The State of University City 2026

Philadelphia University City Center City

Contents A Letter from UCD’s President

4

Spotlight on University City

8

Real Estate Development

12

Employment

36

Higher Education

42

Healthcare

46

Transportation

50

People

58

Life in the Neighborhood

62

Innovation

72

About University City District

82

UCD's Champion Program

92

Acknowledgements

95

4

A Letter from UCD’s President

A Letter from UCD's President University City doesn't wait for the future. It builds it.

That's not aspiration—it's observation. Labs are open and active. New homes are filled. Public spaces hum with connection and purpose. And across this neighborhood, a clear shift has taken hold: University City is not just just where ideas begin. It's where they scale, take root, and drive growth in our community and far beyond.

The numbers bear this out. In 2025 alone, more than 1.4 million square feet of development came online, valued at over $790 million, pushing University City's total real estate value to $12 billion. In a moment when many markets are slowing, University City keeps building. And in doing so, it signals to investors, employers, and talent: University City is where you put your bet.

And most importantly, University City powers people.

More than 84,000 people work here today, over 11% of all Philadelphia jobs, concentrated on less than 2% of the city's land. Nearly 80% of those jobs pay above $40,000 a year. That's not incidental growth. That's a dense, deliberate concentration of opportunity that reaches households and communities far beyond these few square miles.

A Letter from UCD’s President

5

It's what sets this place apart. Growth here isn't accidental but catalytic.

University City's world-class institutions and globally recognized life sciences ecosystem generate discovery at a scale that reshapes entire industries—supported by more than $1 billion in annual NIH funding and billions more in research and development. Its healthcare sector employs tens of thousands and draws patients from across the country. And its community of more than 50,000 residents brings the energy, diversity, and daily life that makes sustained growth not just possible, but durable.

But if this moment belongs to momentum, the next one will be defined by connection.

Each day, tens of thousands of people travel here from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware by rail, bus, bike, and foot. Students, researchers, frontline workers, and entrepreneurs arrive from every direction, and the proximity that results drives the kind of cross-sector collaboration you can't manufacture. University City is a place where the next breakthrough and the next job can share the same block.

None of that happens in isolation.

University City is, at its core, a network of partnerships. University City District helps bring that network to life, working alongside institutions, businesses, and

6

A Letter from UCD’s President

community members to invest in public spaces, strengthen corridors, improve safety and mobility, and connect Philadelphians to real opportunity. Through The Skills Initiative, University City District’s workforce subsidiary, and our expanding industry partnerships, we're building pathways that ensure this economic engine serves people across the entire region.

University City has not been immune to broader pressures. But it has never been defined by them. It has been defined by its capacity to adapt first, and then to lead.

The pages that follow tell that story through data, development, and the people behind both. Together, they reflect a neighborhood that isn't just growing—it's pulling the region forward with it.

Thank you to everyone who makes this possible: residents, students, researchers, frontline workers, and partners. Your collaboration is what turns momentum into lasting opportunity for all.

Sincerely,

Sarah Steltz President and CEO, University City District

A Letter from UCD’s President

7

Spotlight on University City

U

niversity City is the region’s leader in education, science, and innovation. The 2.4 square mile neighborhood boasts worldclass institutions that have catalyzed nearly 85,000 jobs in fields

including medicine, higher education, technology, real estate, and hospitality. University City is a transportation hub with some of the most bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly streets in the city, serves as a destination

for culture seekers and food lovers, and is home to some of the most significant development projects and life science breakthroughs in the region. With diverse demographics, signature public spaces, a rich blend of housing and rental options, top-notch schools and hospitals, and amenities aplenty, University City is one of Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhoods of choice.

8

Spotlight on University City

University City

BY THE NUMBERS 2026

53,158

26.4

19%

neighborhood residents

median age

lived outside Pennsylvania in the previous year

jobs in University City

17,921

68%

51,505

of jobs pay over $40,000 per year

degrees awarded across the major University City universities

of residents ages 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or higher

students at University City colleges and universities

84,118 14,714 job postings at major University City employers

79% 11.2% jobs in Philadelphia based in University City

205

BILLION

$2.6

$33.2

$1.02

45%

patents issued to University City institutions & firms

in research & development funding

in research & development funding since 2000

in NIH funding to UCD organizations

of total NIH funding to PA organizations went to UCD institutions

BILLION

26

184

new units of multi-family housing

1,777

units of multi-family housing in development over the next 2 years

BILLION

MINUTES

66%

4.3%

average commute for residents

commuting residents commute by method other than cars

share of workers living in the district

63,000

MILLION

inbound commuters per weekday

$533,000

5.6

annual Amtrak ridership at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station

270,000 yearly Indego bikeshare trips

median single family home sale price

$791 19.4% MILLION value of newly completed construction projects

vacancy rate for office space, the 3rd lowest in region

1.4

MILLION square feet of development under construction

338,084 square feet of new office leases signed

Spotlight on University City

9

University City is a

TRANSIT PARADISE

Walking, biking, and riding don’t get much better than in University City, which consistently earns “paradise” status in each category from Walkscore.com. Continued investments in traffic mitigation, safe biking corridors, a growing network of bike share stations, and transit upgrades, including SEPTA’s planned Trolley Modernization, make getting around the neighborhood without a car a breeze.

University City is a

University City is a

Cranes, scaffolding, and concrete mixers— our construction boom continues despite economic challenges, with 2.1 million square feet of new development valued and an estimated $791 million in value from recently completed projects. As major projects including uCity Square and Schuylkill Yards approach completion, new developments such as the mixed-use complexes Westpark and Mill Creek Station will significantly add to our housing and retail stock.

University City is where the innovators want to be, drawn by the regional anchor institutions and knowledge centers, plus ample lab space and research facilities.

In 2025, University City institutions combined for $1.02 billion in NIH funding, which accounted for 45% of all funding within the entire state of Pennsylvania in 2025, and contributed to Greater Philadelphia being ranked as the #4 U.S. life science market according to the 2025 National Life Sciences Report conducted

by Colliers.

CONTINUED LEADER IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

10

Spotlight on University City

TECH AND LIFE SCIENCES HUB

University City is a

University City is a

Over 53,000 people choose to live in University City, ranging from lifelong residents to young parents to transient students studying at our local colleges and universities. Our residents skew young, educated, and ethnically diverse, with a median age of 26.35 and 68% of residents over 25 possessing a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

University City’s diversity in population leads to diversity in dining and cultural options, combining to create a rich and distinct neighborhood tapestry.

The institutions of higher learning and hospitals located within University City attract top-tier students, researchers, and employees, and rank among the best in the country in a variety of categories. Our universities and hospitals combine to employ over 72% of the nearly 85,000 workers in the neighborhood and drive cutting-edge research and medical breakthroughs.

DIVERSE AND EDUCATED COMMUNITY

HOME TO PREMIER ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS

University City is a

REGIONAL LEADER IN INNOVATION

With 205 patents issued to local institutions and firms and $2.8 billion in new federal research and development funding in 2024, University City continues to be the nerve center for Philadelphia’s technology and biotech scene.

Continued investments in lab and research space and an evolving focus on industry partnerships to attract, employ, and retain talent position our neighborhood to lead the charge in the life sciences for years to come.

Spotlight on University City

11

Real Estate Development

A

t a time when economic uncertainties continue to plague new construction and development plans, University City has fared considerably well. Our neighborhood is on pace to add

2.7 million square feet of new construction, including nearly 184 new units of multi-family housing, and surpass $12 billion in cumulative real estate value, nearly doubling the same total from 2020. Progress on major residential, institutional, public space, and mixed-use projects marked another busy year of groundbreakings, topping outs, and ribbon cuttings in the neighborhood. On the office side, University City’s occupancy rate fell slightly in 2025 to 80.6%, but remains the top rate in downtown Philadelphia, and among the highest in the greater Philadelphia region.

Occupancy rates are on the upswing according to CBRE, and University City’s access to nearby amenities, proximity to multiple transportation options including Willam H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and connection to the major anchor institutions will continue attracting companies seeking to do business in a premier employment and innovation hub.

12

Real Estate Development

Approximate Value of New Real Estate Development Projects $12

$10

Dollars (Billions)

$8

$6

$4

$2

*

20

26

25

24

20

23

20

20

22

21

20

20

20

19

20

18

20

17

20

16

20

15

20

20

14

20

13

12

20

20

11

10

20

09

20

20

08

07

Cumulative Value

20

06

20

20

05

04

20

20

20

03

$0

* = Projected • Source: UCD

New Construction

Over 1.44 million square feet of new development valued at over $790 million were added to University City’s inventory in 2025.

New Construction or Major Renovations 3,000,000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

2026*

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

0

2003

500,000

2002

Square Feet of Development

2,500,000

* = Projected • Source: UCD

Real Estate Development

13

100%

9,500

500,000

20

95%

9,000

90%

8,500

85%

8,000

5

80%

7,500

0

75%

400,000

15

300,000

10

200,000 100,000 0

2021

2022

Leased Sq. Feet

2023

2024

2025

New Office Leases

Occupancy Percent

25

New Leases

Leased Sq Feet

600,000

Source: CoStar

2022

Housing Units

2023

2024

UCD Occupancy

2025

7,000

Philadelphia Occupancy Source: CoStar

Total New Construction Permits Issued in Philadelphia

Total New Construction Permits Issued in University City 20

3,000

18

2,500

16 14

2,000

12 10

1,500

8

1,000

6 4

500

2 0

2021

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

0

2025

2020

2021

Source: City of Philadelphia, Department of License and Inspections

2022

2023

2024

2025

Source: City of Philadelphia, Department of License and Inspections

Units of Multi-Family Housing 11,000 10,000 9,000

Housing Units

8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000

Cumulative Units

Real Estate Development

New Units

*

* 27 20

26 20

25 20

24 20

23 20

22 20

21 20

20 20

19 20

18 20

17 20

16 20

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

20

10

0

14

Housing Units

Multifamily Rental Housing in University City

New Office Leases in University City

*Projected Source: UCD

Office Occupancy Rates Among Regional Submarkets Inventory (sf)

Vacancy Rate

YTD Net Absorption

Asking Lease Rate ($/sf/yr)

Class A ($/sf/yr)

University City

3,010,521

19.4%

-148,263

$47.98

$53.19

Market West

28,262,906

22.9%

-37,802

$35.13

$39.08

Market East

7,102,663

20.4%

-98,709

$31.42

$30.88

Independence Hall

4,102,142

30.7%

17,154

$34.82

$38.39

42,579,232

23%

-267,620

$35.02

$39.64

Bala Cynwyd

2,690,714

21.6%

-55,275

$37.82

$38.37

Blue Bell

4,469,594

26.9%

114,248

$27.04

$29.32

Central Bucks County

1,930,438

20.0%

-8,609

$22.96

$29.30

Conshohocken

3,964,656

22.8%

-97,700

$40.43

$42.37

Delaware County

6,257,566

29.6%

-55,969

$31.74

$34.13

Exton / West Chester

3,927,941

26.0%

-96,570

$26.85

$28.03

Fort Washington

2,920,057

28.2%

-32,903

$29.21

$31.14

Horsham/Willow Grove

5,819,847

29.0%

-32,834

$32.25

$34.80

Jenkintown

1,422,210

17.7%

3,129

$22.77

$27.38

King of Prussia/ Valley Forge

16,422,137

27.7%

-225,552

$32.25

$34.80

Lower Bucks County

5,251,145

21.8%

77,322

$25.98

$27.19

Main Line

2,927,000

12.7%

68,383

$43.75

$45.40

North Penn

987,043

30.4%

13,982

$25.50

$25.88

Plymouth Meeting

1,822,025

37.7%

32,332

$31.92

$35.50

Upper Main Line

970,287

14.5%

-22,251

$26.80

$34.00

61,786,661

25.70%

-313,269

$30.48

$33.06

North New Castle

2,818,628

18.90%

41,694

$28.86

$29.39

South New Castle County

4,133,707

21.20%

-60,124

$23.56

$24.50

West New Castle County

1,595,711

14%

6,424

$37.10

$37.89

Wilmington CBD

5,427,311

27.40%

-18,284

$27.01

$27.75

Northern DE Total

13,975,357

22.30%

-30,290

$27.48

$28.48

Submarket

Downtown Philadelphia Total

Suburban Philadelphia Total

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

At 80.6%, University City’s office occupancy rate remained the strongest in downtown Philadelphia.

