The State of University City 2025

University

A Letter from UCD's President

The feeling of growth and transformation in University City is palpable. Dreamy sketches and renderings of the past two decades – of Schuylkill Yards, uCity Square, the Pennovation campus, CHOP’s expansion along the Schuylkill, new hospitals at Penn Medicine, and the work of University Place to extend development along Market Street – have become reality. Research buildings and lab facilities sit nestled among shiny new offices, booming residential towers, and lively retail spaces. Together, they shape distinct knowledge communities within a larger innovation neighborhood.

The sense of transformation is backed up by the numbers:

• $252 million of recently completed construction projects

• 1.5 million square feet of new development underway

• More than 12% of the city’s jobs on less than 2% of its land mass

• 200 new patents issued last year to University City businesses and institutions

The concentration and acceleration of economic activity here are unrivaled in all but a few places in the country.

After a sustained period of dramatic growth, there are – to be sure – headwinds facing us in University City. Federal policies that have drastically scaled back or threatened support for basic research, the advancement of science, and higher education stand to impact communities like ours. Sustained high interest rates and a slowdown in venture financing for the life sciences have altered the timelines of new projects.

But University City is positioned to persevere and thrive. Development here boomed in the immediate aftermath of the Great Recession and throughout COVID shutdowns. We can once again overcome challenges by continually investing in the pillars of our growth.

In University City, we invest relentlessly in community. The proximity of scientists and innovators here yields a virtuous cycle of knowledge, discovery, commercialization, and growth. And the close bonds of residents and neighbors shape a dynamic, eclectic environment that continuously invites newcomers and fresh ideas.

We are fueled by talent. University City is a magnet for talent in all its forms – attracting researchers and faculty from around the world to push the boundaries of scientific invention, and frontline talent

from around the corner to undertake the essential day-to-day work of keeping the neighborhood running.

And we thrive on collaboration. University City District is a microcosm of the neighborhood partnerships that we see play out in every imaginable context – major institutions, business leaders, and community members working side-by-side over many years to make University City stronger, more vibrant, and more competitive.

The work ahead will not be without obstacles. But the momentum here, and the engine of transformation we have collectively built, point to an exceedingly bright future.

Please enjoy the snapshot of an ever-evolving University City in the pages that follow.

Sincerely,

Matt Bergheiser President, University City District

Spotlight on University City

Aregional leader in science and innovation. Renowned universities and hospitals. Millions of square feet of real estate development planned. Some of the best transportation options in the region. University City is a 2.4 square mile neighborhood home to over 50,000 residents and 85,000 jobs in fields including medicine, higher education, technology, real estate, and hospitality. University City is a destination for culture seekers and food lovers, a transportation hub with some of the most bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly streets in the city, an employment epicenter for the region, and is home to some of the most significant development projects and life science breakthroughs in the region. With diverse demographics, a rich blend of housing and rental options, top-notch schools and hospitals, and amenities galore, University City is one of Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhoods of choice and is poised to meet current and future challenges.

IN UNIVERSITY CITY YOU’LL FIND:

Top-Ranked Colleges & Universities

Students from around the country and around the world converge on University City to attend our highly regarded colleges and universities. Both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University fared well in recent U.S. News & World Report rankings and named new presidents who will help guide the schools in the coming years.

World-Class Transit

Our neighborhood boasts fantastic scores for walking, biking, and public transit, earning “paradise” distinctions in all three categories from Walkscore.com. Continued investments in traffic mitigation, safe biking corridors, a growing network of bike share stations, and new transit upgrades including SEPTA’s planned Trolley Modernization add to the tapestry of options for traveling within or beyond our borders.

Construction & Cranes

In 2024, over 2.7 million square feet of new development or major renovations were underway for an estimated value of $1.07 billion. Progress continued on three major long-term projects including uCity Square, Schuylkill Yards, and Amtrak's 30 th Street Master Plan, while other key developments will add new offices, labs, and housing options to our robust inventory.

A Young, Diverse, & Educated Population

Over 53,000 people call University City home, a mix of families, young professionals, students, and longtime residents. 19% of our population lived in another state the previous year, including 6% moving from outside the country. University City’s diversity in population leads to diversity in cultural influences and options for dining, shopping, art, and religious influences to create a rich and distinct neighborhood tapestry.

Ample Public Spaces & Parks

Within University City’s 2.4 square miles are over 100 acres of parks and public spaces, including beloved favorites like Clark Park, the Woodlands, and Trolley Portal Gardens, along with newer additions including rooftop park Cira Green, Drexel Square, and the Lawn at uCity Square. UCD is also planning a major new addition in the West Philly Waterfront which aims to become a major attraction on the Schuylkill River.

Innovation & Discoveries

University City’s status as a major nerve center for innovation grows each year as more start-ups, labs, and research facilities launch tech, treatments, and apps. In 2024, 200 patents were issued to University City businesses and institutions, and University City accounted for 43.9% of all NIH funding that was awarded in Pennsylvania in 2024 for a total of $968 million.

Top Regional Hospitals

The hospitals located in University City serve as a vital part of the local economy, employing a combined total of over 36,000 doctors, nurses, techs, and other positions. Our expanding hospital systems are developing cutting-edge treatment options and cures for both global and local challenges, while providing premier care for the residents living in their backyard.

Real Estate Development

In a time of continued flux for real estate development across the country due to high interest rates, increased construction and land costs, a lack of debt capital, and general economic uncertainties, University City continues to weather the challenges. Our neighborhood is on pace to reach a projected 2.7 million square feet of new development valued at $1.07 billion by the end of 2025. Progress on major residential, institutional, public space, and mixed-use projects marked another busy year of topping outs and ribbon cuttings in the neighborhood. In the past year, progress continued on three major long-term projects: uCity Square; Schuylkill Yards; and Amtrak's 30th Street Master Plan. Other key developments, including the continued expansion of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's University City campus, two major housing projects in Mill Creek Station and Westpark that will significantly increase the housing inventory, and University City District’s bold vision for the Schuylkill River with the West Philly Waterfront, point toward University City’s continued growth.

Total New Construction Permits Issued in University City

Source: City of Philadelphia, Department of License and Inspections

Units of Multi-Family Housing

1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 11,000

Total New Construction Permits Issued in Philadelphia

Current Development

42 d evelopment projects in University City opened their doors or made significant progress toward completion in the past 12 months. Together, these projects total over 2.7 million square feet of new laboratories, offices, medical facilities, places to live, and public spaces that will enhance the neighborhood’s already-robust inventory. What follows is a summary of recently completed and planned projects transforming University City’s streets and skyline.

Academic

1. Amy Gutmann Hall

2. Buck ley Bubble at Vidas Athletic Complex

3. College Hall West Wing Renovation

4. Franklin Field Team Operations

5. Ott Center for Track and Field

6. Penn Museum Renovations Phase 2

7. The Quadrangle Renovation

8. Stuart Weitzman Hall

9. Student Performing Arts Center

10. Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology

Commercial

11. 3001 JFK Blvd: The East Tower

12. 3151 Market

13. 3201 Cuthbert Street

14. 3440 Market

15. 3600 Civic Center Blvd Overbuild

16. 3711 Market

17. 3838 Market

18. 4.0 University Place

19. The Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards

20. Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel

21. Spark Gene Therapy Innovation Center

22. Two-Three uCity Square

23. Ultra Labs Philadelphia

Medical

24. Morgan Center for Research and Innovation

25. Penn Presby terian Medical Center Parking Garage

26. Roberts Children’s Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Public Space

27. Drexel Lawn

28. West Philly Waterfront

Residential / Mixed Use

29. 3025 JFK Blvd: The West Tower

30. 3801 Chestnut Street

31. 3935 Walnut Street Redevelopment

32. 4011 Market Street

33. 4145 Chestnut Street

34. Garden Court Plaza Extension

35. The Linden

36. LVL West

37. The Mark Philadelphia

38. Mill Creek Station

39. The Residences on Sansom

40. The Standard at Philadelphia

41. Triad Apartments

42. Westpark

Academic

Amy Gutmann Hall

Named for Penn’s longest-serving President, this new data science building serves as a cross-disciplinary hub, connecting research and data across Penn's 12 schools and numerous academic centers, and includes active learning classrooms and collaborative spaces for student projects. This building replaced the surface parking area at 34th and Chestnut Streets. As part of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) Percent for Art program, Cascode, a public art installation by polymedia artist Eto Otitigbe, rises 60 feet high on the façade of the 34th Street Parking Garage at the entrance to Amy Gutmann Hall.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 34th and Chestnut Streets

Size: 116,000 square feet

Completion: December 2024

Buckley Bubble at Vidas Athletic Complex

Drexel has completed the installation of a new synthetic turf field featuring an air-supported structure, commonly referred to as a bubble, at the Vidas Athletics Complex, just north of Freil Fieldhouse. The “Buckley Bubble” was relocated from its former location at 33 rd and Arch streets. The new field and bubble at Vidas provides varsity athletics, club sports, and intramurals an indoor space during cooler months, and an additional artificial field for year-round use.

Developer: Drexel University

Location: Vidas Athletic Complex, 43rd Street and Powelton Avenue

Size: 28,0 00 square feet

Completion: Fall 2024

College Hall West Wing Renovation

The West Wing of historic College Hall underwent a major restoration in order to restore its stature, physical presence, and impact as the first building (1871) on Penn's West Philadelphia campus. The restoration included new, historically appropriate, and energy efficient systems and infrastructure, repair of roof and windows, masonry walls, and stone cladding, renovation and upgrades to interior suites, offices, classrooms, lighting, and more accessibility options, including new and updated elevators.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 1 College Hall

Size: 35,000 square feet

Completion: January 2025

Franklin Field Team Operations

The Franklin Field Team Operations project included improved and expanded locker rooms, meeting rooms, and support spaces for the football team and men’s and women’s track programs at Penn’s iconic stadium. Construction began in December 2022. The football locker rooms were completed in August 2023.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 235 South 33rd Street

Size: 20,000 square feet

Completion: March 2024

Ott Center for Track and Field

A new indoor track and field facility located at the southeast corner of the University of Pennsylvania campus is the only collegiate indoor facility of its type in the greater Philadelphia region. Designed specifically for track and field, it includes a six-lane, 200-meter banked track, an eight-lane sprint track, dedicated areas for field events, and seating for spectators during competitions.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: Beh in d the existing Hollenback Center nea r the South Street Bridge

Size: 72, 000 square feet

Completion: Sep tember 2024

Penn Museum Renovations Phase 2

A landmark multi-phased renovation of the Penn Museum began in Fall 2017. Construction on Phase Two began in Fall 2023 and includes extensive renovations to the Museum’s collections storage area and its Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. The renovation will proceed on two levels. The Main Level, with a tentative opening in late 2026, will curate themes related to life and the afterlife in Ancient Egypt. The Upper Level, expected to conclude renovations by late 2028, will exhibit gods, kings, and pharaohs, including the palace of Pharaoh Merenptah.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 326 0 South Street

