The IHA's Better Philadelphia Model

Asked by Mitchell to comment on the National Park Service's policy on these questions, Appleman responded that he could not speak for the service. It was his opinion, however, that no fixed policy had been formulated. The Philadelphia project raised new and complex issues. The National Park Service would study these issues and consult with all interested parties. He was sure that the park service would approach planning for the park with "great elasticity of mind in considering and formulating a policy of development on this subject." His comments appeared to reassure Mitchell. It was Martin, in Appleman's opinion, who played the role of conciliator and was instrumental in ensuring that the Philadelphia Planning Commission would not oppose, even if it did not fully support, the Shrines Commission's proposals. He cautioned, however, that other influential Philadelphians might not agree with the views of Lewis and the commission, or, for that matter, with the development the National Park Service might plan in the future. Lewis did not need reminders from Simon or Appleman of the need for widespread public support. Action to whet Philadelphia's appetite for the proposed park had already been taken. In the spring of 1947 the Independence Hall Association had exhibited in Congress Hall a model illustrating its ideas for development. In September the City Planning Commission opened the "Better Philadelphia Exhibition" on the fifth floor of Gimbel's department store. Through a scale model occupying over an acre of floor space, the exhibit showed a five-year plan for civic improvement projected to cost over $300 million. Over three-quarters of a million people filed past the model, which showed the proposed redevelopment around Independence Square as an integral part of plans for the revitalization of Philadelphia.