POST BROTHERS ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF NEW PIAZZA POD PARK IN NORTHERN LIBERTIES WITH CIVIC SPACE, AL FRESCO DINING, ART INSTALLATIONS, FAMILY PLAY AREAS AND MUCH MORE – OPENS THIS SAT JUNE 8TH

Philadelphia, PA – Post Brothers announce the grand opening of Piazza Pod Park, located at 1075 Germantown Avenue, this Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. This exciting mixed-use community destination will feature 35,000 square feet of outdoor space that is uniquely Northern Liberties, featuring dining, art, civic space, kids and fitness components, as well as regular entertainment and events. Capturing the artistic and design-centric character of the Northern Liberties neighborhood that surrounds it, the Pod Park will feature retail spaces made entirely of recycled shipping containers, two mega-scale installations from internationally acclaimed artists, and a local artists in residence program with regular classes. Nearly a dozen dining options will include many locally and nationally recognized restaurant owners. Additional retail attractions will include Tiny Tildie’s Toy Box, an outpost of the mighty Tildie’s Toy Box on East Passyunk Avenue, and the newest location of insta-famous Osayi Osunde’s Fit Academy. Waving from the Center of Piazza Pod Park will be BEBOT, a 33-foot tall, 13,000-pound robot from Burning Man. Look for seating for up to 300 people. Connecting The Piazza and Piazza Pod Park to the Market/Frankford Line of SEPTA will be an outdoor art installation created out of 185 pulsing and colorful ThinkCubes. Entertainment will include food festivals, themed happy hours, yappy hours, outdoor concerts, food and drink workshops, and other special events.

“The Piazza is the very heart and soul of this ever-evolving neighborhood that continues to grow and expand at record pace,” said Post Brothers CEO Mike Pestronk. “We are proud to present Northern Liberties with an exciting new community space at Piazza Pod Park. Post Brothers is thrilled to bring a renewed energy back to the area – and together light the spark for great things to come. Join us this Saturday and meet our terrific vendors. We are proud to partner with some of Philadelphia’s very best small businesses and restaurants.”

Kris Kennedy, Executive Director of the brand new Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, welcomes Post Brothers and Piazza Pod Park to the neighborhood. She said, “Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is very excited about the opening of Piazza Pod Park because it marks a new direction for the northern end of our district. Post Brothers is creating a truly unique destination that will bring people into Northern Liberties and we plan to build on that momentum. The timing couldn’t be better with this exciting new development and the formation of the new BID in the last year. It is a win-win and we look forward to working closely with Post Brothers and we can’t wait to meet all the new small businesses that will now call Northern Liberties their home.”

For grand opening day, Piazza Pod Park will be open regular hours for its first Saturday – 7:00am to Midnight. Special grand opening festivities begin at 10:00am (through Noon) with food samples of “only at Pod Park” exclusive dishes from French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods and Mama Maria’s Italian Ice. Tildie’s Toy Box will also offer fun and promotions for children. Fit Academy will offer outdoor workouts and demos. From 11:00am to 2:00pm, look for balloon twister and face painting. From 11:00am to 4:00pm, kids can enjoy free trips into the bounce house. From 12:00pm to 4:00pm, enjoy live music from City Rhythm. From 4:00pm to 8:00pm, look for music from top local DJs. All pod operators (minus one) will be open for their first official day of business – with fitness classes, toy shopping, frozen drinks, draft beer, dim sum, french toast, and so much more! The dining pod, nursing pod, play area and other features will also be open and ready for visitors. Bring the pups, as several food vendors will have out water bowls for four-legged friends to enjoy.

The new parking lot at Piazza Pod Park will also open Saturday, with complimentary parking for all guests visiting Piazza Pod Park. The Piazza Dog Park will also be open – with a brand new renovated space adjacent to the Piazza and Pod Park with additional artistic installations.

BURNING MAN ART INSTALLATION

Credit: Kory Aversa

BEBOT was created by London-based artist Andrea Greenlees. The climbable wireframe sculpture is 33 feet tall and weighs 13,000 pounds. The artwork is literally the heart of the entire park, with a literal giant copper heart at its core.



Greenlees created the installation in 2018 for Burning Man in keeping with the year’s theme, “I, Robot,” where artists were asked to look at “how many forms of artificial intelligence that permeate our lives.” BEBOT was designed originally to be participatory art, where art enthusiasts could climb on, around and inside the frame. BEBOT was named by Art World as one of the “biggest, weirdest and most radical art from Burning Man 2018.”

