LOVE Park Saucer Set for a May Renewal

Plans to refresh LOVE Park's iconic UFO-shaped saucer are finally moving forward.

After years of soliciting ideas from business owners and other Philadelphians, officials from Philadelphia's Parks & Recreation Department announced on Tuesday, Feb. 10, that they expect work on the historic building to begin in May.

Despite these plans, officials said they still need to find a partner for the project. The city issued a “request for expressions of interest” (RFEI) last May and received more than 50 expressions of interest from businesses proposing “flexible, welcoming concepts that function as a true public amenity, encouraging people to meet, linger, and connect in the park,” said Parks & Recreation spokesperson Ra'Chelle Rogers told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Parks and Recreation department is now asking prospective partners to visit the saucer on Feb. 18 and submit proposals online by March 18. Prior submissions aren't required for this round, and operators with experience in food, beverage, hospitality, or community programming are encouraged to apply.

The saucer, also known as the UFO, was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2025. Built in 1960, the building existed before LOVE Park and first served as the city's hospitality center. It later served as offices for park staff.

For more than a decade, however, the circular building near 16th Street and JFK Boulevard has largely sat vacant. The Inquirer noted that the building has been open to the public for the Festival of Trees, a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) fundraiser, during recent holiday seasons.

City officials said they plan to choose a partner in the project by April and begin work in May. The timing could coordinate with Philly's celebration of America's 250th birthday this year, as well as the city's hosting of World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star game, which will also be held this year.