Bringing Life (Sciences) to Philadelphia

Decades after traditional manufacturing left cities, and urban renewal displaced whole neighborhoods to help shore up cities’ job and tax bases, Philadelphia has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest growing markets for research and gene therapy manufacturing. Much of that growth is centered in University City on property owned by Drexel University, which has consciously partnered with private development to establish an eco-system of innovation around its core campus, with the goal to expand potential careers and co-op and collaborative research opportunities for Drexel students and faculty.

This explosion of economic growth not only presents development opportunities, such as Schuylkill Yards, a dynamic, transit-oriented destination, but also challenges for surrounding neighborhoods including pressure on existing housing stock, availability of affordable housing, and access to new jobs. Interconnecting two major developments, which reflect third-party partner master plans, has become a primary goal of the university’s campus plan, which envisions conversion of various streets and alley passageways, and tactical improvements to several intersections, to create a seamless walking environment. Participants will visit the Cira Center for a panoramic view, then walk to significant sites, both completed and in construction, that demonstrate the complexities of collaboration between educational institutions and private developers.

There is some walking during this workshop.