Size: 25, 000 square feet

Completion: May 2 026-28

The Quadrangle Renovation

Penn's historic Quadrangle student residences, originally constructed between 1895 and 1950, are being renovated in three phases that will accommodate students living in two-thirds of the college houses during the academic year. One-third of the beds will be housed in The Radian at 3925 Walnut Street. The renovations include the upgrade of restrooms and finishes in student rooms, increased ADA accessibility, façade repairs, and the replacing of aging infrastructure systems.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 370 0 Spruce Street

Size: 520,000 square feet

Completion: T hree phases starting in May 2023 running through August 2026

Stuart Weitzman Hall

The new addition on the east side of the former Morgan Hall will feature a grand entrance foyer, a glass-walled exhibition gallery that opens to a covered outdoor patio, individual and multi-seat studios, large smart classrooms and critique spaces, and faculty offices. The design retains historic architectural elements of the original structure, including the façade, the porch, and the balcony above the 34 th Street entrance. Construction began in Summer 2024.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 205 S 34th Street

Size: 41,000 square feet

Completion: August 2025

Student Performing Arts Center

Design is underway for a new Student Performing Arts Center at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Woodland Walk, providing multiple spaces for rehearsals and student performances. The design includes a 300-seat proscenium theater, a 125-seat studio theater with flexible performance and rehearsal capabilities, five rehearsal studios, and support spaces. Construction began in the Summer of 2024.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 33rd & Chestnut Streets

Size: 38,0 00 square feet

Completion: Winter 2026

Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology

The University of Pennsylvania has built a new home for energy research. Shared by the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering & Applied Science, the new building provides laboratory space for wet chemistry research and optics research, plus collaborative spaces, offices, and a landscaped courtyard.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania

Location: 320 0 Walnut Street

Size: 112,500 square feet

Completion: December 2024

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3001 JFK Blvd: The East Tower

3001 JFK will be a 34-story, 825,000 square foot tower designed to set a new standard for office and life science space. Its striking red façade and stacked design will maximize views and greenspace access, with a seamless connection to adjacent pocket-park and Drexel Square. As part of Schuylkill Yards, 3001 JFK will offer build-to-suit opportunities, delivering a premier environment for innovation-driven companies in Philadelphia’s next-generation business district.

Developer: Brandywine Realty Trust

Location: 3001 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Size: 825,000 square feet

Completion: TBD, shovel-ready

3151 Market

3151 Market is a 417,000 square foot, 14-story life science building designed for innovation and adaptability. It features GMP and vivarium-ready lab space, a second-floor conference and training facility, eco-terraces, optional private balconies, ground-floor retail, and touchdown workspace for collaboration. With dynamic glass façades, a sustainability-focused design, and advanced base building technology and infrastructure for high-performance research, 3151 Market delivers cutting-edge lab space with premium amenities, fostering scientific discovery in a best-in-class environment.

Developer: Brandywine Realty Trus t

Location: 3151 Market Street

Size: 417,000 square feet

Completion: Fall 2024

3201 Cuthbert Street

3201 Cuthbert Street is a 519,647 rentable square foot, state-of-the-art laboratory building situated in the heart of Drexel University’s campus, within the University City science district. Designed by world-renowned Robert A.M Stern Architects, 3201 Cuthbert Street features ground floor retail and restaurant space, eleven stories of research, laboratory, and office accommodations, as well as outdoor spaces for tenants. The project includes expanded floor-to-floor heights, a state-of-the-art HVAC system specially designed for laboratory research, fully enclosed loading docks, best practice chemical storage space and pH neutralization capability, five service elevators, and generous amounts of space designated for tenant equipment and vertical shaft infrastructure. The project is targeting LEED Gold Certification.

Developer: Gattu so Development Partners

Location: 3201 Cuthbert Street

Size: 519,647 square feet

Completion: Spring 2025

3440 Market

3440 Market is a 120,000 square foot redevelopment of an existing office building into a flexible lab and office facility. The building is ideally located at the crossroads of University City, adjacent to the 34th & Market subway stop and both Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania campuses. Designed by Strada Architects, the newly renovated 3440 Market will offer a more contemporary streetscape, façade, and lobby experience, as well as upgraded common areas throughout the building.

Developer: Wexford Science + Technology and Ventas

Lo cation: 344 0 Market Street

Size: 120,000 square feet

Completion: December 2025

3600 Civic Center Blvd Overbuild

Phase 2 of construction at 3600 Civic Center Boulevard will add seven floors to the existing 250,000 square foot, eight-story office building, completed in 2018. The additional seven floors will consist of wet and dry research facilities as well as a vivarium.

Developer: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Location: 360 0 Civic Center Boulevard

Size: 218,000 square feet

Completion: Summer 2025

3711 Market

3711 Market Street is a 12-story, 150,000-square-foot building with LEED Silver certification. The building has 80,000 square feet of available move-in ready wet and dry laboratories with complementary office and support spaces. 3711 Market is undergoing a refresh of the common areas and lobby to complement investments in the base building for supporting increased lab capacity.

Developer: Wex ford Science + Technology and Ventas

Location: 3711 Market Street

Size: 150,000 square feet

Completion: October 2025

3838 Market

3838 Market is a mixed-use project located at the gateway to uCity Square along 38 th and Market Streets. The project will include 200,000 square feet of commercial lab and clinical space, 22,000 square feet of ground floor retail, and 400 parking spaces. Designed by Ballinger Architects and Moody Nolan to a LEED Gold standard, the tower will stand 12 stories tall and feature a mix of glass and terracotta façade, a welcoming lobby with a café space, and a neighborhood grocery store.

Developer: Wex ford Science + Technology, Ventas, and University City Science Center

Location: 3838 Market Street

Size: 450,000 square feet

Completion: 2027-28

4.0 University Place

With the future in mind, University Place is planning another state-of-the-art life science building at 41st & Market Streets. This planned 450,000 square foot world class lab building will include a BSL- 3 cGMP space, vivarium, and neighborhood-friendly retail. With the continued commitment to the highest standards of sustainability and wellness ie LEED & WELL Platinum Certified, it ensures the four-building campus will further establish University City as one of the most sustainable mixed-use urban centers in the US. 4.0 will also include a generous size underground parking facility for employees and visitors of the University Place campus.

Developer: University Place Associates

Location: 4055 Market Street | The Platinum Corridor

Size: 450,000 square feet

Completion: TBD

The Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards

Opening fall of 2025, the food hall at the Bulletin Building will bring together six diverse vendors, offering a mix of chef-driven concepts and fast-casual favorites. Designed for both convenience and connection, the space will feature indoor and outdoor seating, year-round programming, and design touches that honor the Bulletin Building’s history. This new culinary destination will serve office tenants, students, locals, and visitors for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch options.

Developer: Brandywine Realty Trust

Location: 3025 Market Street | The Bulletin Building

Size: 12,000 square feet

Completion: Q4 2025

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel

The hotel's renovation will unveil a sophisticated look with new textiles, accents, and modern upgrades to guestrooms and public spaces including the hotel’s lobby, porte cochere, corridors, and club lounge. Additional enhancements to the 24/7 fitness center include a remodeled outdoor deck for lounging, exercise, and games. When complete, the renovation will create an inviting home base for a stay in University City.

Developer: University of Pennsylvania

Location: 3549 Chestnut Street

Size: 332 Rooms, 10,000 square feet of meeting space

Completion: December 2025

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Spark Gene Therapy Innovation Center

Spark Therapeutics’ Gene Therapy Innovation Center (GTIC), located in West Philadelphia at 30 th and Chestnut Street in the heart of University City, is a 500,000 square foot, multi-story building that will bring hundreds of the greatest minds in gene therapy together and serve as a Roche center of excellence for gene therapy manufacturing globally. The new space will allow cross-functional teams and partners to come together and work side by side with unprecedented collaboration to unlock the power of gene therapy to accelerate healthcare transformation.

Developer: Spa rk Therapeutics

Location: 3001 Chestnut Street

Size: 500, 000 square feet

Completion: 2026

Two-Three uCity Square

Two-Three uCity is a two tower, over 1.0 million square foot commercial research complex that is currently in the design phase for a 2026-27 groundbreaking. The project will include 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail and 200 below-grade parking spaces to complement the lab and office space above. Designed by ZGF Architects, the building will feature large floor plates (over 40,000 square feet), generous floor to floor height, a shared outdoor terrace, stunning views of the city skyline, an expanded plaza, and a dedicated retail pavilion that will serve as an anchor for the larger neighborhood.

Developer: Wex ford Science + Technology, Ventas, and University City Science Center

Location: 25 North 38th Street

Size: 1 million+ square feet

Completion: 2028-29

Ultra Labs Philadelphia

Ultra Labs is a proposed 11-story, 185,279 square foot purpose-built life sciences building that aims to cater to the needs of scientists and researchers with state-of-the-art lab infrastructure that offers the option of certified cGMP compliance. In addition to office and lab space, the building will include a conference center, fitness facility, 3 loading docks, and 26 reserved parking spots, and is seeking LEED Silver certification. The building’s design includes an all-glass façade and a unique footprint that follows the curve of the nearby rail line.

Developer: A joi nt venture between Republic Properties Corporation, Sch eer Partners, and SEPTA

Location: 127 N 32nd Street

Size: 185, 000 square feet

Completion: TBD

Morgan Center for Research and Innovation

Encompassing 17 stories and 350,000 square feet, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation will significantly expand CHOP’s laboratory research space while creating synergies with clinical research activities conducted in the neighboring Roberts Center for Pediatric Research. Bringing CHOP’s total research space to over 2 million square feet, the Morgan Center has been designed to make it easier for teams to collaborate, with six flexible conference rooms, a 250-person lecture hall, and thoughtfully designed collaboration and breakout spaces. The Morgan Center will help CHOP retain and attract the most talented researchers and scientists – the people who will make the next breakthroughs for children and define pediatric healthcare for years to come.

Developer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Location: 2716 South Street

Size: Phase 1: 350,000 square feet

Completion: 2025

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Parking Garage

As part of the campus-wide masterplan, this 1,467-space parking garage located at Powelton Avenue and Sloan Street supports the future growth and expansion of services at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The consolidation of all campus parking needs to this single garage supports the ease of access for inpatient and outpatient services and alleviates parking congestion in the surrounding community. The parking garage features a two-story brick façade and perforated panels to ease the visual transition between the hospital campus and adjacent two-story residential neighborhood.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania Health System

Location: 380 0 Powelton Avenue

Size: 493,000 square feet

Completion: 2024

Roberts Children’s Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Description: Roberts Children’s Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), an inpatient complex including a 20-story tower and revitalization of CHOP’s existing hospital, will rise more than 20 stories above Philadelphia. Tailored exclusively to meet the needs of children, Roberts Children’s Health will open in 2028 with more than three-million square feet. It will set a new standard in pediatric care, with over 700 private rooms, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced services for families.

Developer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Location: 3501 Civic Center Blvd.

