New Jersey Borough Showcases Town and Gown 'Instant Urbanism'

Glassboro State College became Rowan University and exploded its enrollment numbers. The borough of Glassboro and the university have worked together, and quickly, to accommodate all those new students.

1 minute read

November 28, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Right now, in the sleepy South Jersey borough of Glassboro, a chunk of Instant Urbanism has sprung full-blown from what had been a residential neighborhood right smack in the center of town, well away from any freeway," reports Sandy Smith.

The new "instant urbanism" development called Rowan Boulevard is designed and built to manage the growth of Rowan University—which has attracted so much growth since receiving a $100 million donation that left local and university officials scrambling for solutions.

Smith takes the reader through a chronology of the developments that came online, starting with the 884-bed Rowan Boulevard Apartments in 2009. Smith also notes the unique "public-public-private partnership" that has enabled the planning and development of Rowan Boulevard. " "Glassboro Borough, Rowan University and Nexus Properties all play a hand in shaping this new city-within-a-town."

Stay tuned, because there is still more to come to Glassboro.

Monday, November 20, 2017 in Philadelphia

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