INTRODUCING THE PODS

Next to BEBOT, at the center of the park, look for a two-level enclosed and climate controlled dining pod with a roof deck with unparalleled views of the park, the night’s entertainment, and of course, the robot himself. Surrounding BEBOT and the dining pod, are 14 colorful repurposed shipping containers, spread out in the four zones in one oversize semi-circle.

Pods vary in side and range from 10 feet long to 40 feet long. Some have windows like a food truck that open to the outside. Others have a window, plus a mini-dining room for enjoyment in the winter months. All are equipped with heating, air conditioning and speaker systems for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Dim Sum House’s Lil’ Sum Sum

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Jackson Fu

Phone: 215-921-5377

Note: Vegan and gluten free options

Monday through Sunday 12:00pm-12:00am

Jackson Fu brings the popular University City brand to Northern Liberties for Dim Sum House’s first major expansion! Lil’ Sum Sum will be offering favorites from Dim Sum House’s menu such as Walnut General Tsos, which will be available with either chicken or seitan. Along with classic offerings, there will be Piazza Pod Park exclusive menu items- stay tuned. Vegan, vegetarian and allergy-free options also are available. Lil Sum Sum also plans to offer delivery.

Exclusive dishes only available at Pod Park: Vegetable gluten-free dumplings (4) $6 – Mushroom, carrot, bok choi, bean curd in tapioca flour Chicken Siu Mai (3) $7 – Open-faced steamed dumplings filled with chicken and mushrooms Garlic Noodles – Plain ($8) or Chicken ($10) – Egg noodles with garlic mixed in special seasoning



Spread Bagelry

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Larry Rosenblum

Phone: 215-545-0629

Website: https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/philadelphia/spread-bagelry-2/

Note: Dog friendly, water for pup available!

7:00am-4:00pm, 7 days a week

Spread Bagelry, the beloved Philly-based Montreal-style bagel shop by Larry Rosenblum, representing his third new location. We work hard, but our mission is quite simple: to make the best bagels in the world. We make our bagels in the tradition of the bakers who brought their old-world recipes from Eastern Europe to Montreal in the early 1900s. After boiling our bagels in honeyed water, we then bake them in small batches throughout the day in our wood-fired ovens. We generously coat them in toppings without restraint. The meats on our sandwiches are roasted in those same ovens, and we hand make our spreads with local, farm-fresh ingredients.

Fit Academy

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Osayi Osunde,

Phone: 267-722-57064

Website: http://www.fitphl.com

Tuesday through Friday – 5:00pm and 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday – 10:00am and 11:00am

Fit Academy has grown from a small outdoor workout set-up on the Art Museum steps into one of the region’s most well-known HIIT studios. Fit Academy is led by Osayi Osunde, a certified personal trainer who has played football at Villanova University – and who is a past Best of Philly Winner from Philadelphia Magazine. Fit Academy is the April “Studio of the Month” by Philadelphia Magazine’s Be Well division. Look for more details about Fit Academy’s line-up and schedule coming soon.

Urban Village Brewing Company

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Tom Revelli, General Manager and Owner

Dave Goldman, Head Brewer and Owner

Phone: 267-687-1961

Note: Dog friendly, water for pup available!

Thursday – 5:00-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 2:00pm-12:00am, Sunday – 12:00pm-10:00pm

Northern Liberties Brewery offering a mini beer garden-style experience with seasonal draft beers and a limited can release menu. The brewery is located 100 yards from the POD Park so the menu will change as new beers are ready to go. The UVBC POD will also feature craft cocktail utilizing local spirits and cider from Original 13 Cider Works located just down the street in Fishtown.

Exclusive only available at Pod Park: Pod Park Pils which is a collab with Mainstay Independent, our seasonal beers and local distillery craft cocktails.



Tiki Tako

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Owen Kamihira

Phone: 215-925-1110

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tikitakophilly/

Note: Dog friendly, water for pup available!

Wednesday through Friday – 5:00pm-12:00am; Saturday and Sunday – 12:00pm – 12:00am

Tiki Tako will be serving Asian and Island inspired tacos. The cocktail program is influenced by classic tiki drinks and tropical summer flavors. Our plan is to bring a colorful and fun atmosphere, fit for a summer at the Pod Park.