Size: 3,000,000 square feet

Completion: 2028

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Public Space

Drexel Lawn

Drexel has added 40,000 square feet of grass, over 100 new trees, and 18,000 square feet of planting beds in the heart of its residential campus, on the site of the former Myers Hall. The Drexel Lawn incorporates design elements suggested by students to facilitate recreation, leisure, and modern needs like electrical charging stations. The park includes tables, chairs and benches manufactured with recycled materials and planting beds with over 400 native shrubs and 22,000 native plants.

Developer: Drexel University

Location: 33rd and Race Streets

Size: 1.7 acres

Completion: Fall 2024

The West Philly Waterfront

The proposed design creates several active and passive recreation opportunities: A beautifully landscaped promenade, where visitors can take in sweeping city views; an upper deck, featuring a large programmable fountain and beach, freely open to all visitors; a kayak grotto for visitors arriving to the space via the river from points up and downstream; a waterfront stage backed by a dynamic mural will be a new venue for arts and cultural programming; a lower deck under the promenade which features a café, public bathrooms, and changing rooms; a lawn hillock which can host games, birthday parties, and tailgating; and aquatic marshes mimicking the natural shoreline that existed pre-development and will filter rainwater to supply the water feature or water for planters.

Developer: University City District

Location: Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue

Size: 46,9 00 square feet

Completion: TBD

Residential / Mixed Use

3025 JFK Blvd: The West Tower

Philadelphia’s premier mixed-use tower, 3025 JFK Blvd., features eight floors of Class-A office and life science space alongside 18 floors of luxury Avira apartments. The 29,000 square foot Lifestyle Club on the 9 th floor delivers unmatched amenities, including conference and event spaces, a social lounge, an outdoor pool with cabanas, and a rooftop TV. A premier ground-floor dining experience arriving in 2025 will further enhance this one-of-a-kind live-work destination.

Developer: Brandywine Realty Trust

Location: 3025 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Size: 570,000 square feet

Completion: 2024

3801 Chestnut Street

A new 13-story building from Sterling Bay and Botanic Properties will bring nearly 400,000 square feet of laboratories, office space, and ground floor retail to the corners of 38 th and Chestnut Street. The building, designed by Perkins&Will, will feature an energy-efficient design, 45 parking spaces on one floor of underground parking, three floors of cGMP manufacturing facilit ies, an d a warehouse, plus the possibility of ground floor retail.

Developer: Ster ling Bay and Botanic Properties

Location: 3801 Chestnut Street

Size: 392,000 square feet

Completion: TBD

3935 Walnut Street Redevelopment

A mixed-use redevelopment project of the existing McDonald’s restaurant located at 3935 Walnut Street is underway by Penn as part of a broader ongoing investment by the University in the 40 th Street Corridor. A new six-story building has been constructed, with the reopening of a fully modernized McDonald’s restaurant on the first floor and the upper floors serving as space for student life offices.

Developer: The University of Pennsylvania and Mosaic Development Partners

Location: 3935 Walnut Street

Size: 52,0 00 square feet; 4,700 square feet 1st floor space for McDonald’s, floors 2-6 office spaces for Penn

Completion: December 2024

Residential / Mixed Use

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4011 Market Street

Developers are planning a 12-story, 260,000 square foot project that mixes residential units, ground floor commercial space, and underground parking near the 40 th Street stop on the Market-Frankford Line. An L-shaped design, created by Cube3 architects, wraps the building to connect to both Market Street to the south and Filbert Street to the north. The plans call for 341 residential units, 4,185 square feet of ground floor retail along Market, and 53 underground parking spots, along with a green roof, a roof deck, and a private corner space at Filbert for resident use.

Developer: Quaker Lane

Location: 4011 Market Street

Size: Phase 1: 260,000 square feet

Completion: TBD

4145 Chestnut Street

This proposed building, designed by Coscia Moos Architecture, is a 7-story mixed use development at 4145 Chestnut Street. The project engages the street with maximized retail frontage and an inviting approach to the building entry and lobby on the corner of Ludlow and South 42nd Street. The residential floors above include 199 apartments, private terraces, and amenity spaces for the residents, including lounge spaces, a gym, and roof decks. The building features an underground parking garage with 35 spaces, an off-street surface parking lot with 9 spaces, and a weather-protected parking space for 90 bikes.

Developer: Quaker Lane Capital

Location: 4145 Chestnut Street

Size: 152,000 square feet

Completion: Spring 2027

Garden Court Plaza Extension

Construction has concluded on a six-story addition atop a one-story garage adjacent to the existing Garden Court Plaza at 4701 Pine Street. The extension, standing 89 feet and seven stories tall, topped off in November of 2023 and opened in 2024, added 220 units ranging from studios to two bedrooms. Amenities such as a resident lounge, cardio wellness studio, private garden, resort-style pool, and dog park are being completed and opened in phases.

Developer: Infinity Real Estate

Location: 4701-29 Pine Street

Size: Phase 1: 181,000 square feet

Completion: 2024

Residential / Mixed Use

The Linden

This six-story, 132-unit residential building overlooking Clark Park at 4224 Baltimore Avenue opened in 2024. The Linden includes more than 15,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space along the corner of 43 rd and Baltimore, and 132 residential units, including 10 studios, and 86 one-bedroom and 36 two-bedroom apartments. The units feature chic finishes, new stainless-steel appliances, and oversized windows. Amenities include a green rooftop with a lounge area that offers 270-degree views, a state-of-the-art fitness center, bicycle storage room, and dedicated off-street parking with electric vehicle charging stations.

Developer: Thylan Associates

Location: 4224 Baltimore Avenue

Size: 151,000 square feet

Completion: 2024

LVL West

LVL West is a 275-unit mixed-use development featuring apartments and a new neighborhood grocery store. Designed by JKRP Architects, the building rises seven stories tall and features 30,300 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, which is home to a new Grocery Outlet market as well as Kilimanjaro restaurant. The residential space totals 147,562 square feet, with over 3,000 feet of amenity space, nearly 8,000 square feet of common space on the ground floor, and a 6,000 square foot roof deck. An underground garage holds 75 parking spaces, with two handicap accessible, one van accessible, four for electric vehicles, and two reserved for interior loading spaces.

Developer: Alterra Property Group

Location: 4301 Chestnut Street

Size: 189,000 square feet

Completion: Spr ing 2024

The Mark Philadelphia

Landmark Properties, a Georgia-based owner-operator, is developing The Mark Philadelphia, a 909-bed student housing project that will be located at 3615 Chestnut Street. Cranes have risen to build the 34-story tower, which will offer fully furnished studio to six-bedroom units that will serve students at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Shared amenities will include a rooftop pool and a hot tub with lounge space, 24-hour study lounges, a computer lab, sauna, and a fitness center. Transportation features include parking for 70 cars and 96 bicycles. The development will also include 55,938 square fe et of office space located adjacent to the high-rise community.

Developer: Land mark Properties

Location: 3615 Chestnut Street

Size: Phase 1: 473,000 square feet

Completion: Fall 2026

Residential / Mixed Use

Iron Stone Real Estate Partners plan to enter the second phase of their ambitious Mill Creek Station project between 46th and 48th Streets to the east and west of Market Street with the addition of over 845,000 square feet of new building space to the site.

The first phase of the project was completed in 2023, centered around the renovation of the historic Provident Building. Originally built in 1927 by the Provident Mutual Insurance Company, the gold-domed building is now anchored by tenants including the Public Health Management Corporation, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary School.

Mill Creek Station’s second and final phase is shovel ready and will include the construction of a nineteen-story building on the corner of 48th and Market Streets, as well as five additional seven-story structures within the site. Approximately 6,550 square feet total of retail spaces will be activated in the three buildings that have street frontage along 48th and Market Streets. The project will also feature 1,240 residential units in a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Approximately 13,400 square feet of residential amenity spaces will be located on the first and nineteenth floors and roof decks will be located at all buildings. Two pairs of buildings at the southwest corner of the property will each have a large connecting courtyard on the second floor totaling 34,974 square feet. Mill Creek Station’s final phase will add 343 on-grade parking spaces, bringing the combined total parking spaces at the site to 384.

Developer: Iron Stone Real Estate Partners

Location: 4601 Market Street

Size: 845,000+ square feet

Completion: Phase 1 2023, Phase 2 2028

Mill Creek Station

Residential / Mixed Use

The Residences on Sansom

A new seven-story mixed-use proposal aims to bring 128 rental units and office space to 4240 Chestnut St. Designed by DAS Architects, the first two floors will be used by Intercultural Family Services, which will have 36,000 square feet of offices, therapy rooms, and training rooms after moving from their current location across Chestnut St. The residential portion will offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, a courtyard and green roof located in a setback over the second floor in the front, and an additional green roof and roof deck will be located on the top of the building. There will be planters, new street trees, and bike racks. The building will also feature underground parking for 40 cars.

Developer: Inter national Family Services

Location: 424 0 Chestnut Street

Size: 141,900 square feet

Completion: Fall 2024

The Standard at Philadelphia

The Standard at Philadelphia is an 18-story building now complete at 119 South 31st Street. The building, from Cube 3, includes 272,111 square feet comprised of 98 multi-family units, 182 group living units, and 3,163 square feet of commercial and retail spaces. Amenities include private study rooms, a computer lab, a fitness center and sports simulator, pool deck with heated pool, and more. The dark grey façade wraps the building up to the 14th floor, and industrial finish and detailing of the dark grey features echoes the text ure of the adjacent elevated rail line at Highline Field.

Developer: Land mark Properties

Location: 119 South 31st Street

Size: 375,300 square feet

Completion: 2024

Triad Apartments

Situated on a triangular lot on Lancaster Ave, this development brings 40 units and 9,000 square feet of commercial space to Powelton Village. Six of the building’s units are designated as Low-Income Housing. The site also includes new office space for developer Vicintas, and 40 weather-protected bike parking spaces. Amenities include a green roof with a rooftop deck, gy m access, and close access to the T1 Trolley Route.

Developer: Vicintas

Location: 374 8 Lancaster Avenue

Size: 125,000 square feet

Completion: Spring 2025

Residential / Mixed Use

Originally built in 1962 by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), this ambitious plan by the PHA, in collaboration with two developers who focus on mixed-income housing, will feature complete rehabilitations of three existing high-rise towers and the construction of entirely new multi-family buildings. Phase 1 is set to include the gutting and refurbishment of the southernmost tower and the construction of five new buildings, bringing 327 housing units and 2,000 square feet of commercial space to the site. The final project will include 1,000 total units, with 327 public housing replacement units designated for former residents of Westpark, 254 new affordable units, and 419 workforce units. Approximately 80 of the project’s housing units will be for seniors with on-site social services.

In 2024, the project received $21.4 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation to help create the project’s new street grid, which will include an ADA accessible connection on the southwest corner of the site to 46th and Market Streets.

Amenities from Phase 1 will include four acres of new public space, a watershed play area, 108 bike parking spaces, and 61 car parking spaces.

