Macy's store closing: Councilman explains what's ahead for the iconic Center City building
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's iconic Center City Macy's store is closing its doors in March, leaving many to wonder what will happen to the historic building and the traditions attached to it.
The future of the store, located in the historic Wanamaker building, has been in question for some time as the company announced last year that it would shutter roughly 150 of its underperforming stores over the next several years.
The Philadelphia closure was one of a total of 66 announced by Macy's on Thursday. The location in the Exton Square Mall was also listed among the closing stores.
"It's a sad day, it wasn't unexpected, it's something that we've heard since September," City Councilmember Mark Squilla said. "When you finally get that final word that it's for real, it's a sad day."
Squilla, who represents the Center City district where Macy's is located, joined Good Day Philadelphia on Friday to share what's ahead for the historic building, including how they plan to preserve some of the building's most well-known features.
What's next for the Wanamaker building?
The precise future of the Wanamaker building is still up in the air, but Squilla promised that the city and the building's ownership group, TF Cornerstone, will work together to "reimagine" the 149-year-old property.
The well-known eagle statue and organ found inside the building are just some of the historically-protected features that will be preserved, Squilla said. TF Cornerstone, a New York-based company, has worked on repurposing historic buildings in the past, and Squilla says they will work with the city to maintain the building's unique history.
"[TF Cornerstone} are really excited about preserving all the great things we have there," Squilla said. "They are meeting with us, the mayor has been very active in the commerce and our planning department, just to see what are the important things to Philadelphia, so they can be part of the reimagining of the Wanamaker building."
Squilla said the Wanamaker building won't sit vacant for long, with construction due to begin in the Spring.
Addressing concerns about Macy's closure
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Iconic Philadelphia Macy's to close later this year
The iconic Philadelphia Macy's, located in the historic Wanamaker building, will be closing its doors for good sometime in March.
Macy's shuttering one of it's most well-known locations has raised concerns about another large retail chain fleeing the store, especially after the Fashion District flopped.
"It's not a Philly thing here with this particular incident," Squilla said. "Macy's is reimagining how they do their business as a department store model, but by doing that I think it gives us an opportunity to reimagine what the Wanamaker building can be in the future and also East Market as we reimagine that whole corridor."
The Sixers new arena is a large part of the city's plan to rejuvenate Center City. Squilla said they're working on a "big comprehensive civic-engaged plan for East Market Street."
Part of that plan includes the Wanamaker building, the Sixers new arena, and a historic district project that Squilla said will provide a more pedestrian-friendly revamp of part of East Market Street. The goal, he said, is to turn the Wanamaker building into a multi-use building with several retailers on the first three floors and offices and possibly residential spaces on the higher floors.