Streetscape

The University City District (UCD) has been improving the streetscape along Baltimore avenue. The UCD is a place-making nonprofit organization that is “deeply invested in economic development and quality of life initiatives in University City.” (Sorrentino, 2015) UCD focuses on revitalizing the community through physical interventions, such as securing clean and safe streets, creating public spaces, reclaiming a park, and enlivening retail corridors. Their projects include the Porch at the 30th Street Station, the streetcar Portal at 40th and Woodland Avenue, and Clark Park. Baltimore Avenue showcases many urban design elements, some of which are UCD projects, toward a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

1. Signage: Though University City District probably paid for the banners, there is no UCD name on it; 

2. Furniture: At 47th Street and Baltimore Avenue, you will see a UCD bench. Similar furniture also exists in other areas, such as 35th Street and Lancaster Avenue.  

3. At 48th Street, planters expand space for pedestrians, promote the safety of street crossing; 

4. Lighting in front yards as well as “human-scale” lights on sidewalks; 

5. Open grilles on windows replaced solid “riot gates”; 

Figure 5. University City streetscape in the 1980s. © Anthony Sorrentino 

Source: 

Sorrentino, A. (2015). Philadelphia’s University City: A model of urban renewal anchored and lead by private sector institutional investment. Paper presented at the 51st ISOCARP Congress, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.