Westward Ho! Philly Fulfills its Manifest Destiny

With seven high-rise housing projects planned for the area between the western edge of Center City and the University City Science Center, Philadelphia's development axis is bending westward. The city's ed and med sectors are providing the impetus.

1 minute read

June 24, 2013, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"High-rise construction in Philadelphia comes in waves," writes Inga Saffron. "The last big crest a decade ago brought in a handful of pricey condo towers, mainly clustered in established neighborhoods around Rittenhouse and Washington Squares. This time, the tide is rolling westward, from Center City out toward the universities, and it's looking like a tsunami."

"This stretch - from the tattered western edge of Center City to the University City Science Center - has long been an ill-defined territory, not uniformly academic, commercial, or residential," she explains. "The arrival of a couple thousand residents can't help but make these blocks feel more lived-in, and the bustle should advance the goal of knitting together the two sides of the Schuylkill."

"Although this isn't the only place in the city where high-rises are planned, the cluster tells us a lot about how Philadelphia is being reshaped by the new economy, with its focus on health care, university research, and higher ed. The seven projects are being positioned as adjuncts to the Drexel, Penn, and Science Center campuses, which are expanding with more employees, grad students, and researchers."

Saturday, June 22, 2013 in philly.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.