Real Estate Development

15

Current Development in University City Academic • Commercial • Medical • Public Space • Residential / Mixed Use

CH

37 40

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12

12

8

The Woodlands The Woodlands

R RIVE R RIVELL LL YLKI SCHU YLKI SCHU

Real Estate Development

35

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16

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28

40 development projects in University City opened their

Academic

doors or made significant progress toward completion

1.

in the past 12 months. Together, these projects total

1920 Commons Renovation and Addition

2.

College Hall West Wing Renovation

over 2.1 million square feet of new laboratories, offices,

3.

Fisher Fine Arts Exterior Renovation

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.

4.

Inn at Penn Renovations

5.

Penn Museum Renovations Coxe/Harrison Phase 2

6.

Physical Sciences Building

7.

Platt Student Performing Arts Center

8.

The Quadrangle Renovation

9.

Sansom Place West Redevelopment

10.

Weightman Hall Gymnasium Renovation

11.

Stuart Weitzman Hall

12.

Stuart Weitzman Theater

13.

Zilberman Family Center for Global Collections

Commercial

S P R IN

39

18 36

31 CA

ST

24 16

9

AV

11

S T.

23 15

10

3

18.

3711 Market

19.

3838 Market

24. Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel

14

7

6

3600 Civic Center Blvd Overbuild

23. Roche Gene Therapy Innovation Center

26

TH

ET

3440 Market

17.

22. Gather Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards

E.

RK

3201 Cuthbert Street

16.

21. 5.0 University Place

34

13

ST .

MA

4

2

ER

3001 JFK Blvd: The East Tower

15.

20. 4.0 University Place

S T.

N

S T.

TH

25 LA

RDEN

34

29

G GA

14.

WA

LN

5

UT

25. Two-Three uCity Square 26. Ultra Labs Philadelphia

Medical

22 William H. Gray III 30 th Street Station

27.

Morgan Center for Research and Innovation

28. Roberts Children's Health at CHOP S T.

29. Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

30

Public Space

SO UT

30. West Philly Waterfront

H .

ST SCHU

Y L K IL

L R IV

ER

Residential / Mixed Use 31. 3401 Hamilton Street 32. 3801 Chestnut Street

27

33. 4011 Market Street 34. 4400 Market Street 35. The Felix 36. The Mark Philadelphia 37.

Mill Creek Station

38. Penn Canopy 39. Triad Apartments 40. Westpark

Real Estate Development

17

Academic 1

2

3

18

Real Estate Development

1920 Commons Renovation and Addition The renovation and expansion of the Class of 1920 Commons will feature a new entrance pavilion, support facilities, an expanded multi-platform 350seat dining facility, and additional café and market offerings. The project will ensure flexibility for future operations and enhance the student All-YouCare-to-Eat experience at the University’s largest dining facility.

Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3800 Locust Walk

Size:

59,000 square feet

Completion:

January 2029

College Hall West Wing Renovation To restore the stature, physical presence, and impact of the first building on Penn's West Philadelphia campus, a major restoration of the west wing of College Hall was recently completed. Home to the President's office, the Provost's Office, the School of Arts & Sciences Dean's office, and the Department of History, the restoration includes: new, historically appropriate and energy-efficient systems and infrastructure; repair of roof and windows, masonry walls, and cast stone cladding; and renovation and upgrades to interior suites, offices, and classrooms, as well as new and updated elevators.

Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Location:

1 College Hall

Size:

36,300 square feet

Completion:

Januar y 2025

Fisher Fine Arts Exterior Renovation The Fisher Fine Arts Library, nicknamed Furness Library, was completed in 1891 and last underwent a renovation in the early 1990s. This 20-month exterior envelope restoration will include renovation of its distinctive stone, brick, and terracotta façade and repairs to the roof and windows.

Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Address:

220 South 34th Street

Size:

N/A

Completion:

November 2026

Academic Inn at Penn Renovations The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, is advancing a comprehensive renovation of all guest-facing spaces, including public areas, conference rooms, guest rooms, the Living Room, and the University Club. A hotel closely aligned with Penn’s identity and tradition, the renovation enhances the vibrancy of public spaces and guestrooms while strengthening the guest experience in alignment with Hilton brand standards and AAA Four Diamond guidelines.

Enhancements also include the debut of Junction at Penn Café, a new Hilton café and market concept.

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3600 Sansom Street

Size:

248 Guestrooms, 17,450 square feet of event space

Completion:

October 2026

Penn Museum Renovations: Coxe/Harrison Phase 2

4

5

The largest renovation in the Penn Museum’s history began in fall 2017, with the renovation work expected to be completed in three phases. Construction recently wrapped up on phase two, which includes the continued renovation to portions of the Coxe Egyptian Wing, as well as a major renovation of the Museum’s Lower and Upper Egypt Galleries, which were first opened to the public in 1926. Additionally, phase two includes refurbishment of the Collections storage area and the museum’s Academic Wing.

Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3260 South Street

Size:

25,000 square feet

Completion:

August 2025

Physical Sciences Building A renovation of the David Rittenhouse Laboratory (DRL) and construction of a new Physical Sciences Building on Penn’s campus will provide facilities to support the integration of teaching and research across multiple disciplines in the physical sciences including: Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. This School of Arts and Sciences project will provide state-of-the-art teaching, collaboration, research, and office spaces, while facilitating a modernization of the 1967 addition to DRL. Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Address:

33rd and Walnut Streets

Size:

325,600 square feet

Completion:

2031

6 5

Real Estate Development

19

Academic 7

Platt Student Performing Arts Center The University’s new Platt Performing Arts Center is being constructed along Woodland Walk and 33rd Street (between Walnut and Chestnut Streets).

The design includes a 300-seat proscenium theater, a 125-seat studio theater with flexible performance and rehearsal capabilities, five rehearsal studios, support spaces, and a loading dock. The building will provide a dedicated, flexible, and modern facility for the University’s growing student performing arts community.

8

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Address:

33rd & Chestnut Streets

Size:

38,700 square feet

Completion:

Winter 2026-2027

The Quadrangle Renovation Penn's historic Quadrangle dormitories, originally constructed in 1895, are being renovated at the corner of Spruce and 36 th Streets for Penn’s Business Services in a phased summer construction process, accommodating students living in the dorms during the academic year. The renovations include new restrooms and finishes in student rooms, increased ADA accessibility, and replacement of aging infrastructure systems.

20

Real Estate Development

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3700 Spruce Street

Size:

520,000 square feet

Completion:

August 2026

Academic Sansom Place West Redevelopment

9

As part of Penn’s priority reinvestment in its graduate student housing, the University is engaging a private developer and operator to create a moderately priced housing option primarily for graduate students through a ground lease. Sansom Place West, located at the core of campus, will undergo a redevelopment project.

When completed, the project will be comprised of approximately 400 studios and 45 two-bedroom units and accompanying common area amenities.

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania & Greystar

Address:

3650 Chestnut Street

Size:

218,000 square feet

Completion:

Fall 2027

Weightman Hall Gymnasium Renovation

10

Weightman Hall Gymnasium — site of the first collegiate wrestling tournament — will be transformed into the Pottruck‑Reina Wrestling Center, the future home of Penn Wrestling. The renovation will relocate the varsity practice facility to the second floor and create an 8,900‑square‑foot Wrestling Room in place of the former basketball gym. A new Team Complex will replace the gym-adjacent Donaldson Room, adding modern locker rooms and training amenities.

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

235 South 33rd Street

Size:

16,500 square feet

Completion:

Spring 2028

Real Estate Development

21

Academic 11

12

13

Stuart Weitzman Hall The first major capital project for the Weitzman School of Design in more than 50 years, Stuart Weitzman Hall was recently renovated and expanded, doubling the existing space with a new addition on the east side. The project features 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 34th Street entrance.

Developer:

The University of Pennsylvania

Location:

205 South 34th Street

Size:

41,000 square feet

Completion:

Fall 2025

Stuart Weitzman Theater This new multi-purpose addition to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will provide more student rehearsal and performance space on campus.

Adjacent to the Annenberg Plaza, it will create a new identity, improved access, and an expanded entrance to the Annenberg Center. Plans include a 150-seat performance venue in a telescopic seating configuration or 200 seats in a flat-floor configuration; a new outdoor performance space fronting the plaza; dressing rooms and supporting back-of-house amenities.

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3680 Walnut Street

Size:

9,500 square feet

Completion:

Summer 2029

Zilberman Family Center for Global Collections The redesigned Center for Global Collections on the fifth floor of Van Pelt– Dietrich Library will become the new home of the Zilberman Center and is part of a broader effort to modernize library spaces for today’s learners.

The renovation will create a new gallery for global collections and a flexible event and discussion space. Renovations will also update staff offices, replace existing book stacks with ADA‑accessible shelving, and improve amenities.

22

Real Estate Development

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3420 Walnut Street

Size:

26,700 square feet

Completion:

Summer 2027

Commercial 3001 JFK Blvd: The East Tower 3001 JFK will be a 34-story, 825,000 SF tower designed to set a new standard for office and life sciences 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

3201 Cuthbert Street 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, it features ground floor retail and restaurant space, 11 stories of research, laboratory, and office accommodations. The project includes expanded floor-to-floor heights, a HVAC system specially designed for laboratory research, fully enclosed loading docks, best practice chemical storage space and pH neutralization capability, and generous amounts of space designated for tenant equipment and vertical shaft infrastructure. The project is targeting LEED Gold Certification.

Developer:

Gattuso Development Partners

Location:

3201 Cuthbert Street

Size:

519,647 square feet

Completion:

Fall 2025

3440 Market 3440 Market is a renovation of a 118,000 square foot, 6-story office building.

With 60,000 square feet of space available, 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 offers a more contemporary streetscape, façade, and lobby experience.

Developer:

Wexford Science + Technology and Ventas

Location:

3440 Market Street

Size:

118,000 square feet

Completion:

December 2025

14

15

16

Real Estate Development

23

Commercial 17

18

19

24

Real Estate Development

3600 Civic Center Blvd Overbuild Phase 2 of construction at 3600 Civic Center Boulevard added eight floors to the existing 250,000 square foot, seven-story office building, completed in 2019. The new floors house teams from the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at Penn, a global hub for autoimmunity research and the leader of the Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity, and the High-Throughput Institute for Discovery, a specialized lab enabling testing on patient samples to help make diagnoses and guide treatments. The building will also house a new BSL-3 (Biosafety Level 3) lab, which is specially equipped to handle infectious disease specimens.

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3600 Civic Center Boulevard

Size:

217,000 additional square feet

Completion:

September 2025

3711 Market 3711 Market Street is a 10-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 underwent a refresh of the common areas and lobby to complement investments in the base building for supporting increased lab capacity.

Developer:

Wexford 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:

Wexford Science + Technology, Ventas, and University City Science Center

Location:

3838 Market Street

Size:

450,000 square feet

Completion:

2028

Commercial 4.0 University Place A community is made up of people, while a neighborhood is made up of homes.

University Place 4.0 was inspired by a desire to provide the local community with a project they could be proud of, a new kind of sustainable neighborhood that could become a home. Featuring up to 450 residential units, along with high-value amenities, services, and retail, University Place 4.0 will be a beacon for future developers aspiring to create sustainable urban corridors. As part of University Place Associates’ Platinum Corridor, this dual-tower, mixed-use, multifamily residence sits at the heart of the community, bridging the gap between the health and education systems, and the neighborhood.

Developer:

University Place Associates (UPA)

Location:

4055 Market Street | The Platinum Corridor

Size:

450,000 square feet

Completion:

Commencing Q2 of 2027

5.0 University Place The 5.0 University Place project is a planned five-story, 168,000-square-foot parking garage development that serves as a vital extension of the University Place master plan. This modern facility is designed to blend commercial innovation with significant community-focused amenities, most notably the inclusion of a dedicated dog park that will be accessible to neighborhood residents. The building's scale and strategic location allow it to act as a bridge between the academic core and the surrounding residential community, providing a high-quality environment that balances professional utility with community-centric outdoor infrastructure.

