Restaurateur sees a beer garden across from Independence Hall

PHILADELPHIA Restaurateur Michael Schulson's vision for the city's most historic spot calls for Independence Hall, Independence Day, and lots of local beer.

"Where does it become more American than that?" he asks.

It doesn't, he answers. With that in mind, he's trying to make a beer garden out of a patio and part of the ground floor of the Rohm & Haas building at 100 S. Independence Mall West by the Fourth of July.

"Philadelphians love their beer. I thought I would do a beer garden in Philly if I got the right space," Schulson said in an interview. "And then it fell into my lap."

Schulson and his partner, David Fierabend of the South Jersey-based Groundswell Design Group, envision an open space built with a pergola, linden trees, and rustic wood at Sixth and Ranstead Streets seating 300 to 400, with trees wrapping around, just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Beer from local breweries will be on tap to complement a menu of American wine and spirits in addition to chicken wings, hoagies, salads, puddings, and other homegrown comfort foods.

"We'll have games, fire pits," he said. "We want it to be very casual, like a picnic with your friends."

Other establishments in the historical district like the concept.

The Philadelphia History Museum, which would be adjacent to the beer garden, is "delighted" by the prospect, said executive director Charles Croce.

"There's always visitors who ask, 'What is there to do after 5?' " said Albert Lee, community manager of the Independence Visitor Center, an organization that works with the National Park Service to accommodate visitors. Lee believes the beer garden is the answer.

Schulson, who owns Sampan in Center City, the Saint James in Ardmore, and Izakaya in Atlantic City, is finding that building anything near Independence Hall requires completing a hefty checklist.

He and Fierabend have to get their design blessed by a host of disparate entities: the Park Service, Licenses and Inspections, the Old City District, and the Arts Commission, to name a few.

The pair met with City Councilman Mark Squilla's office last week. Squilla's legislative assistant Sean McMonagle said they were told to meet with the Old City District and the Park Service.

The Park Service hasn't ruled on the matter but has issued a statement: "If plans are developed that would impact the exterior of the [Rohm & Haas] building, we would hope to be consulted and would be interested in seeing more."

Schulson's application for a zoning permit is still being reviewed by Licenses and Inspections. Last week he submitted follow-up materials to the Arts Commission, which must approve the design.

And so the checklist continues. Still, Schulson remains upbeat.

"I have total confidence we'll figure this out and get there," Schulson said.

After all, he already has a liquor license.

215-854-2771 @julieyinxie