It arose from "concerns that major real estate decisions are being made today only on a project-by-project basis and significant opportunities are being missed," according to Paul Levy, president of CCD and CPDC. The recommendations in the document, he says, "are not meant as end-state plans, but rather as suggestions that should be formally considered, revised and adopted by the next mayor as a flexible framework for growth."

They can occur, Levy adds, "during the first term of Philadelphia's next mayor." The report comes at a time when former councilman Michael Nutter emerged from the contentious May 15 mayoral primary as the acknowledged leading candidate for that post.

Suggestions range from minor to major. A better balance between pedestrians and vehicles and improved access to the Parkway head the agenda for that district. The report cites "empty distances" between cultural institutions. In preparation for the creation of the Barnes Foundation here, the Olin Partnership recommends an adjoining café that would "directly engage" the sidewalk along the Parkway.