samsonite, Sunglass Hut, Spencer's, T-Mobile, Guess Factory, Skechers and Zumiez

New food-related tenant signings were with: Big Gay Ice Cream, Rolling Cow, Auntie Anne's, Beef Jerky Outlet, Dunkin Donuts and Philly Pretzel Factory. They join previously signed food tenants Chickie's and Pete's and Tiffany's Bakery.

The District launches on September 19, 2019 – followed by a yearlong series of new additions later in 2019 and in 2020. The new-to-market openings continue in November 2019, when several entertainment tenants, including AMC Theatres and Round One, open their locations, followed in December by Wonderspaces.

Instant Insights /

The Fashion District Philadelphia Adds More Than Two Dozen Tenants

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