Developer: PHA, MSquared, and LMXD

Location: 4401 Holden Street

Size: 575,000+ square feet (includes both phases)

Completion: TBD

Westpark

Amtrak's 30 th Street Station

The transformation of Amtrak’s William H. Gray III 30 th Street Station is making significant progress with extensive restoration work advancing in the main concourse. Visitors to the station will notice scaffolding and barricades as visible signs of the substantial restoration work underway. Active construction work includes comprehensive cleaning, repairs, and restoration of the historic and character-defining materials, such as masonry, travertine, and marble.

Work also continues in the South Arcade, where expanded food and beverage and retail spaces are planned for a spring 2026 launch. The full redevelopment is slated for completion in 2027, promising enhanced station operations, modernized ticketing and lounge spaces, enhancements to The Porch landscaping, improved community amenities, upgraded building infrastructure, and a refreshed Amtrak corporate office space. Amtrak has partnered with Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia (PIP) under a 50-year public private partnership (P3) agreement. PIP is responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining the station improvements. Key contractors currently performing various portions of its work include Gilbane Building Company as design-build lead, Johnson Controls Inc. for facility operations and maintenance, and Vantage Group for concessions development and management.

Despite ongoing construction, the station continues to welcome customers and the community. In 2024, the Art at Amtrak program brought cultural vibrancy to the station. In May 2024, the world-renowned dance troupe PHILADANCO! performed in the station, framed by a striking vinyl mural installed on the station windows. Later in the year, in collaboration with Brandywine Realty Trust, Amtrak unveiled Flourish, a site-specific art installation by Philadelphia-based artist Roxana Azar. The artwork spans the Cira Skybridge, a glass pedestrian walkway over Arch Street, connecting the Cira Centre office building to Gray 30 th Street Station. An additional element of the piece is featured hanging in a public space within the station.

As Amtrak’s third busiest station, William H. Gray III 30 th Street Station served over 5 million Amtrak passengers in 2024, in addition to more than 12 million SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT commuters. On a typical weekday over 100,000 people pass through the station complex.

Looking ahead, Amtrak remains committed to delivering a modern, efficient, and welcoming station for travelers and the surrounding community. By 2027, the redevelopment will solidify the station’s role as a transportation hub and cultural landmark in Philadelphia.

uCity Square

UCity Square continued to thrive and grow in 2024, solidifying its role as a leading Knowledge Community that fosters innovation, collaboration, and inclusive economic growth. With new tenant commitments, groundbreaking developments, and vibrant community programming, uCity Square remains at the forefront of Philadelphia’s innovation ecosystem.

Leasing and development activity remained strong, further establishing uCity Square as a premier hub for innovation. The Wistar Institute signed a lease at 3675 Market, expanding its research footprint by 25,000 square feet and establishing an HIV Cure and Viral Disease Center that will open in spring 2025. Integral Molecular launched its biotech startup Cell Surface Bio, manufacturing antibodies for industry and academic researchers and scientists, while Penn Engineering’s Center for Precision Engineering for Health opened its doors at One uCity Square. Additional momentum at Penn came with the newly created U.S. National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence-driven RNA Foundry (NSF-AIRFoundry), a National Science Foundation-funded BioFoundry that aims to transform how RNA is designed, synthesized and delivered using the power of AI. Lastly, Wexford Science & Technology announced the redevelopment of 3711 Market in December, updating the building’s common areas and lab infrastructure, while maintaining its crucial role in supporting the growth of current tenants Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), Spark Therapeutics, Inc., and Good Molecules.

This year marked significant milestones in placemaking, with new activations and retail offerings enhancing the worker, resident, and visitor experience. In November, uCity Square unveiled Ascendance, a striking permanent public art installation that honors the neighborhood’s past and future. The dining scene also expanded, when Two Locals Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery, officially opened in January of 2024, providing a welcoming space for craft beer enthusiasts and the community alike.

The vibrancy of the district was further amplified by a robust lineup of community programming and events. The inaugural Take Your Kids to Work Day was a major success, giving hundreds of young minds a glimpse into the world of science, technology, and innovation. And for unwinding, the uCity Square Beer Garden became a lively hub of activity, hosting numerous events including a Summer Concert Series organized by UCD and World Café Live, attracting hundreds of attendees for a night of connections and free live music.

As uCity Square looks ahead to 2025, its momentum shows no signs of slowing. With more developments on the horizon, new tenants joining the ecosystem, and continued community activation, uCity Square remains a premier destination where discovery and entrepreneurship thrive.

Schuylkill Yards

Acontinuation of Philadelphia’s second skyline along the Schuylkill River, Schuylkill Yards is a $3.5 billion neighborhood developed by Brandywine Realty Trust in partnership with Drexel University. Positioned between Center City’s economic district and University City’s eds and meds epicenter, the development is actively transforming the urban landscape with more than five million square feet of mixed-use space, including lab, office, retail, entertainment, residential, and greenspace.

Brandywine’s impact in University City began with the development of Cira Centre, the first high-rise west of the Schuylkill River, followed by FMC Tower and Evo at Cira Centre South, which introduced Philadelphia’s first vertically integrated mixed-use tower. Building on this momentum, Drexel Square, a 1.3-acre public park outside 30 th Street Station, was delivered followed by the renovation of the Bulletin Building, Spark Therapeutics’ headquarters.

During 2023 and 2024, Brandywine delivered 3025 JFK Blvd., a Trophy mixed-use tower featuring luxury apartment residences on levels 10-29, office space on levels 02-08, and ground-floor retail. This was followed by 3151 Market, a 417,000 square feet trophy

life science building. Two floors of incubator and graduate lab space at Cira Centre further strengthen the district’s role in supporting life science startups.

In 2025, retail continues to expand with Starbucks and Fine Wine & Good Spirits opening alongside other dining experiences underway. The food hall at the Bulletin Building, opening Fall 2025, will introduce a diverse mix of chefdriven and fast-casual dining concepts.

Expanded greenspace and placemaking initiatives, like delivering the plaza and dog park at 3025 JFK and the Mural Arts walk, launching Spring 2025, will enhance the neighborhood’s cultural fabric through largescale public art installations.

With more than $1.6 billion invested in University City to date, Schuylkill Yards is home to a growing roster of industry leaders, including Spark Therapeutics, FMC Corporation, FS Investments, Goodwin Law, Dechert, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Essity, and NASDAQ, alongside emerging startups supported by B.Labs and graduate lab space at Cira Centre. Schuylkill Yards is redefining how businesses, residents, and visitors connect in Philadelphia’s most dynamic new district.

The West Philly Waterfront

First announced in spring of 2024, the West Philly Waterfront is an ambitious plan from University City District to create Philadelphia's first destination public space west of the Schuylkill River and serve as the gateway to the region’s cradle of economic growth – the universities, health systems, and burgeoning life sciences companies of University City. In addition to being a place for recreation, the West Phily Waterfront will play a pivotal role in promoting public space equity and resiliency.

The proposed design creates several active and passive recreation opportunities: At street level, a beautifully landscaped promenade, where visitors can take in sweeping city views; a lower deck, featuring a large programmable fountain and beach, freely open to all visitors; a kayak grotto for visitors arriving to the space via the river from points up and downstream; a waterfront stage backed by a dynamic mural will be a new venue for arts and cultural programming; a lower deck under the promenade, visitors will find a café, public bathrooms, and changing rooms; a lawn hillock which can host games, birthday parties, and tailgating; and aquatic marshes mimicking the natural shoreline that existed pre-development and will filter rainwater to supply the water feature or water for planters.

Since first announcing the project, UCD has secured $250,000 in Local Share Account Statewide funding in October of 2024 with support from local elected officials, and will continue to engage officials in Harrisburg and elsewhere on this and other key public space, recreational, and infrastructure improvements that can help shape Philadelphia’s future. Securing additional public and private funding will help drive UCD to the next milestones in the life of the project, including securing a series of engineering and design approvals. UCD anticipates a roughly 3-year process after all funding is secured to conduct community engagement, make tweaks to the design, secure the needed permits and approvals, and complete construction.

The revitalization of the West Philly Waterfront presents a unique opportunity to enhance the community’s economic, social, and environmental well-being. A comprehensive public participation strategy is an essential next step, empowering the community to shape the project’s direction, and ensuring its success. UCD plans to work with a consultant to engage a diverse cross-section of West and Southwest Philadelphia residents, ensuring the development reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

Employment

As cities continue to adjust to workplaces in a post-COVID environment, employment in University City remained on the upswing in 2024 due to new development, institutional expansions, the concentration of distribution-resistant industries, and the attraction of new companies. In 2024, over 17,000 new jobs were posted for roles within our neighborhood, and over 75% of University City’s 85,000 jobs pay over $40,000 jobs per year. University City accounts for over 12% of all jobs within Philadelphia, despite representing only 1.69% of the city’s total footprint. Our local economy is dominated by positions at our local hospitals and universities, but our growing innovation sector has added more positions in biotech, nascent technologies, and commercialization of research each year as more labs, offices, and commercial spaces are added to the inventory or reimagined for the new employment landscape.

75% of University City's 85,000+ jobs pay over $40,000 a year, compared to 63.6% for the entirety of Philade lphia.

In Demand Occupations at University City Employers

Includesthe IRS, VA Hospital, Drexel University, CHOP, Penn Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania • Source: Lightcast

Number of Job Postings by Major University City Employers

Postsecondary Teachers

Registered Nurses

Natural Sciences Managers

Medical and Health Services Managers

Physicians

Health Technicians

Medical Scientists Managers

Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Supervisors of Administrative Support Workers

Nurse Practitioners

Project Management Specialists

Data Scientists

Nursing Assistants

Education Administrators

02505007501,0001,2501,5001,7502,0002,2502,500

Source: Lightcast, UCD Analysis

Source: U.S. Census Bureau,LODES

Asset Manager FS Investments Relocates to University City

FS Investments, one of the largest Philadelphia-based money managers, announced in February of 2025 its plan to relocate its headquarters to 3025 JFK Blvd. in the Schuylkill Yards development near 30 th Street Station. The move will provide FS with nearly 120,000 square feet of office space, up from 80,000, accommodating its growing staff of around 600. FS Investments Chairman and CEO Michael Forman said FS chose Schuylkill Yards over other sites in Philadelphia, Connecticut, and New York due to the state-of-the-art facilities, convenient location with transit access, and new tax incentives available in the area’s Qualified Opportunity Zone. The new office will also house Financial Scholars, an initiative focused on financial education. FS is set to lease the space for 16 years, joining 65 office, life science, and retail tenants that already call Schuylkill Yards home.

University City and Peer Employment Centers

University City is home to approximately 3.1 million square feet of office space and 2.4 million square feet of lab space, with 900,000 square feet of additional lab space currently under construction at major development projects throughout the neighborhood. Our status as a leading national life sciences and technology sector remained strong through the end of 2024, with University City ranking as the top U.S. submarket for net absorption growth (3.6%) between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024 by CBRE. University City also experienced the third-highest increase in asking rent among all national tech submarkets during that same period, trailing only BWI in Baltimore and CBD in Nashville. Although the definition of a modern office remains in flux, University City's access to nearby amenities, proximity to multiple transportation options including William H. Gray III 30 th Street Station, and connection to the major anchor institutions will continue to be a significant selling point for companies seeking to do business in a premier employment and innovation hub.

