Philadelphia Zoning Board Approves Wanamaker Building Eateries

The city has cleared plans to transform the historic Wanamaker building into a mixed-use space featuring new restaurants.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial

Philadelphia Zoning Board Approves Wanamaker Building Eateries

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The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment has officially approved plans to integrate restaurant space into the 116-year-old Wanamaker building. This move follows the departure of Macy's, which closed its long-standing store in the historic structure last year.

Why it matters

The redevelopment aims to revitalize the iconic building after COVID-19 caused significant disruptions to office and retail operations. Creating a dining destination in the Grand Court is intended to reduce high vacancy rates on the building's upper levels.

The Wanamaker building stands 12 stories tall and has operated for 116 years. Developers plan to convert the upper levels of the structure into 600 residential apartments while retaining office space on the fourth and fifth floors.

The players

TF Cornerstone

This real estate firm serves as one of the lead developers tasked with the transformation of the historic building.

Alterra Property Group

This investment and development company is partnering on the project to modernize the 116-year-old site.

Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment

This municipal body is responsible for reviewing and authorizing land use and development changes within the city.

The details

Developers TF Cornerstone and Alterra Property Group have revealed conceptual renderings that feature dining tables and a bar arranged around the landmark Wanamaker Eagle. The interior will be segmented into various retail and food service zones, utilizing existing entrances on Juniper, Market, Chestnut, and 13th Streets.

Macy's closed its retail store in the Wanamaker building in 2025.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the development plans on October 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

This project follows the established trend of the post-pandemic adaptive reuse of urban department stores. It reflects a broader societal shift toward turning legacy retail spaces into mixed-use residential hubs to combat the decline of traditional shopping centers.

Residents and office tenants will see the building undergo a transition that adds new dining amenities to the neighborhood. The inclusion of new restaurants and residential units may increase foot traffic around the Juniper, Market, and Chestnut Street corridors.

The takeaway

The redevelopment highlights the ongoing effort to breathe new life into historic urban landmarks through creative mixed-use planning. Readers living or working downtown should expect a shift in building accessibility and available neighborhood services as the construction progresses.