The Inn at Penn

RETAIL

Besides the 40th street project, Sansom Common, the 3601 Walnut block, is the other retail anchor built on the campus’s largest surface parking lot since the mid-1970s. The project includes the Inn at Penn, the bookstore, the campus computer store, restaurants, boutiques, and student-friendly clothing stores along 36th Street. The images show the before/after view looking to the east in front of the hotel.

Summary of Part 2:

Through the second half of the tour, we observed Penn’s “planned” effort in the University City neighborhood, which has been recognized by many organizations. Kromer and Kerman conclude that “Penn’s experience shows that a reorientation of institutional structure, mission, goals, and strategies was essential to the University’s effectiveness as a contributor to the economic stability and social well-being of the West Philadelphia community.” (Kromer & Kerman, 2005)

Summary of the Spruce Hill Tour:

To conclude the Spruce Hill tour, let us think about the difference between the “unplanned” and the “planned” revitalization of the two parts. What physical forms of revitalization have you observed? Which communities do these forms serve? Are these neighborhoods gentrified? Which specific project do you think revitalizes the project most effectively? What other possibilities—not exhibited here—might Penn also have considered? 

It can be difficult to delineate a clear boundary between a gentrifier and a revitalizer. For example, although some claim the Dock Street Brewery to be a gentrifier of the community, we can observe many community residents go into the bar. Some gentrification-like stores, such as the Indie-Life Creative Studio between 46th and 47th, are operated by African Americans. Milk & Honey Market is also owned by a family living in the neighborhood for more than a decade. Were you trying to define a place as a gentrifier throughout the tour? What are your criteria? Are they still reasonable?  

Figure 13. (Left) A view east along the 3601 block of Walnut Street, with tiny McAlpin Street at left, 1964, and House of Pagano Pizzeria. Collections of the University Archives and Records Center. (Right) A contemporary view of the 3601 block: the Inn at Penn, upscale shops, and the University bookstore — Walnut Street components of University Square. Photograph by Michael M. Koehler. Collections of the University Archives and Records Center. © John Puckett.

Source: 

Kromer, J., & Kerman, L. (2005). West Philadelphia initiatives: A case study in urban revitalization: University of Pennsylvania, Fels Institute of Government.