The Piazza at Schmidts

       Bart Blatstein, founder and president of Tower Investments, Inc., the city’s leading development company, opened The Piazza at Schmidt’s on May 15, 2009. The beautifully landscaped, 80,000 square foot open-air plaza is located on 2nd Street and Germantown Ave, in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, PA. Blatstein has been reshaping the neighborhood, and transforming it from a post-industrial void into a pioneering community since 2000. 
       The project began when Blatstein purchased the former Schmidt’s Brewery in January, 2000 at a sheriff’s auction. The original eight and a half acre site consisted of 25 buildings spread out over nearly eight square blocks. As a former brownfield, millions of dollars were spent remediating the properties. Over the following three year period Blatstein assembled the balance of the 28 acres.
“My grandfather had a pushcart at 2nd and Laurel Street in the 1930’s, so I’ve always loved this area. My dream was to create a ‘five minute neighborhood’ where people live, shop, eat work and play all within a few city blocks. With all forms of public transit nearby, residents will have everything they need at their fingertips enabling them to decrease their carbon footprints by never having to use a car,” says Blatstein who has redefined urban planning with this project.
       Designed and named after Rome’s famous piazzas, The Piazza at Schmidt’s is surrounded by: a five-story renovated industrial building converted into commercial space on the ground floor and apartments on top, a six story building connected by an enclosed catwalk to a seven story building, both with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments above, and a seven story oval shaped glass office building with a 24 hour upscale diner on the bottom floor, and a beautiful fitness facility on the third floor. Blatstein wanted the architecture to feature modern designs, a style he personally likes and knows appeals to a younger, hipper, business demographic. The buildings have received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) most prestigious honors.
       The Piazza hosts events all year round such as concerts, free festivals, vendor markets, screening events, dance performances, live broadcasts of sporting events and more. It includes a 40 by 20 foot permanent stage and a high definition 40 foot Daktronics HD LED screen. Expect to see all Philadelphia sports teams playing on the Jumbotron. Locals simply grab a chair, post up, and watch the games all throughout the year. 
       There are five restaurants directly in The Piazza. They include: Darling’s Diner; a funky 1950’s style 24 hour diner, King’s Oak; an American grill and sports bar, Gunner’s Run; a great pub serving American food and artisan beers, P.Y.T; a burger joint, bar and lounge, and RAW Sushi & Saki Lounge. 35 artisans and boutiques also surround The Piazza. All privately owned, this area has become a home for many young entrepreneurs.
       Also part of the enormous Northern Liberties revitalization, Blatstein has completed Liberties Walk, located directly across the street from The Piazza. Liberties Walk is a four block long, mixed-use development with a village feel that consists of 72 residential walk up apartments, 30 first floor commercial units and 19 townhouses. The unique array of businesses on Liberties Walk has fast become destinations for people from all over the city.
       Mr. Blatstein has been recognized by his peers, colleagues, and lenders for his expertise in all levels of urban redevelopment. In every sense of the word, he is a Philadelphian, with a passion and vision for the City, its neighborhoods, and its bright future. Most importantly, Blatstein has earned the reputation for “getting the job done.”