If you’ve passed by 22nd and Catharine Streets any time recently, you’ve surely noticed that change is afoot at this corner. As we told you about a few months back, SOSNA has spearheaded an effort to transform a fenced-in corner lot into an attractive little public green space called Catharine Park. Local landscape architects Composite Inc. have been hard at work over the past few months, repaving the lot with permeable pavers, installing new planters, and creating a play area for young kids.

Two months back

Recent shot

Meanwhile, catty corner to Catharine Park, a new contemporary-style building has replaced a long-vacant eyesore. On the first floor of this building, Ultimo Coffee has been working on opening a second location for several months. With a Counterculture Coffee Barista Training Center already operational on the second floor of the building, 22nd & Catharine is about to become a new coffee nexus in Philadelphia. Ultimo is on track to open on Monday October 8th.

Ultimo Coffee

If you’d like to get an early look at the new Ultimo, tonight’s the night to make it happen. From 5:30-8:00, SOSNA and Maria Quattrone Real Estate Experts are hosting a fundraiser for Catharine Park at the Ultimo location across the street. This event will feature food from Miles Table, beer from Sidecar, coffee from Ultimo, and tunes from the Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble. But if you want to get in the door, you’re going to need to make a contribution to Catharine Park.

Sponsorship levels include:
$50 to be a Neighborhood Friend
$150 for a mongrammed Brick
$500 to be a Patron
$750 for a tree in your honor
$1500 for a bench in your honor.

Get your name on a brick! Do it!

You can still RSVP here, just add ‘party’ in the notes when you make your donation. Or make your donation at the door.

See you there?