Plaza-subway rehab has ceremonial launch today

All sorts of dignitaries will be on hand this morning to kick off the 27-month, $50 million project that will transform the plaza west of City Hall and subway areas below.

The area had a bit of new turmoil Sunday night, as an Occupy Philadelphia rally and march ended with two arrests over the tearing down of some construction fencing. The protest group's encampment filled the plaza in October and November.

Today's lineup of officials includes U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, members of Congress, Mayor Nutter, City Council President Darrell Clarke, and Paul Levy, president of the Center City District, the civic improvement group that spearheaded the initiative and lined up funding.

Starting about 9:30 a.m., they'll speak and sign a ceremonial slab of granite on the ninth floor of 1515 Market St.

By early 2014, the reimagined Dilworth Plaza will have more lawn and trees, a cafe, seating for 400, and a foot-level fountain with an integrated light display that will track trains passing underground. In winter, the fountain will become a skating rink.

Elevators will be among the changes to make access to the four levels of subways easier and safer.

About 60 percent of the funding is from a state redevelopment grant and a federal transportation grant.

Other contributors include SEPTA, the city and local foundations.

The project is being coordinated with SEPTA-led improvements to concourses for the Broad Street Subway.