Office Occupancy Rates Among Regional Submarkets

University

Downtown

Bala

Blue

Central

Conshohocken Delaware

Exton/West Chester

Fort Washington

Horsham/Willow Grove

Jenkintown

King of Prussia/Valley Forge

Lower Bucks County

Main Line

North Penn

Plymouth Meeting

Upper Main Line

Suburban Philadelphia total

Burlington County

Camden County

Glouster County

Lehigh Valley East

Lehigh Valley West

Northern Delaware Market total*

*Does not sum all rows, as this includes extended geographies • Source: CBRE 2024 Q4 Office Market Report

Higher Education

University City is renowned for its exceptional colleges and universities. Whether they come from around the block, country, or world, in 2024 over 54,000 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students were enrolled in programs at our five institutions of higher learning: the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the Community College of Philadelphia West Campus, the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, and Saint Joseph’s University City campus. Both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University fared well in recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, with Penn ranked the 10 th best national university, 17th for best value, and as the top business school in the nation while Drexel excelled in similar lists for most innovative schools (#29), best undergraduate engineer programs (#54), and finished #2 for its co-ops/internships. Students at our major local institutions of higher learning continue being drawn to our neighborhood’s global dining scene, beautiful campuses, and prime location within the city and on the eastern seaboard. Both Drexel and Penn recently announced new presidents who are poised to lead the universities in the coming years.

66% of residents over 25 who live in University City possess a Bachelor’s degree and 32% have a graduate or other post-secondary degree.

Degrees Awarded at University City Colleges and Universities

Health Professions and Related Programs

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Engineering

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Education

Social Sciences

Legal Professions and Studies

Psychology

Visual and Performing Arts

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

Architecture and Related Services

Physical Sciences

Mathematics and Statistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Natural Resources and Conservation

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services

English Language and Literature/Letters

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

History

Library Science

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services

DREXEL NAMES POLITICAL ECONOMIST AND RENOWNED SCHOLAR ANTONIO MERLO, PHD, AS ITS 16 TH PRESIDENT

In January of 2025, Drexel University’s Board of Trustees confirmed Antonio Merlo, PhD as the 16th president in Drexel's 133-year history. Merlo joins Drexel from New York University, where he earned his PhD in economics and, since 2019, led NYU Arts & Science, the university’s largest academic unit, comprising three schools, dozens of departments, research centers, institutes, and language and cultural houses. A highly accomplished scholar, Merlo is recognized as an administrator who leverages academic strengths, fosters community and promotes scholarship and collaboration across departments. Merlo also prioritized fundraising, right-sizing staff, and deploying engagement and outreach strategies with measurable results.

Merlo developed ties to Philadelphia during his academic career, spending 14 years on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania — from 2000 to 2014 — where he was the Lawrence R. Klein Professor of Economics, the chair

of the Economics Department, Director of the Penn Institute for Economic Research, a research associate in the Population Studies Center, and a member of the advisory board of Penn’s Center for Italian Studies. In addition to his academic contributions, Merlo has been a dedicated and vibrant supporter of student life within each of his campus communities. He served as head coach of the club water polo teams at Rice, Penn, and NYU and is a threetime recipient of the Collegiate Water Polo Association’s Coach of the Year Award.

Merlo’s selection marks the culmination of a comprehensive effort led by Mike Lawrie as chair of Drexel’s presidential search committee, which included trustees, faculty members, students and administrators. Merlo will begin his tenure as Drexel’s 16th president on July 1, 2025. Merlo’s appointment follows the 14-year tenure of President John Fry and Denis P. O’Brien, who has served as interim president since the fall of 2024.

PENN BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTS

J. LARRY JAMESON PRESIDENT

In March of 2025, the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania voted unanimously to appoint J. Larry Jameson, who had served as Interim President since December 2023, President of the University for a term that will run through June 30, 2027. Before his appointment as Interim President in December 2023, Jameson served as Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and as Dean of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine since July 1, 2011.

Before joining Penn Medicine, Jameson served for four years as Dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Northwestern University. As an accomplished physician-scientist, Jameson pioneered studies of the genetic basis of hormonal disorders, and he is the author of more than 350 scientific articles and chapters. He is

an editor of “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine,” the most widely used textbook of internal medicine. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and Jameson is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.

As Interim President, Jameson championed Penn’s values, helped define the University’s position on academic independence and institutional neutrality, and led the implementation of its strategic framework, In Principle and Practice. Jameson also leads Penn’s efforts to combat bias, build community, and balance the University’s strong commitment to open expression and mutual respect, which includes the launch of Penn’s Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests (Title VI), the first of its kind nationally.

The four hospitals located within University City – Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center – serve as a vital part of University City’s economy, employing a combined total of over 36,000 doctors, nurses, techs, and other hospital positions. Penn Medicine and CHOP perform well annually in annual rankings: Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian landed on the U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll for national hospitals, and ranked as the 15th best hospital in the nation by Newsweek, while CHOP also placed on the 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll from U.S. News and World Report and ranked as the top-ranked Department of Pediatrics in the country for an 11th straight year. Our local hospitals are also leading the way in new treatments, procedures, and medical technologies, and with the forthcoming arrival of the Children’s Hospital New Patient Tower and Schuylkill Avenue Research Building, there’s more on the horizon.

Outpatient Visits Hospital Admissions

Transportation

The streets, sidewalks, and public transit infrastructure in University City combine to offer excellent options for traveling within or beyond our neighborhood, leading to 55% of residents walking, biking, or taking public transit to get to work. University City boasts scores of 90 for walking, 95 for public transportation, and 92 for biking from walkscore.com, all three of which earn us “paradise” status. Certain transportation metrics are nearly fully recovered from the dips caused by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, with pedestrian volume close to 100% of its 2019 figure, usage of the Indego bikeshare network up 160% and accounting for 21.5% of total citywide volume, and Amtrak ridership at 30th Street Station surging to over 5,000,000 annual riders for the first time since 2010. Streetscape improvements including pedestrian islands along Chestnut Street to calm traffic, alterations to 47th Street including new bike lanes, and forthcoming ADA accessible stations featuring a new fleet of trolleys as part of SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization project will continue University City's standing as one of the region’s top neighborhoods for getting around.

1/7/20194/7/20197/7/201910/7/20191/7/20204/7/20207/7/202010/7/20201/7/20214/7/20217/7/202110/7/20211/7/20224/7/20227/7/202210/7/20221/7/20234/7/20237/7/202310/7/20231/7/20244/7/20247/7/202410/7/2024

1/7/20194/7/20197/7/201910/7/20191/7/20204/7/20207/7/202010/7/20201/7/20214/7/20217/7/202110/7/20211/7/20224/7/20227/7/202210/7/20221/7/20234/7/20237/7/202310/7/20231/7/20244/7/20247/7/202410/7/2024

1/7/20194/7/20197/7/201910/7/20191/7/20204/7/20207/7/202010/7/20201/7/20214/7/20217/7/202110/7/20211/7/20224/7/20227/7/202210/7/20221/7/20234/7/20237/7/202310/7/20231/7/20244/7/20247/7/202410/7/2024

Source: PlacerAI

Source: PlacerAI

Commuting Style in University City District and Peer Employement Centers

Hourly Projecte d Bike Traffic

Trolley Modernization Coming to University City as Part of SEPTA's 12-Year Capital Investment Program

Did you know that SEPTA operates the nation's largest trolley network, with 68 miles of trolley lines serving West, Southwest, and North Philadelphia in addition to Delaware County? As part of their 12-year Capital Investment Program, SEPTA is investing more than $2 billion into the Trolley Modernization Program to transform the trolley network into a fast, accessible, and easy-to-use system. Trolley Modernization includes new, longer vehicles, new on-street stations that will be fully ADA-compliant, infrastructure and operational improvements, and potential end-of-line extensions. These upgrades will have a significant impact on the way our neighbors and employees safely move throughout our community and beyond.

SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization team has been conducting community engagement to inform community members and riders about the forthcoming advancements in University City and West Philadelphia. Prioritizing community engagement and public feedback ensures that SEPTA meets the needs of riders, the community, and stakeholders.

UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICT CAR TRAFFIC BY THE NUMBERS

54.8% of trips that take 30 minutes or less in 2024

23.4% of trips that are 2 miles or shorter in 2024

33.7% of trips that started or ended at the two hospital campuses in 2024 (CHOP / Penn Medicine & Penn Presbyterian) 29.6%

Decrease in evening traffic between 2019 and 2024 (3PM - 12AM) 7.6%

Increase in morning and mid-day traffic between 2019 and 2024 (6AM - 3PM)

2.2%

Increase in weekday share of traffic between 2019 and 2024

8.7%

Decrease in the number of car trip in UCD between 2019 and 2024 9.8%

Decrease in weekend share of traffic between 2019 and 2024

Average Daily Car Traffic in University City District

Source:

Amtrak 30th Street Station Ridership

Amtrak ridership at 30th Street Station surpassed its pre-COVID height in 2024, with over 5,000,000 for the first time since 2001.

Amtrak 30th Street Station Annual Changes in Ridership

People

Our neighborhood of over 53,000 residents is comprised of a mix of families, young professionals, and longtime residents who have called University City home for decades. The population also consists of a confluence of undergraduate and post-graduate students studying at the nearby universities, and therefore skews young, educated, and ethnically diverse. The often-transient scholars in the neighborhood contribute to 19% of our population having lived outside of Pennsylvania in the previous year, including 6% moving from outside the country. University City’s diversity in population leads to diversity in cultural influences and options for dining, shopping, art, and religious influences to create a rich and distinct neighborhood tapestry. In 2024, 1,109 new units of multi-family housing were added to our inventory, and nearly 1,200 additional units are planned to be added by 2027 to push our total inventory close to 10,000.

of Workers with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher

19% of University City residents move d to the neighborhood from outside of Pennsylvania within the last year.

0-45-910-1415-1920-2425-3435-4445-5455-6465-7475-8485+

Primary Language Spoken at

Life in the Neighborhood

As a place to live, University City offers something for everyone. Over 100 acres of public space and parks provide escape from the city streets and places for people to relax, recharge, and spread out. An eclectic dining scene features a blend of longstanding mom-andpop restaurants, cuisine from around the globe, and outposts for local and national chains. Housing options are as varied as the residents, with historic homes, walk-up apartments, stylish high-rises, dormitories, and a wealth of new housing options in the pipeline. University City boasts a robust arts and culture scene, including theaters, art galleries, and local dance and performance groups, plus plenty of signature community events. The streets, sidewalks, and transit stations combine to offer excellent options for traveling within the neighborhood or to points beyond, and University City again earned a "paradise" distinction from Walkscore.com for walking, biking, and transit. Active neighborhood associations and community groups inject unique character and civic pride in smaller sub-neighborhoods, and serve as valuable resources for the community to create an interconnected mosaic of neighborhoods with their own unique character.

