Since 1956, the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation (CPDC) has focused on planning, advocacy, and civic engagement for projects and initiatives that enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of Center City. The work done is only possible because of the leadership and support of our members.    

In this series, we aim to highlight the influential leaders of the CPDC’s member firms and showcase insights from their work. Read below for an interview with Monica Jindia, the Vice President of Business Development for Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, and check out our last interview with Maddie Whitehead, the Managing Principal for Blueprint Commercial Real Estate. 

How long have you or your firm been a member of CPDC?  

Our company has been a proud member of CPDC since the 1990s, and I’ve had the privilege of attending CPDC events for over two decades. In 2019, I joined the CPDC board, which has given me the opportunity to actively contribute to its mission of enhancing and shaping the future of Center City. 

Why did you become a member? 

We joined CPDC because we deeply believe in Philadelphia and all that makes it exceptional—its walkability, vibrant public spaces, and its role as a powerful economic engine. CPDC offers access to thought leadership, an idea exchange, and a strong network of civic and business leaders. As a Center City resident, I’m personally invested in seeing our city thrive and continue to attract the very best in talent, innovation, and culture. 

What do you appreciate about CPDC membership? 

Our office is in Center City Philadelphia, placing us in close proximity to many of the region’s most influential leaders and innovators. Being a member of CPDC is incredibly valuable—it connects us to a powerful network of civic and business leaders, keeps us informed on key development initiatives, and gives us a platform to help shape the future of the city we’re proud to call home. The relationships I have built through CPDC have helped me grow our business, and as a result, many of those business relationships have developed into personal relationships. 

How have you seen Center City evolve in your time? 

It has changed a lot —the variety of retail and restaurants gets better and better. When I was a kid, we never came into the city because my parents were afraid, and the city appeared to be an office destination. Now, the city is a hub for the best food, retail, arts and culture, and so much more. The city also seems cleaner and more organized largely due to Center City District. Beyond the retail and eateries is the plethora of residential housing that makes the city not just a place to shop and eat, but a place to live and grow for residents of all ages. These properties did not exist twenty or thirty years ago, and it really adds to the vitality and energy of the city.​     ​ 

Which development projects do you think have made the most impact in the city?  

The closure of UArts is unfortunate for a lot of reasons.  However, it does open doors for other opportunities. Several buildings on Broad Street will be reimagined and repositioned to give access to the public and further revitalize the Avenue of the Arts. I had the chance to work on several of the buildings, and I look forward to seeing the new spaces. 

The Wanamaker Building and its potential impact on Market East is something that is really exciting for the city, and then there is of course Market East. While some of Market East has been redeveloped and revitalized with projects such as 1100 Market Street, there is a bigger opportunity to shape that whole part of Market Street. 

What is your favorite meal in Center City? 

As a vegetarian, I love the salmon bowl without the salmon at The Love. I substitute it out for tofu and it’s delicious and healthy. This may not be a meal, but the tehina shake at Goldie is a favorite of mine.  

What is a piece of advice for businesses this year? 

What I am hearing my clients and colleagues suggest is that staying agile and light on your feet is the best approach in this rapidly shifting economic landscape.  Real estate tends to involve more time-consuming strategies, but when the market presents itself as volatile, it’s good to have multiple options. Those options could include financial restructuring or re-purposing an asset or partnering with another company. The ability to evolve with intention is what will set successful organizations apart. Real estate is always changing and being able to pivot is the key to success.      

 What is the most notable trend you are seeing in your industry or the industry you work with the most? 

The use of artificial intelligence. I feel like I get asked this question once a week now. I haven’t seen it being used in my day-to-day job, but I am curious to see how it can improve the efficiency of our work.  

I think the office to residential conversions will continue to trend and more developers will be looking to see how this can work.  

Due to the city’s housing crisis and with the mayor’s initiative to have 30,000 affordable housing units within 4 years, I think we will continue to see more and more affordable housing built in the city. 

Become a Member of CPDC  

Interested in playing an active role in shaping Philadelphia’s future? Learn how you can become a member of the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation.