A $1.8 million grant from the Commerce Department will fund a series of improvements to the streetscape on Market East. Center City District, an organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality and competitiveness of Philadelphia's downtown, will use the funds to add trees and murals and to improve transit shelters and entrances. The first mural to be installed using these funds is by Cuban Salvadorian artist Manuela Guillén and will be affixed on the exterior of the Fashion District Philadelphia on the northwest corner of 10th and Market streets.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Ximena Conde and Jake Blumgart report on this investment, as well as the news that Comcast and Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, owners of the Robinson Building on the 1000 block of Market Street, will pause demolition plans until after this summer's celebrations and events.

The private investments come as Philadelphia rolls out cosmetic improvements for the corridor, made possible with a $1.85 million city grant. Beautification efforts include planting more than 40 trees, installing 10 new temporary murals, and refurbishing four transit head houses and more than 20 bus shelters. Light and banner poles along East Market will also get a fresh coat of paint.

"We're prepared to welcome 1.5 million visitors to Market East," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in a statement. "We will greet them with a vibrant and welcoming Philadelphia experience that benefits guests and residents, alike, and paves the way for planning Market East's enduring revival."

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Tiffany Thurman, Parker's chief of staff, emphasized that the improvements slated for the corridor are a jumping-off point.

"We don't want it to just be a one-time, feel-good, great experience," she said. "We want it to be something that people experience long beyond all the amazing things that are going to happen this summer."