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Median Home Price and Home Sales in UCD

Price Movement by Neighborhood

Source:

Source: Zillow

Percent of Gross Income Spent on Rent

University City and Peer Employment Centers

NEW BUSINESSES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Below is a snapshot of locally-owned and nationally franchised businesses that have recently opened their doors or will open in the very near future:

Akwaaba Tea

Amazing Binz

Amina Ocean

Bebashi - Transition to Hope

Big Dean’s Hot Chicken

Carter’s Pizza and Beer

Corio

Cork & Candles

Gong Cha

Gouldsburger’s

Grocery Outlet

Haraz Coffee House

Koch’s Deli

Lulu Cafe

Masala Kitchen

Nan Xiang Express

Plant & People Shop + Cafe

Puyero Venezuelan Flavor

Raxx Vintage Pop-Up

Schmear Bagel Parlor

Sichuan Mathai

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children

MASALA KITCHEN

PUYERO VENEZUELAN FLAVOR

SCHMEAR BAGEL PARLOR

Manzanita Contemporary Vintage Boutique on Baltimore Avenue

Neighborhoods and Schools in University City

SCHOOL

Henry C. Lea School

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Islamic Education School

Jubilee School

KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary

Paul Robeson High School for Human Services

Penn Alexander School

Samuel Powel School

Science Leadership Academy Middle School

St. Francis de Sales School

The City School at Spruce Hill

The City School at Walnut Street

The Workshop School

West Philadelphia Catholic High School

West Philadelphia High School

ADDRESS

4431 Walnut St.

4211 Che ster Ave.

4601 Market

4125 Ludlow St.

4209 Spruce St.

3610 Warren St.

3610 Warren St.

917 S. 47th St.

4115 Baltimore Ave.

4501 Walnut St.

221 S. Hanson St.

4501 Chestnut St.

4901 Chestnut St.

GRADES

Cedar Park Adds New Ground Mural

Cedar Park, the public park on Baltimore Avenue between 49 th and 50 th Streets, recieved a fresh pop of color in November 2024! The beloved green space has a brand-new ground mural titled "Groove and Flow" on its eastern edge where Baltimore Avenue and Catharine Streets converge courtesy of local artist Lawren Alice, UCD, and Cedar Park Neighbors

Public Art in University City

Mural Arts projects

Other public art

Source: UCD

Artist Lawren Alice enjoyed interacting with the community during the painting of the mural. “People were incredibly nice,” she says of the experience. “The goal was to create a beautiful, ornate pattern that you can see from either end of the park. I loved hearing everyone’s interpretations of what it is and I’m hopeful the community will really enjoy the final product.”

Our 2.4 square mile neighborhood is a bustling center for innovation and is nationally recognized for advances in science, research, and medicine. Cutting-edge discoveries, treatments, and new technology originate out of 3.3 million square feet of life science lab space in research hubs including the University City Science Center, uCity Square, Pennovation, Schuylkill Yards, and Drexel. Our collection of labs, benches, and clinics contribute to Philadelphia ranking in fourth place of the country’s top life science hubs in a 2025 analysis by Colliers. Discoveries initiated in University City spark billions of dollars in economic growth and attract international attention and awards in fields like biotech, robotics, and medicine, including the 2023 Novel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Penn researchers Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman. In 2024, 200 patents were issued to University City businesses and institutions, who also accounted for $968 million in NIH funding, good for 43.9% of all NIH funding awarded to Pennsylvania companies.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Conjoined Twin Boys Successfully Separates

AFTER NEARLY A YEAR at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), conjoined twins Amari and Javar Ruffin were successfully separated by CHOP surgeons on August 21, 2024. When a routine ultrasound first revealed the boys were conjoined, parents Shaneka and Tim met with a CHOP team that included Dr. Hedrick, a pediatric surgeon, and Dr. Nahla Khalek, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in CHOP’s CFDT. After a full day of prenatal evaluations including an ultrasound, MRI and fetal echocardiogram, tests revealed that separation was possible. This set in motion the plan for preparing the boys’ birth and separation.

Conjoined twins are rare, occurring roughly once in every 35,000-80,000 births, and CHOP is one of only a few hospitals in the U.S. with expertise in separating them. Since 1957, CHOP has performed 32 conjoined twin separations, the most of any hospital in North America. The Ruffins were born omphalopagus

twins, meaning the babies face one another and are joined at the anterior abdominal wall from the xiphoid to the umbilicus.

After months of planning, a surgical team involving more than two dozen specialists including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses and many others, operated for eight hours to separate the boys. Once separated, the babies’ abdomens were closed and rebuilt, using layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques to stabilize each one. They then worked with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and rehab medicine physicians in CHOP’s Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to ensure they continued to achieve developmental milestones. Following surgery, the boys continued working with this group and began to practice flipping over and crawling. Finally, after a long medical journey, Amari and Javar joined their siblings Kaylum and Anora at home on October 8 th .

IN THE SPRING OF 2024, an experimental mRNA vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza virus showed promise in preclinical models, offering strong protection against severe illness and death. Developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, this vaccine could help manage outbreaks of H5N1, which is circulating in birds and cattle. The study, conducted by Scott Hensley, PhD, a professor of Microbiology at the Perelman School of Medicine and published in Nature Communications, highlights the advantage of mRNA technology, which enables rapid vaccine development following the sequencing of a new viral strain.

Unlike traditional egg-based flu vaccines, which take months to produce, mRNA vaccines can be adapted and manufactured quickly without relying on eggs. This speed could be crucial in responding to pandemics. The researchers, in collaboration with the laboratory of mRNA vaccine pioneer and Nobel Prize winner, Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, found that it triggered strong immune responses in small animal models and provided long-lasting protection. Vaccinated subjects survived H5N1 infection, clearing the virus more rapidly and experiencing fewer symptoms than unvaccinated controls.

The study also compared the mRNA vaccine's effectiveness to traditional egg-based vaccines, finding both elicited strong antibody responses. The researchers emphasize that mRNA technology, as demonstrated in the COVID-19 vaccine response, has enhanced preparedness for emerging viruses with pandemic potential, including influenza.

This research was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institutes of Health.

Promising Preclinical Results Suggest mRNA Vaccine Platform Could Limit the Impact of Avian Flu Pandemics

The Wistar Institute's New Center for Advanced Therapeutics

THE WISTAR INSTITUTE, the National Cancer Institute-designated research center located in University City, is poised to open its new Center for Advanced Therapeutics research hub. The new Center aims to build on Wistar's expertise in early-stage cancer, immunology, and infectious disease research. It represents the next step in the evolution of Wistar Science, a unique engine for cross-disciplinary collaboration, scientific innovation, and impactful public-private partnerships to pursue the medicines of tomorrow.

The new Center will lay the foundation for Wistar to facilitate collaborations that could significantly shape the future of cancer care. With advancements in personalized treatments and immunotherapies gaining momentum, Wistar seeks to play an integral role in this evolving landscape, according to president & CEO Dr. Dario C. Altieri. "We've made great strides, but there is still much to accomplish," he remarked, emphasizing the ongoing need for progress in cancer research.

Founded in 1892, Wistar is the nation's first independent biomedical research institution. Wistar scientists have the necessary expertise in a wide variety of biomedical specializations to enable powerful, multidisciplinary approaches to address deadly diseases and viruses. This, together with the Institute’s collaborative framework, will amplify the new Center’s mission: to bridge collaborations within the life sciences, including biotech, pharmaceutical companies and the academic world, and establish robust public-private partnerships that will accelerate the path to new drugs and therapies.

The Center will occupy 12,000 square feet of renovated space within Wistar’s Spruce Street property, with work underway to convert administrative areas into state-of-the-art wet labs. This expansion will enable the Institute to advance its cutting-edge cancer research. Renovations began in the summer of 2024 with an anticipated completion date of May 2025.

DREXEL LAB SUPPORTS THE FIGHT AGAINST AI-GENERATED

DEEPFAKES AND MANIPULATED MULTIMEDIA

RESEARCHERS IN Drexel University’s College of Engineering who study forensic detection of multimedia manipulation have developed a machine learning algorithm that is more than 98% effective at identifying AI-generated synthetic videos. The team from Drexel’s Multimedia Information Security Lab (MISL) reported that its program, called MISLnet, can correctly identify the telltale digital fingerprints of videos created by generative AI programs, like OpenAI’s Sora, with a high degree of accuracy.

This technology has already proved to be an important tool in the fight against misinformation proliferated by deepfakes and manipulated media. The lab, led by Matthew Stamm, PhD, helped several media outlets to verify synthetic videos during the 2024 political campaign season. Stamm’s group, which has developed a suite of tools over the last decade to detect multimedia manipulations, was tapped to support Philadelphia’s efforts to combat misinformation during the election and consulted with the Pennsylvania Election Threats task force formed by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The lab’s tools use a sophisticated machine learning program called a constrained neural network. This algorithm can learn, in ways similar to the human brain, what is “normal” and what is “unusual” at the sub-pixel level of images and videos, rather than searching for specific predetermined identifiers of manipulation from the outset. This makes the program adept at both identifying deepfakes from known sources, as well as spotting those created by a previously unknown program.

SAVE A CRAB, START A BUSINESS:

Science Center Founders Fellow Advancing His Company ToxiSense

AT14, ARAVIND KRISHNAN learned that the biomedical industry still depends on horseshoe crab blood for bacterial contamination testing, despite the method’s high cost and harmful ecological impact. Inspired to find a better solution, Aravind began developing a plant-based alternative while still in high school. By the time he was in college at the University of Pennsylvania, he had a working prototype made from genetically engineered Arabidopsis plants.

Aravind teamed up with classmates to launch ToxiSense, a company aimed at replacing horseshoe crab blood in testing. His team won Penn’s 2022 Venture Lab Startup Challenge, the school’s largest pitch competition, and from there Aravind joined the Science Center’s Founders Fellowship, which provided funding, mentorship, hands-on learning, and resources to turn his idea into a business.

Through the 12-month Fellowship, Aravind learned how to address regulatory challenges, market pain points, and develop a business strategy. It also revealed an additional use for his product: a rapid bacterial infection test that could improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

This broadened focus unlocked new clinical partnerships and an expanded vision for the company. Since then, he’s raised about $300,000 in nondilutive funding and is considering an SBIR grant as a next step. His journey didn’t stop there. In February 2025, Aravind traveled to Tokyo with the Venture Café Global Team, connecting with international founders and ecosystem leaders. That experience gave him a deeper understanding of the global marketplace and how ToxiSense would need to approach scaling into different markets.

Aravind advises aspiring entrepreneurs to think creatively while being rigorous in their research, ensuring that data-driven decisions guide their innovations. ToxiSense’s journey reflects a blend of scientific curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to make a meaningful impact on both healthcare and the environment.