Developer:

University Place Associates (UPA) + Silverstein Properties

Location:

17 North 41st Street

Size:

168,000 square feet

Completion:

Q1 2027

Gather Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards Opened in the fall of 2025, Gather Food Hall at the Bulletin Building has brought together six diverse vendors, offering a mix of chef-driven concepts and fast-casual favorites. Designed for both convenience and connection, the space features indoor and outdoor seating, year-round programming, and design touches that honor the Bulletin Building’s history. This new culinary destination serves office tenants, students, locals, and visitors for lunch and dinner, with a full-service bar.

Developer:

Brandywine Realty Trust

Location:

3025 Market Street | The Bulletin Building

Size:

12,000 square feet

Completion:

Q4 2025

20

21

22

Real Estate Development

25

Commercial 23

Roche Gene Therapy Innovation Center The Roche Group is building on the legacy of Spark Therapeutics, which the company acquired in 2019, with ongoing investments in the construction of the Gene Therapy Innovation Center (GTIC). This 500,000 square-foot, multi-story building located in the heart of University City is intended to serve as a Roche center of excellence for gene therapy manufacturing globally.

The new space will allow cross-functional teams to come together and work side by side with unprecedented collaboration to unlock the power of gene therapy and accelerate healthcare transformation.

24

Developer:

Roche/Genentech

Address:

3001 Chestnut Street

Size:

500,000 Square feet

Completion:

2026

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel The hotel will complete a comprehensive renovation in April 2026, delivering a refreshed guest experience in the heart of the academic district. The updated 332-room property will feature redesigned guestrooms, a reimagined lobby with library-inspired gathering space, and the debut of &More by Sheraton, an allday gathering spot offering coffee and breakfast items, as well as evening wine, cocktails, and light bites. Enhancements to the 24/7 fitness center include a remodeled outdoor deck for relaxing or private events.

26

Real Estate Development

Developer:

University of Pennsylvania

Location:

3549 Chestnut Street

Size:

332 Rooms, 10,000 square feet of meeting space

Completion:

April 2026

Commercial 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 belowgrade 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:

Wexford Science + Technology, Ventas, and University City Science Center

Location:

25 North 38th Street

Size:

1 million+ square feet

Completion:

2029

Ultra Labs Philadelphia

25

26

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:

Republic Properties Corp., Scheer Partners, & SEPTA

Location:

127 N 32nd Street

Size:

185,000 square feet

Completion:

TBD

Real Estate Development

27

Medical 27

28

25

Morgan Center for Research and Innovation Encompassing 17-stories and 350,000 square feet, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation will significantly expand Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) laboratory research space. Bringing CHOP’s total research footprint 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.

Developer:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Location:

2716 South Street

Size:

Phase 1: 350,000 square feet

Completion:

2026

Roberts Children’s Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Roberts Children’s Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), will include a transformative 26-floor expansion to the current hospital.

Designed to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients, this state-ofthe-art complex will provide world-class care and further solidify CHOP’s commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare. Roberts Children’s Health will set a new benchmark in pediatric care, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced services for families.

29

Developer:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Location:

3501 Civic Center Blvd.

Size:

1.3 million square feet (Tower building only)

Completion:

2028

Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Penn Medicine’s Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City is a state-of-the-art, $224 million center serving as Penn Medicine’s fourth proton therapy location, bolstering the organization’s system-wide approach to comprehensive cancer care. The new center will include two state-of-the-art Proteus ®ONE proton therapy systems and extend the footprint of Penn Presbyterian toward 38 th Street.

The first phase of the project added a TrueBeam® photon therapy system in summer 2025, doubling the capacity for photon therapy at Penn Presbyterian.

28

Real Estate Development

Developer:

Stantec

Address:

51 North 39 th Street

Size:

55,000 square feet

Completion:

Late 2027

Public Space 30

The West Philly Waterfront The West Philly Waterfront is a plan from University City District to create a new destination public space blending passive and active recreation opportunities. Current design elements include a landscaped promenade, two decks, a kayak grotto, a waterfront stage, and a signature fountain, all overlooking the Schuylkill River below. UCD is engaged in fundraising and the beginning stages of community engagement with a diverse cross-section of West and Southwest Philadelphia residents, ensuring the development reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

Developer:

University City District

Location:

Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue

Size:

46,900 square feet

Completion:

TBD

Real Estate Development

29

Residential / Mixed Use 31

32

33

30

Real Estate Development

3401 Hamilton Street Designed by Gnome Architects, this mixed-use project in Powelton Village will deliver 15 residential units in addition to a ground-floor commercial space on a site previously occupied by a strip-mall style deli. The four-story building received additional units from utilizing the City’s Mixed Income Housing Bonus for including affordable units and will feature a roof deck and five weather-protected bicycle parking spaces.

Developer:

Grit Drexel

Location:

3401 Hamilton Street

Size:

21,000 square feet

Completion:

September 2026

3801 Chestnut Street A new 13-story building from Sterling Bay and Botanic Properties will bring nearly 400,000 square feet of lab and office space to the corners of 38th 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 facilities, and a warehouse, plus the possibility of ground-floor retail.

Developer:

Sterling Bay and Botanic Properties

Location:

3801 Chestnut Street

Size:

392,000 square feet

Completion:

TBD

4011 Market Developers are planning a 12-story, 228,693 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:

North 40 Acquisition LLC

Location:

4011 Market Street

Size:

260,000 square feet

Completion:

TBD

Residential / Mixed Use 4400 Market Street The site of a former gas station will transform into a 65,000 square feet mixed-use project along Market Street. Rising seven stories, the building will include 84 total residential units, split between 78 1-bedroom units and 6 studio units, with 9 affordable units. Additionally, there will be a 2,700 square foot retail space on the first floor, facing Market Street. Residential amenities include 22 off-street parking spaces, 28 weather-protected bicycle parking spaces, and complimentary, direct access to the neighboring Fit Gym on Ludlow Street.

Developer:

Orens Brothers

Location:

4400 Market Street

Size:

65,000 square feet

Completion:

July 2026

The Felix A new seven-story mixed-use project with 128 rental units and office space.

Designed by DAS Architects, the first two floors are used by Intercultural Family Services, which contains 36,000 square feet of offices, therapy rooms, and training rooms after moving from their previous location across Chestnut Street in spring of 2025. The residential portion offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, a courtyard and green roof located in a setback over the second floor in the front, and roof deck on the top of the building. The facade features metal panels above the second floor as well as planters, new street trees, and bike racks. The building also features parking for 40 cars.

Developer:

International Family Services

Location:

4240 Chestnut Street

Size:

141,900 square feet

Completion:

Spring 2025

The Mark Philadelphia

34

35

36

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, 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 feet of office space located adjacent to the high-rise community.

Developer:

Landmark Properties

Location:

3615 Chestnut Street

Size:

473,000 square feet

Completion:

Fall 2026

Real Estate Development

31

Residential / Mixed Use 37

Mill Creek Station 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.

32

Developer:

Iron Stone Real Estate Partners

Location:

4601 Market Street

Size:

845,000+ square feet

Completion:

Phase 1 2023, Phase 2 TBA

Real Estate Development

Residential / Mixed Use Penn Canopy This two-building project, designed by Coscia Moos Architecture, consists of two 7-story mixed use developments on both sides of South 42nd and Chestnut Streets. The project engages the street with maximized retail frontage and an inviting approach to the larger building’s entry and lobby on the corner of Ludlow and South 42nd Streets.

Commercial space will total up to 14,000 square feet, across both properties. The residential floors above will include 199 apartments, with a mix of studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed units, private terraces, and amenity spaces for the residents, including lounge spaces, a gym, and roof decks.

The larger building on the east side of South 42nd Street will feature an underground parking garage with 35 spaces, an off-street surface parking lot with 9 spaces, as well as weather-protected parking space for 90 bikes.

Developer:

Quaker Lane Capital

Location:

4145 and 4201 Chestnut Street

Size:

152,000 square feet

Completion:

Q1 2027

Triad Apartments

38

39

Situated on a triangular lot on Lancaster Ave, this development brings 40 units and 9,000 square feet of commercial space to Powelton. Four 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 rooftop deck, gym access, a coworking/lounge space, and close access to the T1 Trolley Route.

Developer:

Vicintas

Location:

3748 Lancaster Avenue

Size:

125,000 square feet

Completion:

April 2025

Real Estate Development

33

Residential / Mixed Use 40

Westpark 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.

34

Developer:

PHA, MSquared, and LMXD

Location:

4401 Holden Street

Size:

575,000+ square feet (includes both phases)

Completion:

2028 (Phase 1)

Real Estate Development

Amtrak's 30th Street Station

T

he transformation of William H. Gray

This summer also marks a major milestone with

III 30 Street Station continues to gain

the first public opening of the newly renovated

momentum in 2026, reinforcing its role

South Concourse. Long awaited, this space

as both a regional transportation hub and a

will once again reconnect the Main Concourse

welcoming front door to University City and

directly to Market Street, improving pedestrian

Philadelphia. As the city prepares to host vis-

access and strengthening ties between the

itors from around the world for this summer’s

station, University City, and West Philadelphia.

FIFA competitions and America 250 celebra-

Once fully outfitted, the reopened concourse

tions, project partners are accelerating key

and reactivated space along Market Street will

phases of work to ensure the station is ready

enhance the daily experience for commuters

for its moment on the global stage.

while offering a more intuitive and inviting

th

arrival for first-time visitors.

One of the most visible changes underway is the expedited removal of the complex scaffolding

2026 will also see the opening of new office

system that has occupied the Main Concourse.

spaces above the station and installation of a

This critical step will reveal the restored ceiling,

special railroad-themed bell as part of the Bells

light fixtures, and general grandeur of the space

Across PA program to commemorate the 250th

while improving circulation and wayfinding for

Anniversary of the United States.

travelers. To keep renovation progress on track, work will transition to the North side of the sta-

These improvements continue to signal a bright

tion, including a smaller scale scaffolding setup

future for one of Philadelphia’s most iconic

in the North Waiting Room to allow work to

landmarks.

continue while the heart of the station reopens.

Real Estate Development

35

Employment

W

hile some job centers have struggled to retain employees as workplace patterns have shifted, University City’s employment numbers remain steady due to new devel-

opment, institutional expansions, and a burgeoning life sciences scene, and 2025 saw nearly 15,000 jobs posted by our neighborhood’s main employers. 79% of University City’s 84,000+ jobs pay over $40,000 a year, compared to just over 60% for Philadelphia as a whole. University City accounts for approximately 11% of all jobs within Philadelphia, despite representing only 1.69% of the city’s total footprint, and over 25% of our

workforce commutes from neighboring counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. A large percentage of jobs are clustered at the local hospitals and universities, but growth associated with nascent technology firms and the commercialization of research is also creating more employment opportunities at every rung of the career ladder. Leaders at the local, regional, and national level are taking note of the existing jobs and those on the horizon, and are actively working to invest in and accelerate our status as a regional leader in life sciences and biotech, including the newly created industry partnerships in healthcare and life sciences.

36

Employment

Percentage of Jobs Paying Over $40,000/Year

Jobs in University City 14%

85%

90,000 80,000

12%

75%

70,000 10%

65%

60,000

8%

50,000

55%

40,000

6%

45%

30,000

4%

20,000 2%

35%

Jobs in University City

25%

0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2007

2006

2005

2004

2002

2003

0%

2008

10,000

University City

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LODES Latest data available is 2023

Percentage of all jobs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LODES

79% of jobs in University City pay over $40,000 per year, compared to just 64% for the entirety of Philadelphia.

