Wiser, more experienced minds in the neighborhood civic are assesing ways to smooth things out, if possible. The job of the civic is larger and of broader importance than this one particular battle, as well it should be. The whole thing gives me a kind queasy feeling about Philly politics in general though I must say.

Stop by for a glass of wine and a chat Friday, if you would like.

With the slum lords in U.City, especially on Drexel's campus, the University is ensuring as much safe housing as possible. I am not saying that this does not affect those that call PV their home, but you have to see it from a student's point of view. With a rapidly depleating supply of quality housing, students are moving out of the immediate campus area to Fairmount, CC, South Philly, Etc. As a former student of the University, I applaud anything that it or A.P.I. does to offer safe housing alternatives to the over-filled residence halls.

First digging began today on the 34th & Chestnut project---I watched the backhoe dig first chunk of asphalt from my office window---onward & upward!!!

Ludlow 34xx block cordoned off, and lot emptied.

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SPM

Little ahead of schedule, this project wasn't supposed to break ground until mid September. The asphalt has already been removed. Big project for University City, nice opening residential infrastructure development. I would have been more than ok with a 40 story St.james stlye apartment tower but this will do.

The Science Center presented plans for development at a recent PVCA meeting (April 2005?). The plans include a hotel on the 36th and Market parking lot site, with lab building/space replacing the 34th and Market parking lot. The lab may be first to go up, starting within the next 12 months.

Incredible though, they want to expand the existing parking structure at 37th and Market. This with 30th St station a few blocks away, the 34th St subway stop, and the 10 trolley just steps away!

This with the new Penn development at 34th and Chestnut will be a big boost when done. Now to get rid of the Drexel parking lots at between Market and Chestnut on 34th.

Interesting, is that the parking lot that is in front of the school? So basically it'll be across the corner from the Sheraton?

The lot for the proposed hotel is at the Northwest corner of 36th and Market (yep, right below UCHS). But the Sheraton is at the Northeast corner of 36th and Chestnut...so theoretically the two hotels would be about a block away. However, I doubt anything will be built at the 36th & Market lot for quite some time. Its a shame, since that is such prime space...and really has the potential to link the Lancaster Ave commercial corridor and shopping at Walnut St.

I think UCSC would do well to mix up the scene along Market St. There are only so many institutional buildings and medical offices you can handle within a four block span.

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- George -

http://www.barackobama.com

No---it'll be across the street from my building, 3600 Market. The Sheraton will be a block away.

And--the parking lots and garages on the 34th between Market and Chestnut are both drexel north part AND Penn south part---the Chestnut St side is scheduled to have townhouses built on it---continuing east fomr those under construction today---Vilgiuus has rendering of the Science Center plan---nice additions proposed.

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SPM

Any info on the hotel? How many stories. What hotel company. Does University City need another hotel with the Sheraton and Inn at Penn?


Does anyone know why the apartments at 34th + Chestnut is so sprawling? Why not vertical, the next few generations may need that space. Seemed like the perfect oppurtunity to expand the skyline and save space.

IMO, that wouldn't blend well w/ the law school across the street (3-4 stories?) and the sci center buildings on market. that sheraton is already a beast.