By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Aggressive business and development efforts are underway to turn the once hippest street in town into a popular destination again.

You don’t have to look far to see a vacant store front in the South Street Headhouse District these days. That’s going to change according to Michael Harris, the new executive director of the district, who says re-branding has begun.

“It’s to bring foot traffic here and it’s to bring the new energy here that will draw retailers,” he said. “When they see that people from the city and the neighborhood are actively engaged in coming to South Street, we will see the vacancies we do have start to fill up.”

There are monthly videos showcasing stores in the district on it’s website. And in the works a South Street mobile app and a customer loyalty card.

A variety of stores and several restaurants are starting to move in like a Steven Starr restaurant at 6th and South opening in December.

“It’s going to be Asian (fusion) food. It’s going to be a restaurant called Serpico.”

And special events are promised to be bigger and better than ever including the Pumkinland festival on October 27th, from noon until 5pm.

“We are upgrading it this year. We are bringing in a circus and we are bringing in glass blowers. We are bringing in the hot club of Philly Jazz Band”

He says businesses will also be there selling their wares. More information at http://www.SouthStreet.com