Percentage of Jobs Paying Over $40,000/Year in University City and Peer Employment Centers 100%

University City Philadelphia, PA (Citywide) Atlanta, GA (Midtown)

90%

Austin, TX (Downtown) Boston, MA (Seaport District)

80%

Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square) Madison, WI (Citywide)

70%

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland) Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

60%

Saint Louis, MO (Cortex) San Francisco, CA (Mission Bay)

50%

San Jose, CA (Downtown)

40%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Seattle, WA (South Union Station)

Employment

37

Job Postings at Largest University City Employers 25,000

Annual Job Postings

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023 2024

2025

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

In Demand Occupations at University City Employers 100%

90%

Postsecondary Teachers

80%

70%

Registered Nurses

60%

50%

Natural Sciences Managers

40%

Medical & He

alth Services

Managers

Physicians

30%

Health Techno

logists & Tech

Medical Scie

20%

Office & Administrativ e

Support Workers Clinical Laboratory Technologists Managers

10%

Nurse Practitioners Data Scientists

Project Management Specialists

0%

2021

nicians

ntists

2022

2023

2024

2025 Source:Lightcast, UCD Analysis

38

Employment

Top Roles at Major University City Employers Postsecondary Teachers Registered Nurses Natural Sciences Managers Biological Scientists Medical and Health Services Managers Health Technologists & Technicians Medical Scientists (Except Epidemiologists) Physicians Clinical Laboratory Technologists & Technicians Nursing Assistants Medical Assistants Postsecondary Education Administrators Data Scientists Supervisors of Office & Admin Support Workers Project Management Specialists 0

250

500

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

Source: Lightcast, UCD Analysis

Percentage of Total Employment Health Care and Social Assistance: 39.5% Educational Services: 35.2% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 6.4% Accommodation and Food Services: 5.4% Management of Companies and Enterprises: 3.7% Administration and Support: 3.1% Other Services: 1.5% Retail Trade: 1.3% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: 1.3% Finance and Insurance: 0.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau,LODES

Employment

39

40

Employment

0%

St. Louis, MO (Cortex Innovation District)

90%

6.5%

80%

4.9%

60%

4.3% 3.7% 3.4%

2.5%

1%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey

0% 82.3% 77.6%

62.5% 79.4%

50%

St. Louis, MO (Cortex Innovation District)

7%

Austin, TX (Downtown)

8% Atlanda (Midtown)

San Jose (Downtown)

Seattle (South Union Station)

University City

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Cambridge (Kendall Square)

Austin (Downtown)

Pittsburgh (Oakland)

Boston (Seaport District)

San Francisco (Mission Bay)

St Louis (Cortex)

Madison, WI (University Research Park)

Source: US Census Bureau

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

Unemployment Rate 0%

Madison, WI

59,449

40,000

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Boston (Seaport District)

50,000

Cambridge, MA (The Port / Kendall Square)

54,724

San Jose (Downtown)

60,000

Seattle, WA (South Lake Union)

49,069

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

70,000

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

67,555

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

90,000

San Francisco, CA (Mission Bay)

48,810

St Louis, MO (Cortex Innovation District)

110,000

Philadelphia

43,268

Madison, WI (University Research Park)

103,123

53,068

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Number of Workers

University City

2.5% Atlanta (Midtown)

50,308

Cambridge (Kendall Square)

20,000

Austin, TX (Downtown)

2.4%

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

3%

Madison, WI

2%

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

5%

Cambridge, MA (The Port / Kendall Square)

6.2%

Seattle, WA (South Lake Union)

6.7%

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

4%

San Francisco, CA Mission Bay)

6%

Philadelphia

84,118

0 Univeristy City

10,000

University City

University City and Peer Employment Centers Share of Workforce Also Living in Neighborhood 6%

100,000

5%

80,000

4%

3%

30,000

2%

1%

Source: US Census Bureau, LODES

Labor Force Participation Rate 100%

84.8% 88.3%

79.2%

70%

63.6% 57.8% 54.1%

40%

30%

37.0%

2.3%

20%

10%

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Employment

41

Higher Education

T

rue to its name, University City offers top options in the region and nation for undergraduate and graduate studies. Over 51,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate

programs at the neighborhood’s institutions of higher education, and

whether they’re coming from around the city or around the world, scholars are drawn to our neighborhood for the access to nearby employment opportunities, the beautiful urban campuses, and the vitality of the surrounding community. Both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University fared well in recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, with Penn ranked the 7th best national university and tied for the top undergraduate business program in the country, while Drexel excelled in similar lists for most innovative schools (#42) and finished ranked second nationally for its co-ops/internships.

42

Higher Education

Fall 2024 Enrollment 100,000

10,000

11,577

Undergraduate Graduate

17,631

14,108

7,844

1,000

100

170

175

10

1

Drexel University

The University of Pennsylvania

The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College

Community College of Philadelphia West Campus Source: Dept of Education, IPDES

66% of residents over 25 who live in University City possess a Bachelor’s degree and 32% hold 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

0

250

500

Certificate

750

1,000

1,250

Associate’s

1,500

1,750

2,000

Bachelor's

2,250

2,500

Master's

2,750

3,000

3,250

Doctorate

Source: IPDES, U.S. Dept. of Education, 2023-2024 data

Higher Education

43

Drexel University Selects New, World-Class Life Sciences Building at 3201 Cuthbert Street for Medical Research Operations

I

n December of 2025, Drexel University

focused on strengthening its research enter-

signed a landmark lease selecting Gattuso

prise, modernizing facilities, and enhancing

Development Partners’ and Vigilant Hold-

collaboration across disciplines. The decision

ings’ best-in-class life science development,

represents a significant advancement for aca-

3201 Cuthbert Street, as the future home for

demic medicine, research, and the life sciences

its medical research and laboratory opera-

ecosystem in Philadelphia, placing Drexel’s

tions. The long-term lease agreement, which

researchers in immediate proximity to the

encompasses four floors totaling 150,741

University’s academic core and to one of the

square feet, marks a transformative step that

nation’s most robust innovation districts. The

will bring the entirety of research operations

move will consolidate Drexel University Col-

for the Drexel University College of Medicine

lege of Medicine research functions currently

to University City.

located in Center City and East Falls, fostering deeper interdisciplinary collaboration and

Designed to meet the evolving needs of

accelerating discovery.

modern biomedical research, 3201 Cuthbert Street is a purpose-built life sciences facility

Beyond its scientific and economic signifi-

offering flexible, high-performance laboratory,

cance, 3201 Cuthbert Street also stands as

research, and production space within a highly

an important architectural icon. The build-

connected academic and innovation corridor.

ing was designed by RAMSA (Robert A.M.

The building completed its core and shell late

Stern Architects), the firm founded by the

in 2025, a major construction milestone rep-

late Robert A.M. Stern. The project embodies

resenting a significant step toward delivery

RAMSA’s commitment to timeless, contextu-

of one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated life

ally grounded design.

sciences projects.

The fit-out of Drexel University College of

44

For Drexel, the new space supports a broader

Medicine’s new space is anticipated for com-

long-term campus and research strategy

pletion in Q2 2027.

Higher Education

Higher Education

45

Healthcare

T

he neighborhood’s medical institutions—Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Michael

J. Crescenz VA Medical Center—combine to account for just under 52% of all jobs in University City, making them an essential component of the local economy. Both CHOP and HUP receive annual accolades for quality of care and as top national workplaces: in the 2025/2026 U.S. News and World Report rankings, both HUP and CHOP earned spots on the Honor Rolls for top national hospitals, and CHOP placed 38th on Forbes’ list of best large employers for 2026. Our local hospitals are also leading the way in new treatments, procedures, and medical technologies, and the forthcoming arrival of CHOP’s Morgan Center for Research and Innovation will add to our robust inventory of dynamic research facilities and labs.

46

Healthcare

Hospital Admissions

Clinical Visits

45,000

1,200,000

40,000

1,000,000

35,000

800,000

30,000 25,000

600,000

20,000

400,000

15,000 10,000

200,000

5,000 0

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

0

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Emergency Room Visits

Employees

120,000

20,000 PART TIME

100,000

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

PART TIME

15,000 80,000 10,000

60,000

FULL TIME

FULL TIME

40,000 5,000 20,000 0

PART TIME

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

FULL TIME

ALL STAFF

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

Births

Patient Beds

4,500

1,200

4,000

1,000

3,500 3,000

800

2,500

600

2,000 1,500

400

1,000

200 0

0

500 Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

0

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health

Healthcare

47

Penn Medicine’s Fourth Proton Therapy Center Expected to Open for Patient Care in Late 2027 48

Healthcare

P

enn Medicine’s Roberts Proton Therapy

Advanced Medicine, the largest and busiest

Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical

center in the world for proton therapy.

Center, coming to 51 N. 39 Street in Unith

versity City, broke ground in 2025 and is

The new center will include two state-of-the-

expected to open for patient care in late 2027.

art Proteus®ONE proton therapy systems

The state-of-the-art, $224 million center will

and extend the footprint of Penn Presbyte-

be Penn Medicine’s fourth proton therapy

rian toward 38th Street. The first phase of the

location, bolstering the organization’s sys-

project added a TrueBeam® photon ther-

tem-wide approach to comprehensive cancer

apy system in summer 2025, doubling the

care. Proton therapy is an advanced form of

capacity for photon therapy at Penn Pres-

radiation therapy used to treat many types

byterian. Photon therapy uses high-energy

of cancer by targeting tumors with pinpoint

X-ray beams and is the most frequent form

precision that protects surrounding, healthy

of radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

tissue, thereby limiting side effects and preserving quality of life. The new center is

Through a partnership with Children’s Hospital

intended to expand the cancer care capabil-

of Philadelphia (CHOP), specialty-trained pedi-

ities of Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer

atric radiation oncologists treat children at the

Center, and to build capacity in preparation

Roberts Proton Therapy Center in the Perel-

for a planned update of the Roberts Proton

man Center, and this partnership will extend to

Therapy Center at the Perelman Center for

the new location at Penn Presbyterian as well.

Healthcare

49

Transportation

N

eed to get around the neighborhood? You’re in luck. University City boasts excellent options for bicyclists, pedestrians, and commuters using public transit, earning Walkscore.com's “par-

adise” status for all three modes of transportation. Of the University

City residents who work outside their homes, 66% commute via foot, bike, or public transit. We welcome an estimated 63,000 inbound commuters every weekday traveling via public transit, regional rail, and other forms of transportation, and the total of 5.6 million Amtrak riders using 30 th Street Station is the highest number of passengers since we began tracking this figure in 2010.

50

Transportation

Commuting Style in University City District and Peer Employement Centers 100%

5%

19%

10%

20%

16%

15%

40%

75% 24%

15%

28% 5%

38%

50% 26%

5%

57%

26%

14% 11%

5%

4%

Philadelphia, PA (University City)

St. Louis, MO (Cortex Innovation District)

Public transit

Worked from home

Cambridge, MA (The Port / Kendall Square)

Walked

6%

4%

53%

2%

23%

0%

32% 24%

25%

25%

17% 29%

3%

3%

13%

13%

25%

27%

7%

2%

6%

4%

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

Carpooled

Drove alone

Other means

Madison, WI (University Research Park)

Due to rounding, totals may not add to 100% • Source: U.S. Census Bureau

66% of University City’s residents who work outside their homes commute by foot, bike, or using public transit.