Biofoundry for RNA Research Finds Home at uCity Square

IN AUGUST OF 2024, the U.S. National Science Foundation awarded an $18-million, six-year grant to the NSF Artificial Intelligence-driven RNA BioFoundry (AirFoundry for short), a collection of researchers from Penn Engineering, Penn Medicine’s Institute for RNA Innovation, the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez (UPR-M), Drexel University, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and InfiniFluidics. The AirFoundry is one of five newly created BioFoundries, each with a different focus. This AirFoundry is a BioFoundry focusing on ribonucleic acid (RNA), the tiny molecule essential to genetic expression and protein synthesis that played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccines and saved tens of millions of lives. The AirFoundry and its researchers are also expanding the potential of RNA science well beyond vaccines to include food, agriculture, basic science, and human and animal disease treatment and prevention.

The AirFoundry chose to locate its facility on the 2nd floor of One uCity Square in the heart of University City, joining the Center for Precision Engineering for Health (CPE4H), the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, five industry companies, and faculty from Penn Engineering and Penn Medicine to create a hub for research and

collaboration. The labs within One uCity Square were designed with flexibility in mind so they can evolve alongside the rapidly changing needs of precision medicine. Open floor plans, modular layouts, and shared workspaces allow researchers to adjust their setups as new technologies or workflows emerge. The layout also encourages collaboration and efficiency, making it easier for researchers to share knowledge and resources.

The AirFoundry will catalyze new innovations in the field by leveraging artificial intelligence, which has already shown great promise in drug discovery, poring over vast amounts of data to find hidden patterns. The facility will use AI to design, optimize, and synthesize RNA and delivery vehicles by augmenting human expertise, enabling rapid iterative experimentation, and providing predictive models and automated workflows to accelerate discovery and innovation. In addition, the facility will foster collaboration among RNA scientists with an AI-powered platform, will democratize research, and aims to train the next generation of RNA scientists by offering educational programs, workshops, and research opportunities, creating even more opportunities for breakthroughs and discoveries in University City.

About University City District

University City District (UCD) was founded in 1997 by a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses, and residents to improve economic vitality and quality of life in Philadelphia’s University City. We work within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, support small businesses along our commercial corridors, connect Philadelphians to careers with employer partners, and promote job growth and innovation. Every day, we work to change places and change lives.

Serving the Neighborhood

UNIVERSITY CITY District’s foundational focus is on the physical world, and we are dedicated to the safety, cleanliness, and continued success of our entire neighborhood. We provide aid, resources, and programming for small businesses, residents, and local

CLEAN AND SAFE

UCD SERVES the neighborhood on a daily basis through the efforts of dedicated crews, including our Safety Ambassadors, Public Space Maintenance workers, homeless outreach personnel, and the Green Team, our in-house crew dedicated to curating public spaces throughout University City. These men and women work together to address daily quality of life issues, including trash collection, sidewalk sweeping, vehicle jumpstarts and lock-outs, connecting the unhoused to resources and offering well-being checks, and the maintenance of our public spaces. In 2024, Ambassadors provided approximately 78,000 hours of safety coverage in the neighborhood, including over 34,000 checks on

organizations. We partner with neighborhood associations, small businesses, local non-profits, and our institutional partners to create a safe and vibrant neighborhood that benefits all who live, work, and do business in University City.

businesses, over 1,100 vehicle jumpstarts and lock-out assistances, and nearly 1,500 walking escorts. Our Public Space Maintenance team collected nearly 45,000 bags of trash and removed 271 graffiti tags. In their second full year, our in-house Green Team expanded their portfolio of UCD public spaces, maintaining and helping to bring to life a new ground mural at Cedar Park and a new streetscape intervention at 43 rd and Spruce, which aims to calm traffic where schoolchildren routinely cross while traveling to school. Together, our teams of cleaning and safety professionals work to ensure our neighborhood is a safe and welcoming environment.

AIDING THE UNHOUSED

SINCE 2023, UCD has been delivering on a pledge to address the tragedy of homelessness in our district through a compassionate, measured, and people-first approach to supplying aid to the unhoused. Our first-ever Manager of Outreach Support and Services liaisons with our public safety personnel along with local agencies and non-profits. In 2024, they combined to provide 293 engagements with people experiencing homelessness and developed case management plans for 62 unhoused individuals, resulting in connecting 44 individuals to shelter with Project Home and another 28 individuals to treatment services and/or permanent housing.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

UCD OFFERS YEAR-ROUND assistance to our local small business community through events, guidance, resources, and connections. We plan a variety of events with small businesses in mind, ranging from huge undertakings like the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and University City Dining Days to smaller meetups such as small business networking events and our University City MIX networking series. Our Small Business Support Services are a resource for businesses planning to open, relocate, or who simply need help connecting with City resources. In 2024, we provided guidance to multiple businesses, including Lulu Cafe, who we helped guide through a complicated relocation to their new storefront on 40 th Street. When misfortune strikes local small businesses, UCD acts quickly to offer support and guidance. In 2024, we came to the aid of beloved Ethiopian restaurant Abyssinia when a truck crashed into their building, we assisted Milkcrate Cafe on Baltimore Avenue to replace damaged windows and install a permanent solution after their shop was vandalized, and we served as a resource to many other local non-profits and small businesses through marketing efforts, connections with City departments, and general support.

University City Mix at World Cafe Live

Transportation Planning

SINCE 2018, UCD has worked with partners in a formal capacity as a Transportation Management Association (TMA). Through collaboration with major institutions, developers, the City, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, we’ve worked to address pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and transit routing, formalizing the work these partners have collaborated on for over 20 years. Together with SEPTA, the TMA operates the Loop Through University City (LUCY) bus that in 2024 carried over 500,000

passengers a total of 262,651 total passenger miles to nearby jobs. We coordinate with the Streets Department to share news on major work happening in our neighborhood, we serve as key collaborators with bikeshare program Indego to identify new locations for their bike dock stations, and we plan and install public space interventions designed to offer traffic calming and safer streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Our goal in this realm is to continue to assist in projects aimed at improving every mode of transit to benefit residents and commuters.

D ata Analysis and Application

DATA DRIVES UCD’S WORK across all our departments. We use data to study pedestrian volume to help businesses adapt, to study vehicular traffic and identify street and transit improvements, to evaluate crime patterns to map out deployment strategies, to monitor usage rates of local public spaces, to survey participants and partners in our

Skills Initiative to deliver the best workforce training, report on economic conditions, and much more. Our data findings show up in stories from local media outlets, in targeted emails and blog posts, in internal and external presentations, and are a key element of our yearly State of University City publication.

Workforce Development

THE SKILLS INITIATIVE

2024 PROVED TO BE a year of major headlines, new projects, and significant growth for The Skills Initiative, UCD's workforce subsidiary that continues to cement its status as a national leader in economic mobility solutions. In March, we announced a $4 million donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott through her charitable organization Yield Giving, a transformative gift that has accelerated our impact on Philadelphia residents and employer partners. That same month, we officially launched the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative, a Next Gen partnership of Southeastern Pennsylvania life science leaders and community partners supported by the American Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge. In the fall, The Skills Initiative shared a new brand identity, website, and name, shortening our name from the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative to The Skills Initiative to reflect our rapid growth beyond the neighborhood where we originated. And outside of these major announcements were the daily impacts on the lives and career trajectories of the 306 Philadelphians we served in 2024.

GREEN CITY WORKS

UCD’S LANDSCAPING social enterprise Green City Works (GCW), which was established to provide systemic solutions to create job opportunities for formerly unemployed Philadelphians, continued its evolution in 2024 to meet the demands of clients throughout the city. We brought on new crew members to supplement the team, delivered beautifully conceived, in-house landscaping projects, and added to our portfolio of 3 million+ square feet of green spaces maintained. We helped conceptualize upgrades and obtained $75,000 in grant dollars to improve the safety of the Walnut Hill Community Playground in 2025. We designed, built, and maintained a series of pergolas and boardwalk-style decking, and renovated the gardens for the National Board of Medical Examiners so their employees may enjoy a connection with nature at their headquarters in University City. Finally, we delivered on a substantial construction and horticultural project when we were hired by Brandywine Realty Trust to install all planting and paving elements at their new dog park at 3025 JFK Blvd, part of the burgeoning Schuylkill Yards project. Our commitment to offering above-market wages, full benefits, and employing our crew year-round continues, and we look forward to exciting new projects for 2025.

University City District Events

OUR EVENTS AND MARKETING teams collaborate with local businesses, performers, and non-profit organizations to present standout community events. In 2024, we expanded our roster of local performers to present free music and pop-up activities at Trolley Portal Gardens, we attracted tens of thousands of visitors to our neighborhood for unforgettable summer evenings during the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and Movies in Clark Park, and we highlighted our eclectic dining scene during University City Dining Days, our annual restaurant promotion that draws business to local eateries during the slower summer

months. We also collaborated with partners from Wexford Science + Technology and Brandywine Realty Trust to revive our Summer Series music series, presenting two concerts featuring standout talent at the Lawn at uCity Square and Drexel Square. Whether we’re encouraging professional connections during our networking event, University City MIX, or promoting the many great arts and culture activities on our curated community calendar, our events and promotions help add to the rich tapestry of things to do, eat, and experience within University City.

UNIVERSITY CITY DINING DAYS

OUR POPULAR DINING promotion, designed to bring additional business and exposure to area eateries during the slower summer months, allows diners to enjoy three-course meals at three different price points at many of our neighborhood’s top restaurants. 33 establishments participated in our 10-day

promotion in 2024, the most since before the start of COVID-19, and they enjoyed increased business and exposure thanks to an extensive advertising campaign and media mentions. University City Dining Days allows us to showcase the high quality and diverse food offerings of our local restaurant scene.

BALTIMORE AVENUE DOLLAR STROLL

SINCE 2011, we’ve worked with local businesses, performers, and local organizations to produce the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, one of our most popular and successful events. Attendees enjoy one-night-only $1, $3, and $5 deals, a lively block party, and pop-up musical performances and surprises. The Dollar Stroll draws thousands of neighbors and visitors to Baltimore Avenue on

two Thursday evenings in early June and September, serving as bookends to begin and end the summer event season. The Stroll serves as both a showcase of the lively corridor’s businesses and as a way for local vendors to set up and sell their wares, and the extensive promotion and media coverage of the event brings invaluable marketing support for small businesses.

UNIVERSITY CITY SUMMER SERIES

IN 2024, we revived our popular Summer Series concerts, last produced in the summer of 2019. Formerly known as the 40 th Street Summer Series, we elected to expand the series to rotating outdoor venues in University City to take advantage of new and dynamic public spaces. After a successful return that featured performances by local and touring artists at the Lawn at uCity Square and Drexel Square, we’re excited to bring back the Summer Series as a key part of our signature summer programming.