Exclusive available only at Pod Park: Machete Mai Tai $10 – Light and Dark Rum, Orgeat, Citrus Blue Hawaiian $12 – Light Rum, Cream of Coconut, Blue Curacao, Pineapple No 1-Bang Bang Shrimp $12- Creamy Sambal, Shrimp, Pineapple, Jalapeno, Lettuce Crispy Pork Chinatown Style $10 – Caramel Chili Sauce, Crispy Pork Belly, Bok Choy, Rice



Wine Bar by Urban Village Brewing Company

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Tom Revelli, General Manager and Owner

Dave Goldman, Head Brewer and Owner

Phone: 267-687-1961

Note: Dog friendly, water for pup available!

Thursday – 5:00-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 2:00pm-12:00am, Sunday – 12:00pm-10:00pm

Wine Bar will offer the best of local wineries. The menu will have 7 different varieties offered by the glass. One of the highlights of the Wine Bar will be the Frose (Rose Slushy). It will also offer draft Sangria, Mead from a PA Meadery and even more Rose with Sparkling Rose from Pinnacle Ridge Winery in Kutztown, PA

Summer features at Wine Bar Pod: Frose and Draft Sangria, along with 8 other local wines by the glass



Craft Beer Concepts Inspired by BRU Craft & Wurst

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Teddy Sourias and Craft Concepts Group

Phone: 215-397-3308

Monday through Thursday – 5:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 2:00pm – 12:00am, Sunday – 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Craft Beer Concepts inspired by BRU Craft & Wurst celebrates and honors the company’s flagship restaurant and bar located in Midtown Village. The BRU inspired pod will feature BRU’s signature colors and branding, and will be their way of celebrating the six year old business that started the hospitality group. The pod will feature BRU’s signature red and black colors, and it will continue the use of live edge and reclaimed wood throughout to help tie together the design and feel. Look for craft beers, a Pod Park exclusive beer, plus cocktails inspired by Blume – CCG’s newest concept at 1500 Locust.

Exclusive available only at Pod Park: Monetized Art – The Futurist, American IPA w/ Amarillo & Cascade Hops, 6.5% (Exclusive tap – brewed for Pod Park!)



Essen Bakery

Owner: Tova du Plessis, Award winning baker

Phone: 215-271-2299

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essenbakery

8:00am – 5:00pm 7 days a week

Essen Bakery is a tiny Jewish bakery in South Philly. It is the creation of Tova du Plessis, a petite South African pastry chef who decided to return to her roots when building a bakery of her own. Since opening in 2016, Tova has received three consecutive nominations for Outstanding Baker from the James Beard Foundation in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Tova is excited about the opportunity to share her baked goods with residents in and around Northern Liberties, as well as being part of a super fun outdoor destination in Philly. Essen Bakery will be brewing Elixir coffee and will offer espresso drinks and cold brew- the perfect pairing to your slice of chocolate halvah babka. Purchase an individual pastry or toast to be eaten on the spot, or take home a loaf of bread, babka or cake, to be savored slowly -if possible- at home.

Exclusive available only at Pod Park: “Not everything is black and white” cookies, in passionfruit and strawberry created and debuted at James Beard Foundation dinner earlier this year



French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Charisse R. McGill, Owner/Producer

Phone: 267-312-8339

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokalartisanfoods/

Note: Vegan options; Dog friendly, water for pup available!

Monday – Closed, Sunday – 10:00am-10:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday – 10:00am-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 10:00am-12:00am

French Toast isn’t just for breakfast anymore! French Toast Bites will change the perception of how and when french toast should be consumed! The nearly quarter-pound of lightly fried, melt-in-your-mouth artisan french toast bites are hand tossed in “The Only French Toast Seasoning You’ll Ever Need”, add optional seasonal toppings and syrups….load ’em up! Vegan French Toast Bites available daily, plus bacon and 100% fresh squeezed lemonade.

Exclusive available only at Pod Park: Vegan French toast bites are exclusive to this pod. Also: French Toast Bites, Lokal Lemonade, Bacon and French Toast Spice!



Nursing Pod

Credit: Society Hill Films

Piazza Pod Park welcomes moms and newborns with the addition of the nursing pod. The Pod contains two private rooms, with air-conditioning, a comfortable rocker, changing table, sink, and soothing warm decor.