Weekday Trip Method by Neighborhood 100%

450,000

90%

400,000

80%

350,000

70%

300,000

60%

250,000

50%

200,000

40%

150,000

30%

100,000

20%

50,000

10% 0%

Central University City

Spruce Hill

Powelton Village

West Powelton

Cedar Park

Auto Driver

Auto Passenger

Walking

Public transit

Biking

Taxi/Rideshare

Commercial Vehicle

Other

Walnut Hill

Garden Court

0

Total Daily Trips Note: Trips that start or end in the area, excludes pass-through trips • Source: Replica

Transportation

51

Weekly Out of Market Visits 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000

1/ 7/ 20 19 4/ 7/ 20 19 7/ 7/ 20 19 10 /7 /2 01 9 1/ 7/ 20 20 4/ 7/ 20 20 7/ 7/ 20 20 10 /7 /2 02 0 1/ 7/ 20 21 4/ 7/ 20 21 7/ 7/ 20 21 10 /7 /2 02 1 1/ 7/ 20 22 4/ 7/ 20 22 7/ 7/ 20 22 10 /7 /2 02 2 1/ 7/ 20 23 4/ 7/ 20 23 7/ 7/ 20 23 10 /7 /2 02 3 1/ 7/ 20 24 4/ 7/ 20 24 7/ 7/ 20 24 10 /7 /2 02 4 1/ 7/ 20 25 4/ 7/ 20 25 7/ 7/ 20 25 10 /7 /2 02 5

0

Source: PlacerAI

Daily Population 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000

Daily Avg. Inbound Commuters

Daily Avg. Out-of-Market Visitors

5 02

25

10

/7

/2

25

20

20

7/

7/

4/

7/

4

25

02

20

1/

7/

24

10

/7

/2

24

20

20

7/

7/ 4/

7/

3

24

02

20

1/

7/

23

10

/7

/2

23

20

20

7/

7/ 4/

7/

2

23

20

1/

7/

22

02

10

/7

/2

22

20

20

7/

7/

4/

7/

1

22

20

1/

7/

21

02

10

/7

/2

21

20

7/

7/ 7/

4/

1/

20

21

20

0

Daily Avg. Residents

7/

20

02

10

/7

/2

20

20 7/

20

7/

4/

7/

9

20

20

1/

7/

19

01

10

/7

/2

19

20

20

7/

7/

7/

4/

1/

7/

20

19

0

Source: PlacerAI

Amtrak 30th Street Station Ridership 6,000,000 5,500,000 5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Source: Amtrak

52

Transportation

Inbound Commuters Per Weekday Delaware County, PA North Philadelphia West Philadelphia (outside UCD) South Philadelphia Montgomery County, PA Center City Philadelphia Northeast Philadelphia Camden County, NJ Northwest Philadelphia Bucks County, PA Gloucester County, NJ Burlington County, NJ Riverwards Philadelphia Chester County, PA New Castle County, DE

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000 Note: In-person workers only Source: Replica

Average Car Trips per Day in University City 230,000

220,000

210,000

200,000

190,000

180,000 170,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2024

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2025

Source: Replica

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in University City 22,000,000 21,000,000 20,000,000 19,000,000 18,000,000 17,000,000 16,000,000 15,000,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2024

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2025

Source: Replica

Transportation

53

UCD Bus Ridership Year Over Year Change (2024 to 2025) 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

49

21

40

42

UCD Bus Average

64

-5% -10%

All SEPTA Bus Average

Metro (L, B, M)

Regional Rail

30*

-15% Note: Route 30 did not operate between 8/24/25 and 9/14/25 due to the SEPTA funding crisis • Source: SEPTA

Average Daily Unlinked SEPTA Trips

Daily LUCY Ridership 3,000

900,000 800,000

2,500

700,000

2,000

600,000 500,000

1,500

400,000

1,000

300,000 200,000

500 0

100,000

2019

2020

LUCY Gold

2021

2022

2023

2024

0

2025 Source: SEPTA

LUCY Green

2019

2020

Regional Rail

CCT

2021

2022

Heavy Rail (L, B, M)

2023 Bus

2024 Trolley

2025 Trackless Trolley

Source: Department of Transportation

Daily Trolley Ridership by Route 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

10 11 13 34 36

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Trolley Route 10 = T1 / 11 = T4 / 13 = T3 / 34 = T2 / 36 = T5

54

Transportation

Source: SEPTA

Indego Bike Share Trips by Station

12947 10250 7134

5105

3072

4849

7974 10061 11975 16909

6263 12836

27037 27439

15167 18337

8609 12605 14291

24516

4020 28647

6624 5024

5601

20231

5166

1837 5473

Trips Started 2132

Trips Completed 1883

20.4% of bike trips across the entire Indego network began or ended in University City in 2025.

Indego Trips

Share of Indego Trips by Yearly Passholders

300,000

1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000

200,000

1,000,000

150,000

800,000 600,000

100,000

400,000 50,000

200,000

0

2019

2020

2021

2022

University City District

2023

2024

0

2025

Philadelphia

Trips Per Year in Philadelphia

Trips Per Year inUniversity City District

250,000

45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Share of Electric Bike Trips on Indego 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

2019

2020

2021

University City District

2022

2023

Philadelphia

2024

2025 Source: Indego

Transportation

55

Trolley Modernization Coming to University City as Part of SEPTA's 12-Year Capital Investment Program 56

Transportation

Renderings courtesy of SEPTA

S

EPTA operates the nation's largest trolley

timeline for the T5 and maintenance facility

network, with 68 miles of trolley lines serv-

runs from 2027 through 2030.

ing West, Southwest, and North Philadelphia in

addition to Delaware County. As part of their

SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization team has been

12-year Capital Investment Program, SEPTA is

conducting community engagement to inform

investing nearly $3 billion into the Trolley Mod-

community members, businesses, and riders

ernization Program to transform the trolley

about the forthcoming advancements in Uni-

network into a fast, accessible, and easy-to-

versity City and West Philadelphia. By focusing

use system. Trolley Modernization includes

on community engagement and public input,

new, longer vehicles, new on-street stations

SEPTA can better address the needs of riders,

that will be fully ADA-compliant, infrastructure

the community, and stakeholders. For ongoing

and operational improvements, and potential

T5 outreach and engagement, SEPTA has lever-

end-of-line extensions.

aged pop-ups, open houses, and participation at community events, resulting in more than

The first route to be modernized is the T5

1,700 direct engagements to date. Through

(Route 36) which is currently in the design

its partnership with University City District,

phase. The T5 will feature new stop loca-

SEPTA has participated in UCD-hosted events

tions, safety improvements, and public space

and worked together on strategic outreach to

improvements that bring people together,

businesses along the corridor. The Trolley Mod-

including a 40 th Street Portal redesign. SEPTA

ernization Program will set a new standard for

is also building a new maintenance facility at

safe, reliable, and connected travel, advancing

5100 Grays Avenue with features that will help

a more accessible future for our community and

optimize trolley service and accommodate

strengthening mobility throughout our commu-

the new vehicles. The phased construction

nity and beyond.

Transportation

57

People

U

niversity City is home to a diverse cross-section of over 53,000 residents, comprised of young professionals, families, and longtime community members. Due in large part to the nearly

30,000 students living in University City who are enrolled at local universities, our population skews young (median age of 26.35), highly educated (68% of residents aged 25 or older hold at least a bachelor’s degree), and transient. Our local population is also very diverse— according to the diversity index, there’s a 66% chance that two random people meeting in our neighborhood will be of different diversities, compared an average of 46% across Philadelphia as a whole.

58

People

Percentage of Workers with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Educational Attainment

Population 30 Years & Over

Population 25 Years & Over

50%

100%

16% 45%

33%

46%

40%

40%

39%

35%

20%

75%

44%

35%

35%

30%

50%

35%

25%

14%

23%

35% 31%

42%

28%

25%

18% 0%

20%

University City

Philadelphia (City)

Ann Arbor, MI (Innnovation District)

Boston (Seaport District)

Cambridge (Kendall Square)

Madison, WI (Innovation District)

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

Research Triangle, NC

St. Louis, MO (Cortex)

University City

Philadelphia

High School or Below

Some College/Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate/Professional Degree

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Residence in Prior Year

Select Household Characteristics

90%

55% 50%

80%

45%

70%

40%

60%

35%

50%

30%

40%

25%

51%

20%

30%

39%

36% 27%

15% 26%

20%

10%

10%

11%

5%

0% Same house

Different house, Different house, Same county Same state

University City

Different state

Philadelphia

Abroad

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

0%

Married or Co-Habitating Couple

University City

Households with one or more people 65 years and over

Philadelphia

Householder Living Alone Source: American Community Survey. Does not sum to 100%

People

59

Age Distribution 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

2010

2014

2019

2023

2024

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Source: American Community Survey

Population 55,000

53,446

53,753

53,158

50,000

45,000

40,000

46,364

1990

47,357

2000

48,787

2010

2020

2023

2024

Source: US Census Bureau, Decennial Census. American Community Survey

60

People

Diversity The probability that any two residents are of different races

LESS THAN 5%

5-10%

10-15% 15-20%

20-25% 25-30% 30-35% 35-40% 40-45% 45-50% 50-55% 55-60% 60-65% 65-70% 70-75% 75-80% GREATER THAN 80%

LOW RESIDENTIAL POPULATION

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

There’s a 66% chance that two random people who live in University City meeting will be of different diversities, compared to an average of 46% for across all census tracts in Philadelphia.

People

61

Life in the Neighborhood

H

ow do you define a great place to live? For University City, it comes down to fantastic amenities, an excellent dining scene, diverse housing options, world-class transit, parks and public

spaces galore, and communities with distinct and unique personalities.

Options for housing are as varied as the residents, with historic homes, walk-up apartments, stylish high-rises, dormitories, and more. Over 100 acres of public space and parks offer respite from the city streets and places for people to relax, recharge, and spread out. The streets, sidewalks, and transit stations combine to offer excellent options for traveling within the neighborhood or to points beyond, and our neighborhood again earned a “paradise” distinction from Walkscore.com for walking, biking, and transit. An eclectic dining scene caters to every appetite, featuring a blend of longstanding mom-and-pop restaurants, cuisine from around the globe, and outposts for local and national chains.

62

Life in the Neighborhood

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) $600,000 $550,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000

Central University City

Spruce Hill

Cedar Park

Walnut Hill

West Powelton

Powelton

20 25 20 26

20 24

20 22 20 23

14 20

20 18 20 19 20 20 20 21

13 20

20 17

20 12

20 10 20 11

20 07 20 08 20 09

20 05 20 06

20 03 20 04

20 00 20 01 20 02

$0

20 15 20 16

$50,000

Garden Court Source: Zillow

Median Home Price and Home Sales in UCD 450

$600,000

Median Home Sale Price

350 300

$400,000

250

$300,000

200 150

$200,000

100

$100,000

Number of Home Sales in UCD

400

$500,000

50

$0

2000

2005

UCD Median Sales Price

2010

2015

Philadelphia Median Sales Price

2020

Number of Home Sales in UCD

2025

0

Source: Cify of Philadelphia, Department of Records

Price Movement by Neighborhood Change in Median Sales Price from 2024 to 2025

0% -2%

West Powelton

-4%

Spruce Hill

-6%

Walnut Hill

-8%

Cedar Park

-10% -12%

94%

95% Median Sale Price

96%

97% Sale to List Ratio

98%

99%

100% Source: Redfin

Life in the Neighborhood

63

Percent of Gross Income Spent on Rent in University City and Peer Employment Centers 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

University City

Philadelphia

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

Less than 15%

15-20%

Cambridge, MA (The Port)

20-25%

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

Madison, WI Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle) (University Research Park)

St. Louis, MO (Innovation District)

25-30%

30-35%

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey's GRAPI

More than 35%

Median Monthly Rent (March 2026)

Central University City

Powelton Village

Garden Court

Spruce Hill

West Powelton

Cedar Park

Walnut Hill

Philadelphia

Studio

$1,967

$1,450

$1,277

$1,172

1 Bedroom

$2,470

$1,615

$1,581

$1,403

$1,200

$960

$1,087

$1,200

$1,403

$1,203

$1,241

2 Bedroom

$3,779

$2,043

$2,016

$2,008

$1,375

$1,848

$1,634

$1,540

$1,665 Source: Zillow • Observed Rents

Street Tree Maturity: Average Tree Diameter 14 12 10

Inches

8 6 4 2

Life in the Neighborhood

l sp ita

k

Ho

ua te

ad Gr

n

Pa ssy un

ht ow

Ea st

Fis

rti

es

n

Lib e rn

No r

th e

nt

ery tow

ou

ew Br

irm Fa

us e

re

ten ho Rit

Sq ua

nk

ton

yu an a

as hin g W

ill

ity M

dC Ol

yH iet So c

era ge

y ty

Av D UC

ive

rsi

ow

Un ral

nt Ce

64

Cit

on elt

ill tH

es tP W

n

ark

aln u W

da rP Ce

lto

Hi

ll

we Po

ce ru Sp

Ga rd en

Co

ur

t

0

Note: Data excludes trees on interior of Penn and Drexel campuses Source: City of Philadelphia

Home Ownership in University City and Peer Employment Centers Median Home Price $1,800,000 $1,600,000

$1,625,000

$1,400,000 $1,200,000

$1,300,000

$1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000

$532,933

$200,000 $0

$563,909

$486,739 $278,000

$280,000

Philadelphia Citywide

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

University City

$327,500 Cambridge, MA (The Port)

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

St. Louis, MO (Innovation District)

