The new look of Philadelphia's South Street
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The following report is courtesy of FYI Philly which airs Saturdays at 7 p.m. on 6abc
One of Philadelphia's most famous streets is experiencing a big boom.
If you haven't hit the South Street strip in a while, a lot in the neighborhood has changed.
The South Street District has over 400 businesses and more opening all of the time.
"We think it's one of the most eclectic, unique, small business-areas in the whole city," Michael Harris, the Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse Business District, told FYI Philly.
Kawaii Kitty Café and Natuzzi are among the newcomers.
Natuzzi is South Street's first upscale Italian Furniture Store.
"It's a really great line, well-suited for city spaces that come in a variety of shapes and sizes," Natuzzi manager Veronica Renton said.
Every piece is custom configured for your home and made by hand in Italy.
"From the frame to the stitching on the leather," Renton said.
And it's all fine Italian leather. They also carry what they call the world's first performance recliner dubbed the Revive.
And it's more than just new shops making the neighborhood look brighter.
"We have all new lighting on 4th street, and then we also have new white lighting on South Street," Harris said.
And the district's utility boxes? Those are now public works of art.
"The South Street area has been an arts hub since the 1960s and 70s. That is still alive and well today," Sara McCorriston, co-founder of the Paradigm Gallery, said. "It beautifies the neighborhood and really brings this interesting art project that makes people think."
Woodrow's is the neighborhood's new sandwich shop.
"I couldn't imagine not eating bread and having sandwiches, they're just amazing," owner and sandwich creator Kevin Kramer said.
Chef Kramer has cooked in high end kitchens, but says there's nothing like the reaction he gets when customers taste his sandwiches.
"It's great to be able to take the great local favorite style sandwiches and maybe tweak them a little bit and make them my own and make them better," Kramer said.
Looking for something more upscale? Malbec Argentine Steak House opened on 2nd Street in December.
"Everything here is old-fashioned," co-owner and manager Walter Aragonez said.
The menu is a meat-lover's paradise. And in true Argentinean custom, everything is barbecued.
If you're looking for things to do this holiday weekend, tune into FYI Philly Saturday at 7.
We visit another new restaurant in the South Street neighborhood, plus get some tips from a barbecue champion, visit a new neighborhood pool bar and take you clam baking in the city.
