Trends In Urban University Revitalization

Urban universities are using the West Philadelphia University Initiative as a model for how to turn their own neighborhoods around.

1 minute read

February 11, 2002, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


In the mid-1990s, when urban problems were emerging in West Philadelphia, University President Judith Rodin took stock of the two places she loved—her hometown, West Philadelphia, and her alma mater, Penn—and bonded the two through an impressive set of initiatives.Now, six years after Penn refocused its attention on the neighborhood and four years after the official launch of the West Philadelphia Initiative, the Current takes a look at Penn’s investments and how the neighborhood has changed... Penn and West Philadelphia have engaged in a mission to rebuild. The initiative includes a five-part plan to ensure safer and cleaner streets, attract retail amenities, support local businesses, encourage home ownership and improve public education."

Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism

Sunday, February 10, 2002 in Pew Center For Civic Journalism

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