$264,446 Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Madison, WI

(University Research Park)

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland) Source: Homes.com

Median Home Price per Square Foot (In Last 12 Months) 1400

$1,800

$1,697

1200

$1,400

1000

$1,200

800

$1,000 $800

$914

600

$600 $400 $200 $0

$233

$244

Philadelphia Citywide

University City

$242

$212

200

$218

Pittsburgh, PA Madison, WI Raleigh/Durham, NC St. Louis, MO (University Research Park) (Research Triangle) (Innovation District) (Oakland)

Average Price Per Sq Ft

400

$506

$408

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

Cambridge, MA (The Port)

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

Homes Sold in Last 12 Months

Median Price Per Sq. Ft

$1,600

0

Source: Homes.com

Volume (last 12 months)

Percent of Household Income Spent on Homeownership (Homes with Mortgages) 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

University City

Less than 20%

Philadelphia Citywide

Ann Arbor, MI (Innovation District)

20-25%

Cambridge, MA (The Port)

25-30%

Boston, MA (Seaport District)

30-35%

St. Louis, MO (Innovation District)

More than 35%

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Madison, WI

(University Research Park)

Pittsburgh, PA (Oakland)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey's SMOCAPI

Life in the Neighborhood

65

NEW BUSINESSES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Small businesses and new outposts for local and national franchises add to the appeal and character of University City. Here is a snapshot of businesses that have recently opened their doors:

CORIO

LITTLE BEAN

66

Life inPINK the Neighborhood THE GYM

Chai Nashta Corio Bebashi – Transition to Hope Blank Street Big Dean’s Hot Chicken Gather Food Hall Good Hatch Haraz Coffee House Insomnia Cookies Little Bean Kabobeesh Korea Taqueria Mango Mango The Pink Gym Plant & People Shop + Café Rally House Drexel Santucci’s Pizza Schmear Bagel Parlor Shibam Coffee The Soapbox TAP Esport Center URacquet Shop Uyghur Noodle King Wonder Food Hall

Life in theFOOD Neighborhood GATHER HALL

67

Neighborhoods and Schools in University City

ill Av

vd

Sch

34 th St

Central University City

Sp ruce St

nned y Bl

uylk

John F Ke

e

rA ve

Samuel Powel School/ Science Leadership Academy Middle School 36 th St

37th St

38 th St

39 th St

te

30 th St

41 st St

42 nd St

43 rd St

44 th St

46 th St

as

ce

e Av

ri n

o gt

n

e Av

ve rA e

St

rd

St

SCHOOLS Primary

Wo o

dla

nd

gs

h

e

in

ng

43

e Av

ut

Av

K

i ss

So

Jubilee School

ity

C

he

e st

e

e rs

Sp

ri n

ld

ore Av

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

St. Franics de Sales School

e Av

e gfi

Baltm

Univ

ar W

Cedar Park

Av e

en

nc

47th St

e Walton Ave C atharin e St

or

45 th St

48 th St

e

Cedar Av

Fl

Penn Alexander School

40 th St

49 th St

50 th St

Hazel Av

e

Spruce Hill

31st St

Garden Larchwoo Court d Ave Osa ge Av

Paul Robeson High School for Human Services

Islamic Education School

Henry C. Lea School

Pine St

La

33 rd St

Locust St

t St

Sansom

The Workshop School

Ave

nd 32 St

Chestnu

Powelton Village

West Powelton

West Philadelphia Catholic High School St The City School at Walnut St Walnut Street

Walnut Hill

St

rd 3 3 St

West Philadelphia High School

Baring

Powelton

KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary

St

n St

on St Hamilt th 37 St

39th St

Market

Garde

35th St

Spring

Middle Secondary

68

SCHOOL

ADDRESS

GRADES

TYPE

Henry C. Lea School

4700 Locust St.

pre K-8

Public

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

4400 Baltimore Ave.

pre K-12

Private

The Islamic Education School

4431 Walnut St.

K-8

Private

Jubilee School

4211 Chester Ave.

pre K-6

Private

KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary

4601 Market

K-1

Public

Paul Robeson High School for Human Services

4125 Ludlow St.

9-12

Public

Penn Alexander School

4209 Spruce St.

K-8

Public

Samuel Powel School

3610 Warren St.

K-4

Public

Science Leadership Academy Middle School

3610 Warren St.

5-8

Public

St. Francis de Sales School

th

917 S. 47 St.

K-8

Private

The City School at Spruce Hill

4115 Baltimore Ave.

K-5

Private

The Workshop School

221 S. Hanson St.

9-12

Public

West Philadelphia Catholic High School

4501 Chestnut St.

9-12

Private

West Philadelphia High School

4901 Chestnut St.

9-12

Public

Life in the Neighborhood

Life in the Neighborhood

69

NEW PUBLIC ART AT SCHUYLKILL YARDS ENHANCES THE PUBLIC REALM

N

ew public art and green spaces are

tracks. The park includes a viewing garden,

transforming the eastern edge of our

seating, and a dog park, along with a strik-

neighborhood in Schuylkill Yards with vibrant,

ing sculpture, “Galaxyscape Zone,” by local

accessible destinations for students, residents,

artist Anthony Bayne, Sr. The space provides

and visitors. Part of the larger Schuylkill Yards

a place for individuals and canines to relax

development, these additions blend creativity,

and gather.

recreation, and community space.

Between these sites sits “Schuylkill Falls,” an In 2025, Schuylkill Yards installed “Mural Row,” a

interactive mural by acclaimed artist David

narrow alley featuring 12 murals inspired by the

Guinn. The installation responds to move-

spirit of West Philadelphia. Created through a

ment, changing colors as people walk or run

collaboration between Mural Arts Philadelphia,

past, and draws inspiration from the nearby

Drexel, and Brandywine Realty Trust, the murals

Schuylkill River landscape.

showcase local artists’ interpretations of everyday life in the broader West Philadelphia community.

Together, these new additions enhance University City’s public realm, creating engaging

70

Nearby, Highline Park offers a 7,500-square-

spaces that celebrate local art, community,

foot urban oasis tucked beneath elevated train

and urban life.

Life in the Neighborhood

PUBLIC ART IN UNIVERSITY CITY Spring

32nd St 34th St

36th St

39th St

40th St

39th St

41st St

38th St

41st St

39th St

42nd St 42nd St

43rd St

44th St 45th St

46th St

48th St

49th St

47th St

e Av

Ki

dA ve

te es Ch

ve rA

n

sin es gs

g

e Av

W oo dl an

in

ld

e

r Sp

ie gf

e

e Av

y Av

on

Winter St

h

St

ersit

a W

t ng rri

Ave

Ave

So ut

Univ

Woodland Ter

re Baltimo

32nd St

Spruce St

Cedar Ave

St

Walnut St

Pine St

Larchwoo d Ave

n Powelto

Av e

31st St

Locust St

ste r

St 33rd St

41st St

Chestnut

ca

Garden

35th St

Market St

La n

37th St

39th St

Mural Arts projects Other public art

iew er v Riv

Dr

Source: UCD

Life in the Neighborhood

71

Innovation

U

niversity City is a nationally recognized hub for advances in science, research, and medicine. Cutting-edge innovations originate out of 2.4 million square feet of lab space in research hubs

including the Wistar Institute, Pennovation, B+labs, and uCity Square, among others. This confluence of labs, benches, and clinics contributed

to Philadelphia ranking at #7 in top U.S. metros for life sciences research and development talent according to CBRE. Discoveries initiated in University City spark billions of dollars in economic growth and attract international attention in fields like biotech, robotics, and medicine. In 2025, 205 patents were issued to University City businesses and institutions, who also accounted for $1.02 billion in NIH funding, good for 45% of all total NIH funding across the entire state of Pennsylvania, and over $33 billion in cumulative R&D spending since 2000.

72

Innovation

Research & Development Expenditures at University City Institutions

Cumulative Research & Development Spending at University City Institutions

$2,500

$40

$35

$30

Spending in billions

$1,500

$1,000

$25

$20

$500

$15

$0

New Annual Investments

Source: National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics

Cumlative New Annual Investments

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

$10

2010

Expenditures in millions

$2,000

Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

University City institutions combined for $1.02 billion in NIH funding, which accounted for 45% of all funding within the entire state of Pennsylvania in 2025.

Total NIH Funding in University City $1,200

46%

Dollars in Millions

$1,000

45%

$800 44%

$600 43%

$400 42%

$200 $0

41%

2005 2006

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

NIH Investments in University City

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Percentage of State Total

Source: NIH

Innovation

73

Patents Issued to University City Institutions 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024 2025*

2025 data is an estimate based on totals from 1/1/2025 to 9/30/2025, due to a

delay in the release of data from the US Patent Office. Source: US Patent Database

Patents Issued to University City Institutions and Peer Innovation Centers 1,250

1,000

750

500

250

0 2020

2021

University City

2022

2023

2024

Madison, WI (Innovation District)

Cambridge, MA (The Port / Kendall Square)

2025*

Ann Arbor, MI (SPARK)

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Research Triangle) 2025 data is an estimate based on totals from 1/1/2025 to 9/30/2025, due to a

delay in the release of data from the US Patent Office. Source: US Patent Database

74

Innovation

A

pioneering strategy led by scientists from Penn Medicine may help prevent breast cancer from returning. A first-

of-its-kind, federally funded clinical trial based on research from the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine has shown it is possible to identify breast cancer survivors at higher risk of recurrence due to dormant cancer cells and to treat those cells using repurposed, existing drugs.

Although breast cancer survival continues to improve thanks to advances in detection and treatment, relapse remains incurable.

For the roughly 30 percent of women and men whose cancer returns after initial treatment, the only option today is continuous, indefinite therapy that cannot fully eliminate the disease. Some breast cancers, such as triple-negative and HER2-positive subtypes, tend to recur within a few years, while others like ER-positive disease can return decades later. Until now, there has been no reliable way to identify survivors who harbor dor-

Pioneering Strategy Led by Scientists from Penn Medicine May Keep Breast Cancer from Coming Back

mant cells that lead to recurrence in real time, or to intervene with treatment capable of preventing an incurable relapse.

In a randomized Phase II clinical trial involving 51 breast cancer survivors, existing drugs cleared dormant tumor cells in 80 percent of participants. Three-year survival without disease recurrence exceeded 90 percent among patients who received one drug and reached 100 percent among those who received both study drugs.

The research builds on earlier findings that dormant tumor cells,

Photo courtesy of Peggy Peterson

often called “sleeper cells” or minimal residual disease (MRD), can persist after treatment. These cells can remain inactive for years or decades, undetectable on standard imaging, before reactivating and spreading metastatic cancer.

The research was led by Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE, FASCO, the Mariann T. and Robert J. MacDonald Professor in Breast Cancer Research, and Lewis Chodosh, MD, PhD, chair of Cancer Biology, both of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Preclinical experiments in mice showed that two FDA-approved drugs targeting autophagy and mTOR signaling could effectively clear MRD and extend survival without recurrence. Researchers are now enrolling patients in two larger follow-up studies—the Phase II ABBY clinical trial and the Phase II PALAVY clinical trial—to confirm and expand on the CLEVER study’s results.

Innovation

75

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Marks One-Year Anniversary of World’s First Personalized CRISPR Gene Therapy for Child with Rare Genetic Disease Photo courtesy of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

F

ebruary 25, 2026, was a special day for KJ

across more than 20 programs and 45 active

Muldoon, an infant born with severe carba-

pediatric clinical trials.

moyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency.