Tildie’s Toy Box

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Michelle Gillen-Doobrajh

Phone: 215-694-3209

Website: http://www.tildiestoybox.com

Friday and Saturday – 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sunday – 10:00am-5:00pm

Tildie’s Toy Box, from East Passyunk Avenue, will offer opportunities for fun for the whole family. With a focus on gender-neutral toys and books, Tildie’s Toy Box aims to engage little ones in play through imagination, creativity, and exploration. Their toys are curated to repeatedly captivate children over time, providing hours and years of learning, exploring, and fun, while building memories that will last a lifetime. At their pod, Tildie’s will carry a selection of books, arts and crafts, building toys, games, and more. Tildie’s will also focus on outdoor items families can enjoy while in the Pod Park. Tildie’s is one of Philadelphia’s best independent toy store that was named “Best of Philly” by Philadelphia Magazine.

Craft Cocktail Concepts Inspired by Blume

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Teddy Sourias

Phone: 215-397-3308

Monday through Thursday – 5:00pm-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 2:00pm – 12:00am, Sunday – 12:00pm – 10:00pm

In this pod, Craft Craft Cocktail Concepts inspired by Blume, is a floral tribute to the brand-new restaurant and bar that is an internet sensation and Instagrammer paradise in Rittenhouse Square. The Blume inspired pod will showcase the design aesthetic of Blume and showcase the company’s new direction that now includes cocktails and wine. For decor, look for the same floral wallpaper found in the interior of Blume, plus vintage picture frame menus, colored gem mirrors, plants, planters, reclaimed wood, and similar color stylings.

Exclusive available only at Pod Park: Frozen Cocktails – White Whiskey Mango Margarita (J. Potts White Whiskey, Mango, Agave, Lime, Sea Salt) and Espresso Colada (T. Rutter Rum, Pineapple Juice, Cream of Coconut, espresso) Draft Cocktails – G & Tea (Odd Fellows Gin, Hibiscus Tea, Strawberry, Ginger), Water of Life (Three Bitches Vodka, Rowhouse Spirits Akavit, Cucumber, Lime, Orange Bitters), Junglefowl (Three Bitches Vodka, Rose Wine, Grapefruit Juice) and Icebox Cake (0- Keystone Whiskey, Raspberry, Mole Bitters)



Empanada Box

Owner: David Feit/John Chung

Email: info@empanadaboxphilly.com

Website: www.empanadaboxphilly.com

Monday to Sunday 12:00pm-10:00pm

Savory pastries influenced by different cultures plus elote, Mexican street corn, with brushed mayo, cheese and spices. Everything on the menu is exclusive to Empanada Box – this is a brand new concept not available anywhere else – just at Piazza Pod Park!

Mama Maria’s Italian Ice

Credit: Kory Aversa

Owner: Niko Papanikolaou

Website: https://mamamariasice.business.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama_marias_italian_ice/

Monday through Thursday -12:00pm-9:00pm, Friday through Sunday – 12:00pm-10:00pm

Mama Maria’s Homemade Italian Ice is opening their second location at Piazza Pod Park – the first location being in Port Richmond at 2900 Aramingo Ave. They have put a creative spin on Italian ice with their unique signature “Mama Flavors”. Their signature “Mama Flavors” are their own creations. A combination of flavors mixed together, with real fruit chunks! If you don’t like fruit chunks, don’t worry, they also have plain flavors available too.

Exclusive only available at Pod Park: Mama Maria’s will have an exclusive water ice flavor, inspired by BeBot, only available at the Pod Park. Introducing BeBananaz Water Ice, with banana, caramel, chocolate chips, and topped with granola!



THINKCUBE INSTALLATION

Made of 185 interconnected water storage containers, Think Cubes has over a 100,000 LEDs and is 800 feet long. Think Cubes shows the unity of the community by inviting all to stroll along the path bound and illuminated by the two rows of cubes, creating a public space to be appreciated by neighbors and visitors alike. Like Bebot, Think Cubes were showcased at Burning Man and have been recreated at various events across the country. “Think Cubes” was created and brought to Piazza Pod Park by Fired Up Management and Xtreme Fab Works.

PLAYGROUND AND KID ZONE

Credit: Society Hill Films

Look for a special kid and family zone featuring soft turf for those young tumblers! Inside this zone, you will find the Nursing Pod, Tildie’s, French Toast Bites and Essen. Plus look for climbing sculpture, a special kids hide-away house, rocking horses and more. Look for playground equipment to be added by July – coming soon!

