Philadelphia's vacant "flying saucer" LOVE Park Welcome Center may finally get its chance to shine in 2026 as the city prepares for two major events: the nation's 250th birthday and the World Cup. With tourism expected to surge, Parks & Recreation officials are hoping a new lease can bring life to the beloved but abandoned building.
The circular glass-paneled structure, originally designed as a hospitality hub in the 1960s, has struggled to find its purpose since renovation plans were put on hold by the pandemic. After a failed attempt at partnering with Safran Turney Hospitality for a bar and restaurant, the city is now seeking new businesses to occupy the 5,300-square-foot space.
Parks & Recreation Head Katie Burns Kays envisions a pop-up model that combines food, beverage, and community programming, which could serve as a pilot experience. This might include cafes, bars, or event spaces that capitalize on LOVE Park's energy and vibrancy.
Architect Roy F. Larson's International Style building has become a historic landmark, earning the Preservation Alliance's approval for its designation on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places last year. However, preservationist Paul Steinke remains skeptical about the property's viability as a business hub, citing the challenges posed by its configuration and competition from neighboring coffee shops.
Despite these hurdles, Burns Kays is confident that this year's request-for-proposals (RFP) will bring in plenty of interest. Last year's expressions-of-interest campaign garnered over 30 proposals, highlighting the market's enthusiasm for a mixed-use activation concept.
To mitigate its limitations, Parks & Recreation is willing to invest an additional $100,000 in building improvements and explore alternative uses beyond commercial tenants. As Steinke noted, "The LOVE sign can't get jealous." With creative partnerships and public events, this historic building could become an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape once again.
In the best-case scenario, Steinke hopes for a sustainable commercial partner that ensures the building remains dedicated to cultural education about Philadelphia.
The circular glass-paneled structure, originally designed as a hospitality hub in the 1960s, has struggled to find its purpose since renovation plans were put on hold by the pandemic. After a failed attempt at partnering with Safran Turney Hospitality for a bar and restaurant, the city is now seeking new businesses to occupy the 5,300-square-foot space.
Parks & Recreation Head Katie Burns Kays envisions a pop-up model that combines food, beverage, and community programming, which could serve as a pilot experience. This might include cafes, bars, or event spaces that capitalize on LOVE Park's energy and vibrancy.
Architect Roy F. Larson's International Style building has become a historic landmark, earning the Preservation Alliance's approval for its designation on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places last year. However, preservationist Paul Steinke remains skeptical about the property's viability as a business hub, citing the challenges posed by its configuration and competition from neighboring coffee shops.
Despite these hurdles, Burns Kays is confident that this year's request-for-proposals (RFP) will bring in plenty of interest. Last year's expressions-of-interest campaign garnered over 30 proposals, highlighting the market's enthusiasm for a mixed-use activation concept.
To mitigate its limitations, Parks & Recreation is willing to invest an additional $100,000 in building improvements and explore alternative uses beyond commercial tenants. As Steinke noted, "The LOVE sign can't get jealous." With creative partnerships and public events, this historic building could become an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape once again.
In the best-case scenario, Steinke hopes for a sustainable commercial partner that ensures the building remains dedicated to cultural education about Philadelphia.
This abandoned "flying saucer" has been hiding under a rock for ages, and it's high time someone shines a light on its potential. I mean, can you imagine the energy and vibes that place would bring to the city during those big events? The pop-up model sounds like a total game-changer – who wouldn't want to grab a coffee or snack from a hip cafe in the heart of LOVE Park?
If they can find the right mix of creative partnerships and public events, I'm convinced it'll become a hub for culture and community in Philly. Plus, that extra $100k investment will definitely help out. Here's hoping Steinke gets his wish for a sustainable commercial partner who shares the love for LOVE Park – can't wait to see what 2026 brings! 
It's like the city just forgot about it in the pandemic chaos 
But now with all these big events coming up, tourism is gonna go through the roof 
So yeah, a pop-up model sounds like a great idea - cafes, bars, and community programming could make that place hoppin' again 
We just gotta get some cool brands in there to make it feel special 
And I'm glad they're thinking about preserving its history too 
It's not just about making a buck, but also about keeping the spirit of LOVE Park alive 
. We're seeing how the pandemic changed things, but also how we can adapt & be creative. I mean, they tried before, but now with a pop-up model, it could really take off! 
Paul Steinke has a point, the building is special, and its history matters. So, lets keep it real, we can't just fit one style in there, we need to make sure its for everyone!
. i'm all about that pop-up model tho - cafes, bars, event spaces... the possibilities are endless 
paul steinke's concerns about viability r understandable but let's be real, who doesn't want to see a historic landmark come back to life 
!
It's been sitting empty for far too long, and it's time to put some energy into it.
That would make it a must-see destination in Philly. And, I gotta say, Paul Steinke is right on point when he says "The LOVE sign can't get jealous" 
. Let's hope that this place becomes a staple of Philadelphia's cultural scene and brings people together for years to come 
I think its gonna be lit in 2026!!! 
They gotta bring some creativity to that place, make it pop with some sick cafes and bars, maybe even some events spaces or something 
That $100k investment is a good start, now they gotta make it happen! 
). The city's getting ready for the 250th birthday and World Cup, so I guess it's time to revitalize that space. Just hope they don't mess it up 
... we need more cool spots like this in Philly! 