One year ago on that date, KJ became the

Looking ahead, CHOP researchers are pursuing

world’s first person to receive a personalized

causes and treatments for hard-to-treat meta-

CRISPR-based gene editing therapy, devel-

bolic disorders through CHOP’s Gene Therapy

oped by physician-scientists at Children’s

for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (GTIMD) Pro-

Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn

gram. They are studying conditions such as

Medicine, created specifically for KJ’s rare dis-

urea cycle disorders, organic acidemias, fatty

ease. Since first receiving the treatment, KJ has

acid oxidation defects, and phenylketonuria.

achieved meaningful clinical improvements,

KJ’s case is also spurring discussions about

such as walking and talking, as he continues

new approval models for personalized thera-

to grow and thrive.

pies, and a New England Journal of Medicine editorial highlighted the lessons it offers the

A milestone born of decades of research and

rare-disease community.

teamwork, CHOP has long integrated specialty

76

clinical care with research to meet children’s

On Monday, February 23, 2026, the FDA

most urgent needs. KJ’s personalized gene

announced a new “plausible mechanism”

therapy, a base editor delivered via lipid

framework for individualized therapies to

nanoparticles to correct his CPS1 variant in

speed approvals for rare diseases where large,

the liver, evolved from years of preclinical work,

randomized trials aren’t possible. Under the

collaboration between CHOP and Penn, and

pathway, all variant-specific versions of a gene

the NIH-funded Somatic Cell Genome Editing

editor would be treated as one drug, simplify-

Consortium. Currently, CHOP supports more

ing review and paving the way for more teams

than 80 faculty advancing cell and gene therapy

to develop safe, effective therapies.

Innovation

D

rexel University has launched an undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence and machine

learning. The program, which will enroll its first class

for the fall 2026 term, aims to equip students with both the technical proficiency and ethical reasoning skills to prepare for leadership in a world where AI technology touches nearly every field. Drexel has emerged as a thought leader in AI governance and education as the technology has become more widely adopted over the last few years.

Drexel faculty have been tapped to participate in national efforts to develop safety guidelines and design standards for the technology, as well as leading research into its applications for health care, education, materials science, deepfake detection, and infrastructure inspection. And Drexel researchers are at the forefront of studying its impact on the job market, teaching and learning, and social interactions.

Students in the machine learning and artificial intelligence degree program will learn from this

Photo courtesy of Drexel University

Drexel Launches Undergraduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

interdisciplinary group of scholars while exploring the intersection of AI and natural sciences, media, design, business, engineering among other disciplines. In addition to core courses in machine learning, intelligent algorithms, and systems design, students will engage in critical topics, such as data ethics and social aspects of AI. The program will also address transparency, explainability, and responsibility in AI-driven systems. Students will also be able to participate in experiential learning opportunities through Drexel’s co-op and undergraduate research programs.

The program reflects Drexel’s commitment to preparing graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded and impact-driven.

Innovation

77

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Schukar

Every Cure Set to Accelerate Thanks to Funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

E

very Cure, a nonprofit headquartered at

at a time, Every Cure systematically analyzes

uCity Square within CIC Philadelphia, is on

all FDA-approved drugs across thousands

a mission to save and improve lives by repur-

of diseases to identify the highest-impact

posing existing medicines. Its origins trace

opportunities. In just a few years, the orga-

back to cofounder Dr. David Fajgenbaum,

nization has advanced multiple repurposing

who nearly died from Castleman disease as a

programs and built a growing portfolio span-

medical student. With no approved treatments

ning rare and more common conditions.

available, Dr. Fajgenbaum helped identify and repurpose sirolimus—an existing drug—which

Building on this momentum, Every Cure

ultimately saved his life and has kept him in

announced in February 2026 that it had been

remission for over a decade. This experience

selected to receive up to $76 million in addi-

shaped Every Cure’s vision to ensure that no

tional funding from the Advanced Research

patient suffers when a potential treatment

Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). This new

already exists.

phase will support preclinical studies and clinical trials to validate AI-identified treatments

78

Launched in 2022, the nonprofit uses an

and accelerate them into real-world use. The

AI-driven approach called computational

funding marks a major step toward translating

pharmacophenomics to scan vast biomed-

data-driven discoveries into accessible thera-

ical data and evaluate millions of possible

pies, reinforcing Every Cure’s goal of delivering

drug-disease matches. Unlike traditional

faster, lower-cost treatments to patients with

research that focuses on one drug or disease

unmet medical needs.

Innovation

THE SCIENCE CENTER’S FOUNDERS FELLOWSHIP: DESIGNING IN THE GAPS OF CARE Photo courtesy of Airalux Medical, Inc

W

e often hear that an ounce of prevention

University of Pennsylvania when Freedman and

is worth a pound of cure. In health-

co-founder Yi-An Hsieh interviewed nurses

care, however, prevention frequently hinges

about daily clinical challenges. They learned

on whether patients follow through on clini-

that these breathing exercises are completely

cian recommendations, a challenge known as

self-reported, which makes it incredibly diffi-

patient adherence. Some innovators are focus-

cult for providers to monitor patients' usage

ing on overlooked moments in care where small

and performance. Airalux’s solution redesigns

behavioral changes can produce meaningful

the classic device to guide patients through

health improvements and cost savings.

breathing exercises while automatically tracking usage and performance. The device provides

Joshua Freedman’s startup, Airalux, is tack-

real-time feedback and reminders, helping

ling one such gap in post-surgical recovery by

patients feel motivated to complete the exer-

redesigning a familiar device used to prevent

cises while giving clinicians measurable data

lung complications. After surgery, anesthesia

without requiring additional oversight.

and prolonged bed rest often cause patients to breathe shallowly, which can lead to mucus

Turning that idea into a viable medical technol-

buildup, collapsed airways (atelectasis), and

ogy, however, requires more than innovation.

hospital-acquired pneumonia. Hospitals

Health systems operate on tight margins, and

commonly provide patients with therapeu-

new devices must demonstrate both clini-

tic spirometers—simple breathing devices

cal impact and financial return. The Science

designed to encourage deep inhalation. But

Center helps bridge that gap by connecting

they only work if patients use them frequently

entrepreneurs with clinicians, investors, and

and correctly. Research published in the Rhode

industry experts. For Freedman, those relation-

Island Medical Journal found that 26% of post-

ships—and the rigorous focus on stakeholder

operative patients used the device incorrectly,

discovery and clinical validation—are essential

while 38% never used it at all.

to transforming promising concepts like Airalux into deployable solutions that improve patient

Airalux began as a senior design project at the

outcomes while reducing costs.

Innovation

79

The Wistar Institute: Built for Growth

2

025 was a banner year for Wistar, which

and immunologists working with public-pri-

ushered in six talented scientists with

vate collaborators to advance clinical trials,

interdisciplinary expertise spanning cancer

personalized medicine efforts, and research

and infectious disease. 2025 also marked the

collaborations in the region and beyond.

opening of two boundary-pushing scientific centers—one created from more than two

With an eye toward advancing preclinical

decades of top HIV cure-directed and infec-

research into promising medicines, Wistar

tious disease research, and the other imbued

scientists continue the tradition of high-risk,

with translational science experience designed

high-reward research that will in the future

to advance Wistar discoveries toward future

save lives worldwide. In the new Center for

therapies.

Advanced Therapeutics, Wistar scientists use AI, biology, chemistry, and vital public-private

Wistar Science expanded into a new campus

collaborations to identify innovative drug dis-

headquartered in 25,000 square feet of state-

covery starting points and trajectories to derisk

of-the-art lab and office space at the Science

and validate the most promising pre-clinical

Center on Market Street in University City.

research and bridge the gap separating dis-

Armed with a deep understanding of viruses

covery potential from potential medicine.

and creating cure-directed immune strategies, HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center research-

These two high-tech, highly specialized

ers and biostatisticians are expert virologists

Centers coupled with six boundary-pushing scientists, make a Wistar Science force multiplier, and for 2026 will drive more discovery science breakthroughs to improve human health here and beyond.

80

Innovation

Photo courtesy of Wistar Institue

F

rom the mud, straw, and gypsum mixtures of ancient Egypt’s pyramids to the sophisticated materials used by Roman

engineers in structures like the Pantheon, concrete has long symbolized human ingenuity. Yet today, it presents a paradox: the same material that enabled modern civilization accounts for up to 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania—engineers, materials scientists, and designers— have developed a biomineral-infused concrete that blends 3D printing with the fossil architecture of microscopic algae. The material is lightweight yet structurally sound, captures up to

142% more CO2 than conventional concrete, uses less cement, and meets standard compressive strength requirements.

Penn Researchers Have Designed Cleaner, Greener Concrete that Absorbs Carbon Dioxide

The key ingredient is diatomaceous earth (DE), a porous material made from fossilized microorganisms. Its sponge-like structure improves print stability and creates abundant sites for carbon capture. As CO2 diffuses into the material, it reacts to form calcium carbonate, enhancing both strength and carbon uptake.

“Usually, if you increase porosity, you lose strength,” says co-senior author Shu Yang. “But here, the structure became stronger over time.” With optimized geometry, the team achieved an additional 30% increase in CO2 conversion.

Using the geometric principles of triply periodic minimal surfaces—structures similar to those found in bones and coral—architect Masoud Akbarzadeh’s team was able to reduce material use by nearly 60% while maintaining load-bearing capacity and maximizing CO2 exposure. By further refining the printable concrete mix to balance flow, stability, and curing strength additional tests showed the material could use up to 68% less concrete while increasing CO2 uptake and retaining 90% of compressive strength.

Looking ahead, the researchers aim to scale the eco-friendly material for full-size structural elements such as floors, facades, and load-bearing panels as well as marine infrastructure—reframing concrete as a dynamic, environmentally-responsive material.

Photos courtesy of Penn

Innovation

81

About University City District

U

niversity 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.

82

About University City District

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 organizations and create and maintain partnerships to ensure a safe and vibrant community that benefits all who live, work, and do business in University City.

CLEAN AND SAFE UCD SERVES the neighborhood 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. This crew works 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 2025, Ambassadors provided over 15,000 special safety checks for businesses, over 1,000 vehicle jumpstarts and lock-out assistance, and over 1,100 walking escorts. Our Public Space Maintenance team collected over 750 tons of trash from University City streets. In their third full year, our in-house Green Team expanded its robust portfolio of UCD public spaces to include a new streetscape intervention at 36th and Lancaster, which aims to calm traffic at a busy intersection. Together, our teams of cleaning and safety professionals work to ensure our neighborhood is a safe and welcoming environment.

36th and Lancaster Avenue Streetscape Intervention

About University City District

83

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 Manager of Outreach Support and Services liaises with our public safety personnel and external local agencies and non-profits to develop case management plans for unhoused individuals. In 2025, we tallied 312 engageOur Haircuts For The Homeless Event

ments with unhoused members of our community, developed case management plans for 58 individuals, and we successfully connected 44 people to shelter with Project Home and 16 to treatment services or permanent placement.

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 large undertakings like the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and University City Dining Days to smaller meetups such as small business Lulu Cafe's new location

networking events and our University City MIX networking series. Our Small Business Support Services are a resource for businesses planning to open or relocate, or simply needing help connecting with City resources. In 2025, we guided the owners of Lulu Cafe through a complicated relocation to their new storefront on 40th Street, we helped local business owner Kashmiera Harris open a second location for her daycare, and we supported the owners of Cleo’s Bagels as they expanded their popular business into a sit-down coffee shop called Little Bean next door. We also collaborated with the organizers of MEANTIME Philadelphia to create a temporary pop-up store for local vendors in a vacant storefront, and we served as a resource to many other local non-profits and

MEANTIME's pop-up store

84

About University City District

small businesses through marketing efforts, connections with City departments, and general support.

Transportation Planning SINCE 2018, UCD has worked with partners

walking distances of more than 68,000 jobs.

in a formal capacity as a Transportation

We coordinate with the Streets Department

Management Association (TMA). Through

to share news on major work happening in our

collaboration with major institutions, devel-

neighborhood, we serve as key collaborators

opers, the City, the Pennsylvania Department

with bikeshare program Indego to identify new

of Transportation, and the Delaware Valley

locations for their bike dock stations, and we

Regional Planning Commission, we’ve worked

plan and install public space interventions

to address pedestrian safety, traffic conges-

designed to offer traffic calming and safer

tion, and transit routing, formalizing the work

streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor-

these partners have collaborated on for over

ists, including a recent daylightling plaza at

20 years. Together with SEPTA, the TMA oper-

the intersection 36th and Lancaster. Our goal

ates the Loop Through University City (LUCY)

in this realm is to continue to assist in projects

bus, which in 2025 carried over 350,000 pas-

aimed at improving every mode of transit to

sengers to carefully planned stops within short

benefit residents and commuters.

