Connection
The UCD Newsletter Summer 2017
Reflecting on Our 20 th Anniversary: A Note of Gratitude from UCD President Matt Bergheiser It is said that the only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come. In 20 years, University City and University City District have come a long way. As UCD celebrates our 20th anniversary in 2017, it is especially meaningful to reflect on our founding principles: community, partnership and possibility.
By every objective measure, this foundational work was a success. The passion and steadfastness of residents, the drive of small business owners and cultural institutions, the vision of anchor institutions and the hard work of the team at UCD and so many other organizations have shaped a neighborhood of choice, exceptional not just in the city and region, but anywhere.
In 1997, neighbors, businesses and institutions organized under a simple but powerful idea: together, we could make an enduring impact on a place that so many cared about. In our earliest days, this notion was put to the test on issues that defined the very future of the community: grappling with public safety crises; reimagining forlorn commercial corridors; recasting the story of University City to attract businesses and entice residents and consumers.
As the neighborhood advanced, UCD and scores of partners applied the same bedrock principles – community, partnership and possibility – to new challenges and budding opportunities. And as we turn twenty, the fruits of these efforts have taken hold. The Porch, neighborhood parklets and the upcoming Trolley Portal Gardens are quintessential UCD endeavors, convening the wishes and the willpower of residents with (continued on page 2)
The Porch at 30th Street Comes Alive with Food, Performances, and More! Spring and summer are great times to visit The Porch at 30th Street! UCD’s flagship public space features food trucks every weekday, lush landscaping, and plenty of places to lounge and escape the bustle of the city. This summer we will present PECO Performances at The Porch, bringing a wide variety of music, dance, and arts performances each week to The Porch. New Sound Brass Band kicked off the series on May 1st with a performance beginning at 12:30pm. Make sure to follow The Porch at 30th on social media and check universitycity.org for updates and exciting announcements!
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