For the last five years or so, PhillySkyline has consistently been, along with Inga Saffron‘s Changing Skyline, one of the most interesting websites about Philadelphia architecture and development… well, ever. Headed up by photographer Bradley Maule (pictured atop Billy Penn at right) and author Nathaniel Popkin, Phillyskyline geeked out where few dared to go (or could figure out how to get to): On top of any tall building it could access. There were lots of other features, sure, but it was Maule’s photographs that will continue to stand as some of the best architectural photography of this city currently being done. Well, you know what’s coming next: Like everyone else you know, Maule is moving Portland, OR in a few days, and with Popkin working on other projects, Phillyskyline is pretty much done. We blame the brain drain, Philly’s nasty and ongoing problem with retaining creatives through a distinct lack of employ. And with the recession, we’ve been hearing way more stories of this nature than we’d ever like to. That said, we wish Bradley well; he’s a great talent and he’s done this city a fantastic service over the last five years. But if we hear of any more of you moving to Portland — we’re still upset about losing Bader, if you must know — we’re gonna scream and then storm into Mayor Nutter’s office and threaten to take our votes back. Wasn’t this brain drain thing something they were supposed to be working on?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 4:01 pm.