Data Analysis and Application DATA DRIVES UCD’S WORK across all our

participants and partners in our Skills Initiative

departments. We use data to study pedes-

to deliver the best workforce training, and much

trian volume to help businesses adapt, to track

more. Our data findings appear in stories from

vehicular traffic and identify street and transit

local media outlets, in targeted emails and blog

improvements, to evaluate crime patterns to

posts, in internal and external presentations

map out deployment strategies, to monitor

and white papers, and are a key element of

usage rates of local public spaces, to survey

our annual State of University City publication.

About University City District

85

UCD Events OUR EVENTS AND MARKETING teams collaborate with local businesses, performers, and non-profit organizations to present standout community events throughout the year, with an emphasis on summer programming to draw visitors and business.

Whether we’re encouraging connections during networking gatherings or promoting the many great arts and culture activities on our curated community calendar, our events and promotions help add to and highlight the rich tapestry of things to do, eat, and experience within University City.

BALTIMORE AVENUE DOLLAR STROLL SINCE 2011, we’ve worked with local businesses, performers, and organizations to produce the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, one of our most popular and successful events. Attendees enjoy onenight-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 while providing invaluable exposure and brand recognition for local small businesses. In 2025, we collaborated with the organizers of the All Love Block Party to create a lively dance party and community market for local vendors to showcase their wares to a wide audience.

MOVIE NIGHTS AND OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES EACH AUGUST, UCD partners with the Friends of Clark 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 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the popular series with a curated selection of anniversary films. UCD also curates a series of musical performances at Trolley Portal Gardens, offering free, family-friendly concerts that support local talent.

86

About University City District

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. 25 neighborhood establishments participated in our 11-day promotion in 2025 and 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.

UNIVERSITY CITY SUMMER SERIES IN 2025, we extended our partnership with Wexford Science + Technology to present three free outdoor concerts at the Lawn at uCity Square as part of our revamped University City Summer Series. Our monthly summer concerts bring in diverse acts to appeal to a wide range of audiences and show off the signature public space. We welcomed house music legend Lady Alma, BlocoFunk, a local band blending funk, soul, and samba to create a unique dance experience, and Philadelphia-based ska band Catbite. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wexford to build this series by bringing top talent to the Lawn!

UNIVERSITY CITY MIX AND SMALL BUSINESS EVENTS 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 cornerstone 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.

About University City District

87

Community Members Enjoy Trolley Portal Gardens

Transforming Public Space OUR PUBLIC SPACE enhancements and inter-

on projects including the Clark Park Plan,

ventions, ranging from signature spaces like

which was approved to proceed with $1.4

Trolley Portal Gardens to small pedestrian

million in upgrades. We collaborated with

plazas and seating options, have set the

the Walnut Hill Community Association to

standard in the neighborhood. UCD creates

raise funds and begin work on the Walnut Hill

lively public venues designed to reactivate

Community Playground rehabilitation, and we

underutilized space, enhance communi-

provided our expertise to community groups

ty-building efforts, and spark interactions.

seeking to replicate our efforts, including a

We work from conceptualization and design

partnership with the Powelton Village Civic

to construction, operations, and mainte-

Association to install a new daylighting plaza

nance through our in-house Green Team,

at 36th and Lancaster Avenues to provide a

who are responsible for the upkeep of our

safety intervention for pedestrians, cyclists,

spaces. In 2025, we served as consultants

and vehicles moving through the intersection.

WEST PHILLY WATERFRONT

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IN 2024, WE REVEALED our bold plan to create

space will offer stunning views of Center City

an ambitious new public space called the West

and serve as a gateway to University City’s

Philly Waterfront. The concept includes the

universities, health systems, and life sciences

construction of a two-deck structure rising

companies—solidifying its role as a hub for

on the western bank of the Schuylkill River

talent and innovation. In 2026, we’ll continue

that will increase the community’s access to

our fundraising and planning efforts and for-

and connection with the iconic river. Span-

mally begin soliciting community feedback

ning from Chestnut to Market Streets along

to deliver a bold new public space that will

Schuylkill Avenue, this new signature public

promote equity and resiliency.

About University City District

The Walnut Hill community playground groundbreaking

TROLLEY PORTAL GARDENS UCD OPENED Trolley Portal Gardens in 2018.

safety while using cutting-edge stormwater

The $4.5 million public-private project,

management techniques and lush plantings,

located at the busiest at-grade rail station

all of which enhance the commutes of the

in the city, features a public space, pop-up

thousands of riders who pass through the

activations, and a fully outfitted restaurant

Portal each day. In 2025, we programmed

facility home to community-favorite Renata’s

Trolley Portal Gardens with events including

Kitchen. The project turned a bleak expanse

music performances, pop-up arts and crafts

of concrete into a vibrant and social gath-

activities, and other seasonal activations

ering space that has improved pedestrian

throughout the year.

THE PORCH AT 30TH STREET STATION FROM 2011 THROUGH 2025, The Porch at 30 th

In October of 2025, we officially transferred

Street Station served as UCD’s first foray into

stewardship of The Porch to Amtrak as part of

public space development and as a testing

their 30 th Street Station plan, but not before

ground for our approaches to flexible seat-

rehoming many of the iconic pieces of fur-

ing, data collection, and collaborations with

niture to local partners, including the Lea

local fabricators, performers, and art groups.

School and uCity Square.

About University City District

89

Workforce Development THE SKILLS INITIATIVE

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2025 WAS A YEAR for new ideas and new

Collaborative (KLSC) made strides in connect-

partnerships for The Skills Initiative, UCD's

ing regional life sciences leaders, providing

workforce subsidiary that continues grow-

resources and guidance to workers affected

ing as a national leader in economic mobility

by layoffs, and advancing strategies to attract

solutions. In the spring, we published a white

additional talent. In September, we launched

paper on the critical importance of job qual-

our second industry partnership, the Healthcare

ity as a driver of both economic growth and

Collaborative of Greater Philadelphia, bringing

workforce development. This fall, we partnered

together industry leaders across regional health

with Accelerator for America to make a Clinton

systems to solve talent challenges and build

Global Initiative Commitment to Action to share

equitable talent pipelines into and through-

our proven model with mayors and leaders from

out the industry. And outside of these major

across the country so they can replicate our

announcements were the daily impacts on the

success in their own communities in the coming

lives and career trajectories of the 316 Philadel-

year. In its first full year, our Keystone LifeSci

phians we served in 2025.

About University City District

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 to meet the demands of clients throughout the city. In the spring of 2025, the excellent work of GCW was acknowledged when Highline Park at Schuylkill Yards, a dog park and public space built in collaboration with Brandywine Realty Trust, Viridian Landscape Studio, and GCW, was selected as a finalist in ULI Philadelphia’s Awards for Excellence in the Open Space category. GCW crewmembers also significantly contributed to the ongoing renovation of the Walnut Hill Community Playground, which broke ground in April thanks to grant money from the Target Foundation and has made significant progress including the completion of a new retaining wall and the planting of a native garden. GCW continues to expand beyond our neighborhood, too, with upcoming partnerships on deck with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the City’s Taking Care of Business Clean Corridors Program. 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 2026 and beyond.

About University City District

91

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

Marketing 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

Business Services •

Regular building checks (exterior)

•

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

•

Graffiti removal, special UCD trash pickups, and public space maintenance services

Priority Collective Economic Growth As a UCD Champion, your investment also supports core UCD services, including: •

80,000 public safety patrol hours/year

•

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

•

44,000 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 40 th Street Trolley Portal and pedestrian 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 corridorsannual 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 President of University City District and CEO, at 215.243.0555 or at ssteltz@universitycity.org.

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UCD's Champion Program

Exclusive Access To Custom Market Research and Development Trends Average Daily Vehicle Traffic in University City

SAM

Predicted Daytime Pedestrian Volume in University City

A T A D E L P

Networking Opportunities

Marketing and Promotion

Priority Business Services

UCD's Champion Program

93

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Acknowledgements

UCD Board John Grady, Chair

John Hinke

Chief Investment Officer, Wexford Science + Technology

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

Sophia Holder, Co-Treasurer

Julie Ann Jones

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

Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Drexel University

Keith Kasper, Co-Treasurer

Joseph Kender

EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System

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

Daniel Bernstein President and Chief Investment Officer, Campus Apartments

Tracy Brala Senior Vice President, Ecosystem Engagement, University City Science Center

Mark Celoni Regional Vice President, Pennoni Associates, Inc.

Della Clark President, The Enterprise Center

Jeff DeVuono Executive Vice President, Life Science Division and Regional Managing Director – PA Region, Brandywine Realty Trust

Angela Dowd-Burton Community Representative, Garden Court Community Association

Kevin Krumm, Jr. Assistant Vice President, Outpatient Medical Healthpeak Medical Office Properties, Inc.

Margaret Livingston Community Representative, Walnut Hill Community Association

Phil Moses President, INTECH Construction, Inc.

Anne Papageorge Senior Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services, University of Pennsylvania

George Poulin Community Representative, Powelton Village Civic Association

Michael Scales Vice President of Business Services, University of Pennsylvania

Michael Froehlich Community Representative, Cedar Park Neighbors

Acknowledgements

95

96

Acknowledgements

UCD Team Sarah Steltz

Erica Jorden

President and CEO, University City District

Director of Human Resources

A.J. Adams

Kayla Kahan

Director of Strategic Partnerships, The Skills Initiative

Recruitment Coordinator, The Skills Initiative

Luke Antonello

Margaret Leidy Starke

Salesforce & IT Administrator

Daniel Atik Career Specialist, The Skills Initiative

Patrick Bayer

Director of Programs and Partnerships

James Mantell Controller

Chris Richman

Director of Economic Mobility

Vice Presidents of Marketing and Communications

Morris Burns

Alvin Rios

Manager of Applicant Experience, The Skills Initiative

Landscape Operations Manager, Green City Works

James Carter Public Safety Account Manager

Kyle DePass-O’Kane Program Manager, The Skills Initiative

Joseph Dizenhuz Manager of Research and Transportation Planning

Nick Edelman Vice President, Finance and Operations

Brian English Vice President, Green City Works

Salimah Fields Finance and Administrative Coordinator

Cait Garozzo Executive Director, The Skills Initiative

Alan Garry Senior Vice President, Public Safety and Community Services

Nate Hommel Director of Planning and Design

Erin Hopper Office Manager for The Skills Initiative

Mimi In Data Quality and Relationship Manager, The Skills Initiative

Rennia Rodney Manager of Partnerships, The Skills Initiative

Morgan Rogers Burns Vice President of Advancement

Shawn Ryan Senior Designer

Caitlyn Shauger Manager of Outreach Support and Services

Maurie Smith Managing Director, Keystone LifeSci Collaborative

Ryan Spak Manager, Project Rehab

Lauren Talley Senior Manager of Employer Services, The Skills Initiative

Dr. Romaine Thrower, M.Ed. Director of Programs, The Skills Initiative

Asia Whittenberger

Manager of Advancement

Elaina Wolfson Manager of Industry Partnerships, Keystone LifeSci Collaborative

Hanchao Zhang Landscape Designer and Sales Representative, Green City Works

Acknowledgements

97

Thank You To Our Publication and Event Sponsors:

98

Acknowledgements

Credits Publication Credits Patrick Bayer Research and Analysis

Joseph Dizenhuz Research and Analysis

Chris Richman Writing and Editing

Shawn Ryan Graphic Design

Photography Credits Ryan Collerd Page 93

Luigi Ciuffetelli Page 72

Pink Kix Media Pages 25, 67

Oak Leaf Media Cover, Pages 1, 4, 40, 69, 94

Margo Reed Page 24

Lora Reehling Pages 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 50, 58, 60, 62, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 91, 96

Alyssa Schukar Page 78

Ben Tran Pages 9, 86, 87, 90, 93

Berri Wilmore Pages 82, 84, 86, 89

Reproduction Of This Material All text, images, and graphs were prepared by or licensed to University City District, and no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of University City District. For permission requests, call the UCD offices at 215.243.0555, or email us at marketing@universitycity.org.

Acknowledgements

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University City District 3940 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.243.0555

To make a secure, online donation to UCD, please visit: www.universitycity.org/donate

universitycity.org universitycity @ucdphl @universitycity

100

Acknowledgements

3940 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104 215.243.0555 UNIVERSITYCITY.ORG