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT STAGE

Piazza Pod Park will feature special events all year round – including music concerts, performances and more from the stage, located to the right as you enter the park (next to Mama Maria’s Italian Ice).

BATHROOM PODS

Look for bathroom pods for Piazza Pod Park guests and visitors behind the dining pods. Access this area as you enter the Thinking Cubes on the East side of the park.

PARKING

Sunday through Thursday, 7:00am to 10:00pm

Friday-Saturday, 7:00am to Midnight

Look for an open-air parking lot adjacent to the Piazza as you enter off of 2nd Street – with parking for up to 150 cars. Parking is free with validation from a Pod vendor.

Piazza Pod Park is also accessible by public transportation – including bus and train. The Market-Frankford subway is located just blocks away. The Piazza and Piazza Pod Park are a short ten to fifteen minute Uber or Lyft ride from Old City and Center City, Philadelphia.

BACKGROUND ON PARK

This project has been months in the making – and was an idea that originated back to the early days when Post Brothers purchased The Piazza and Liberties Walk back in 2017.

“Our goal is to create the thriving community hub that the Piazza courtyard has always tried to be.” said Post Brothers CEO Mike Pestronk. “The Piazza struggled over the last several years while the rest of Northern Liberties flourished. Many of the retailers there have not been successful because the programming has not been relevant to the rest of the neighborhood. By physically moving the community hub across the street, and shifting the attractions so they speak to the neighborhood, we want to make The Piazza reach its potential. Our intention is to make this a community hub, not a tourist attraction.”

Post Brothers has a proven track record of revitalizing buildings they take over by adding inventive and luxe amenities. In the case of The Piazza, Post Brothers already has begun plans to renovate eight buildings surrounding the 80,000 square foot central plaza. As part of their plans, Post Brotherswill shift the Piazza’s focus from the interior European-style courtyard to facing the streets – including Germantown Avenue, between 2nd and Hancock. This means turning the many restaurants and retail shops in The Piazza towards what will become the newly hardscaped pedestrian-friendly street. Across the street, while Piazza Terminal waits to kick-off construction, Piazza Pod Park will open and aid in creating this vibrant corridor that will ultimately connect The Piazza and Piazza Terminal.

As part of this objective, events that were traditionally held in The Piazza Courtyard will move to the street on Germantown Avenue and into Piazza Pod Park.

EVENT PROGRAM AND RESIDENCIES

Year-round programming at Piazza Pod Park will offer something for everyone – with a special focus first on providing events that will energize and appeal to the neighborhood. Regular staples like outdoor movie screenings, outdoor concerts, dance lessons and makers’ workshops will return but with new twists, more frequency and added features. New events being discussed include cocktail workshops, Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels events, reading nights, art events, happy hours, trivia nights, kids’ workshops, Mom and Me activities, food festivals, and much more. For four-legged friends, look for potential yappy hour nights, especially with the newly renovated dog park across the street. Also, look for events to activate the space year-round with new and additional programming between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as outdoor events in the winter months.

Stay tuned for events and residencies to be announced for the summer season by mid-June!

HOURS

Piazza Pod Park will be open seven days a week, from 7:00am to 10:00pm, and until Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Please check with individual pod tenants for their times and days of operation.

CONNECT

Connect with Piazza Pod Park on social media at @LivePiazza #PiazzaPodPark on Twitter, PiazzaPodPark on Instagram, and Piazza Pod Park on Facebook.

ABOUT POST BROTHERS

Post Brothers is a nationally-recognized leader in development, innovation, and sustainability. Since the company’s founding in Philadelphia in 2006 it has developed more than 30 properties and 4,000 apartments, which have all thrived due to a common theme: making a level of upscale state-of-the-art living accessible at a price point which and to people for whom it was not previously available.

Post Brothers’ triple bottom line objectives have resulted in constructing the first LEED-certified residential highrise in Philadelphia, being the largest private buyer of wind-generated electricity in the Philadelphia region, winning best places to work awards, and making six-star-resort-quality living within reach for public school teachers.

By being vertically integrated with over 200 employees providing deep in-house expertise in design, construction, leasing, and management the company is able to maintain a singular focus on product quality, creating homes that bear the collective wisdom of our enterprise. The company’s employee ownership structure ensures execution by those who care deeply about making superlative properties and effectuating exceptional experiences for our residents.

CREDIT: KORY AVERSA

Aversa PR & Events LLC

Mobile | 215-840-9216

Website | Aversapr (dot) com

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