UNIVERSITY CITY MIX

UCD TEAMS WITH local restaurants, bars, and other venues to host networking events meant to connect neighbors, members of the small business community, and local organizations. We run University City MIX, a happy hour networking event created to bring together a cross-section of local professionals to mingle at new and established neighborhood hotspots. We also curate events specifically for small business operators so they can connect with UCD staff, City representatives, and each other to share strategies and resources and stay connected.

M OVIE NIGHTS AND OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES

EACH AUGUST, UCD partners with the Friends of Clark Park and Philadelphia Parks and Rec to present free movies in the heart of West Philadelphia. Our Movies in Clark Park series draws thousands of audience members to the Clark Park bowl for screenings of classics, recent blockbusters, kid favorites, and culturally impactful films, and in 2025 we’ll celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the popular series with a curated selection of anniversary films. UCD also curates a series of musical performances at Trolley Portal Gardens to offer free, family-friendly concerts that support local talent.

Movies in Clark Park

University City Mix

University City Summer Series

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll

University City Dining Days

Transforming Public Space

OUR PUBLIC SPACE enhancements and interventions, ranging from signature spaces like Trolley Portal Gardens to small pedestrian plazas and seating options, have set the standard in the neighborhood. We create lively public venues designed to reactivate underutilized space, enhance community-building efforts, and spark interactions. We work from conceptualization and design to construction, operations, and maintenance through our in-house Green Team who are responsible for the upkeep of our spaces.

In 2024, we grabbed headlines by announcing a new vision for the West Philly Waterfront, our ambitious proposal to create a two-level public space that will increase our connection with the Schuylkill River and serve as a gateway to

University City for residents and visitors. At the neighborhood level, we’ve continued in our role as consultants and partners to neighborhood groups and organizations seeking help navigating the planning and permitting process to transform public space. We consulted on projects including the Clark Park Plan, a master plan for the Powelton Village Community Association, and a new crosswalk connecting the 40 th Street Trolley Portal to The Woodlands. We also worked with Cedar Park Neighbors to design and install a new ground mural by artist Lawren Alice at the eastern edge of Cedar Park, and with parents and stakeholders from the Penn Alexander School who sought to calm traffic at 43rd and Spruce Streets where children routinely crossed on their way to school.

Community members enjoying Trolley Portal Gardens

WEST PHILLY WATERFRONT

IN 2024, WE REVEALED our bold plan to create an ambitious new public space called the West Philly Waterfront. The concept includes the construction of a two-deck structure rising on the western bank of the Schuylkill River that will increase the community’s access to and connection with the iconic river. Spanning from Chestnut to Market Streets along Schuylkill

TROLLEY PORTAL GARDENS

UCD OPENED Trolley Portal Gardens in 2018. The $4.5 million public-private project, located at the busiest at-grade rail station in the city, features a public space, pop-up activations, and a fully outfitted restaurant facility home to community-favorite Renata’s Kitchen. The project turned a bleak expanse of concrete into a vibrant and social gathering space that has improved pedestrian safety while using

Avenue, this two-deck structure will offer stunning views of Center City and serve as a gateway to University City’s universities, health systems, and life sciences companies—solidifying its role as a hub for talent and innovation. In addition to being a place for recreation, the West Philadelphia Waterfront will play a pivotal role in promoting equity and resiliency in public space.

cutting-edge stormwater management techniques and lush plantings, all of which enhance the commutes of the thousands of riders who pass through the Portal each day. In 2024, we programmed Trolley Portal Gardens with events including music performances, pop-up arts and crafts activities, and other seasonal activations throughout the year.

THE PORCH AT 30 TH STREET STATION

OPENED IN 2011, The Porch at 30th Street Station was UCD’s first foray into public space development and served as the testing ground for our approaches to flexible seating, data collection, and collaborations with local fabricators, performers, and art groups. By the end of 2025 responsibility for The Porch, always meant to be

a temporary space, will be transferred to Amtrak as part of their 30 th Street Station plan. We’re extremely proud of the successes The Porch enjoyed during our nearly 15 years of operating the space and are grateful it will remain a blueprint for other organizations seeking to enliven public spaces for communal use.

A New universitycity.org

IN MARCH OF 2025, University City District launched a revamped version of universitycity.org, created in partnership with local creative agency Push10. Our new online home serves as a resource for community members, employees, small business owners, and anyone looking to visit University City.

The new universitycity.org was built to be modern, fresh, and mobile-friendly. We analyzed years of analytics to restructure our content and tell the story of our organization and neighborhood clearly and succinctly. The website features a fresh, responsive design, a help desk feature to provide answers to commonly asked questions, a revamped community calendar, a neighborhood guide for the best in local arts, events, and places, and much more.

UCD's Champion Program

University City District’s Champion Program connects a myriad of businesses in and around University City with exclusive networking opportunities, custom research, and other exclusive benefits while fueling UCD’s collective economic impact.

Networking and Information

Champions-only invitations to an annual networking event, featuring opportunities to interact with University City developers and institutional leaders and to discuss the latest trends and projects

• Invitation to UCD’s annual State of University City networking event, and the opportunity to network with neighborhood stakeholders and leaders from government, industry, and anchor institutions

• Market Trends newsletter on University City development trends and market data, emailed exclusively to champions

• Two copies of State of University City annual report, with additional available for distribution to partners, stakeholders, and tenants

M arketing and Promotion

• Sponsorship of one UCD community event each year such as Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, Movies in Clark Park, and University City Dining Days

• 10% discount on all other sponsorship opportunities purchased during the fiscal year, including State of University City

• Display ads in one edition of Connections newsletter

B usiness Services

• Regular building checks (exterior)

• On-site Safety Fairs for clients and/or tenants at your University City property(ies)

• G raffiti removal, special UCD trash pickups, and public space maintenance services

Priority Collective Economic Growth

A s a UCD Champion, your investment also supports core UCD services, including:

• 8 0,000 public safety patrol hours/year

• More than 4,400 nighttime walking escorts of University City students and residents to their homes

• 4 4,000 hours of public maintenance services/per year, including 130,000 bags of trash removed and 3,500 graffiti tags erased

• Major investments in University City public spaces and gateways, including The Porch at 30 th Street Station, the 40 th Street Trolley Portal, andpedestrian plazas

• Special events that attract more than 50,000 annual attendees from across the city and region

• Advertising and press partnerships that result in more than $1.3 million of annual media value

• Intensive, ongoing efforts to recruit retail prospects and reshape commercial corridors annual media value in selling University City.

• Intensive, ongoing efforts to recruit retail prospects and support commercial corridors

For more information about UCD’s Champion Program, please contact Sarah Steltz Senior Vice President of Strategy, at 215.243.0555 or at ssteltz@universitycity.org.

SAMPLE DATA

UCD Board

Craig Carnaroli, Chair

Senior E xecutive Vice President University of Pennsylvania

J oseph Trainor, Treasurer Founding UCD Board Member

B arry Grossbach, Secretary

C ommunity Representative Spruce Hill Community Association

Antonio Acevedo

Senior Vice President, Asset Management HCP Medical Office Properties

Daniel Bernstein

President and Chief Investment Officer, Campus Apartments

Tracy Brala

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Partnerships University City Science Center

M ark Celoni

V ice President and Office Director Pennoni Associates, Inc.

Della Clark

President, The Enterprise Center

J eff DeVuono

E xecutive Vice President, Life Science Division and Regional Managing Director – PA Region, Brandywine Realty Trust

Angela Dowd-Burton

C ommunity Representative Garden Court Community Association

M ichael Froehlich

C ommunity Representative Cedar Park Neighbors

J ohn Grady

Northeast Region Executive and Senior Vice President of Development, Wexford Science + Technology

J ohn Hinke

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, National Board of Medical Examiners

Sophia Holder

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

J ulie Ann Jones

Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Drexel University

Keith Kasper

EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System

J oseph Kender

Senior Vice President for University Relations, Saint Joseph's University

Daniel Liberatoscioli

President, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College

M argaret Livingston

C ommunity Representative Walnut Hill Community Association

M ark Mills

O wner, Metropolis Group / 40 th Street Live

Phil Moses

Principal, Vice President INTECH Construction, Inc.

Anne Papageorge

S enior Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services University of Pennsylvania

B rad Paul

C o-Owner and General Manager Central City & Ardmore Toyota

George Poulin

C ommunity Representative Powelton Village Civic Association

UCD Team

Matt Bergheiser

P resident

A .J. Adams

Director of Strategic Partnerships, The Skills Initiative

D aniel Atik

C areer Specialist, The Skills Initiative

Patrick Bayer

D irector of Economic Mobility

M orris Burns

Manager of Applicant Experience, The Skills Initiative

J ames Carter

Public Safety Account Manager

J oseph Dizenhuz

M anager of Research and Analysis

N ick Edelman

V ice President, Finance and Operations

B rian English

V ice President, Green City Works

S alimah Fields

F inance and Administrative Coordinator

C ait Garozzo

E xecutive Director, The Skills Initiative

A lan Garry

S enior Vice President, Public Safety and Community Services

N ate Hommel

D irector of Planning and Design

E rin Hopper

O ffice Manager for The Skills Initiative

M imi In

D ata Quality and Relationship Manager, The Skills Initiative

E rica Jorden

D irector of Human Resources

Kayla Kahan

R ecruitment Coordinator, The Skills Initiative

M argaret Leidy Starke

S enior M anager of Events and Community Partnerships

James Mantell

Controller

C hris Richman

D irector, Marketing and Communications

Alvin Rios

L andscape Operations Manager, Green City Works

Rennia Rodney Manager of Partnerships, The Skills Initiative

M organ Rogers Burns

V ice President of Advancement

S hawn Ryan

S enior Designer

C aitlyn Shauger

H omeless Outreach Services Manager

M aurie Smith

M anaging Director, Keystone LifeSci Collaborative

Ryan Spak

M anager, Project Rehab

S arah Steltz

S enior Vice President of Strategy

Lauren Talley

S enior Manager of Employer Services, The Skills Initiative

D r. Romaine Thrower, M.Ed.

D irector of Programs, The Skills Initiative

G iftie Umo

Program Manager, The Skills Initiative

Asia Whittenberger Manager of Advancement

B erri Wilmore

C ontent Manager

H anchao Zhang

L andscape Designer and Sales Representative, Green City Works

Thank You To Our Publication and Event Sponsors:

Campus Copy Center

Renata’s Kitchen

Wayne’s Garage

Credits

Patrick Bayer Research and Analysis

Joseph Dizenhuz Research and Analysis

Chris Richman Writing and Editing

S hawn Ryan Graphic Design

Publication Credits Photography Credits

Daniel Burke Page 11

Ryan Collerd Page 105

Philly By Air

Cover, Pages 1, 10

Lora Reehling

Cover, Pages 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 35, 52,53, 60, 62, 63, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 79, 80, 92, 92, 93, 95, 99, 101, 105, 108

Tolsma Productions

Page 81

Shawn Ryan

Pages 10, 12, 14, 106

Ben Tran

Pages 96, 97, 99, 100, 105

uCity Square

Page 4

Berri Wilmore

Pages 94, 99

Reproduction Of This Material

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