University City Renaissance

Over the last 10 years University City has developed into an incredibly diverse, progressive, and exciting area of the city. A part of University City’s growth is due, in part, to the restaurant scene.

University City is usually identified as the area between the Schuylkill River and 52nd street. This small section of Philadelphia holds Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences, The Restaurant School and University City Science Center.

In the past two years alone, there has been a significant amount of growth. Three new apartment buildings, Domus, The Hub, and Radian Apartments opened. Jean Madeline, a salon and beauty school debuted in University City and the restaurant scene continues to explode.

An unprecedented restaurant, Distrito, opened in July of 2008 featuring unique and modern Mexican creations from executive chef Jose Garces. Gourmet chocolatier Naked Chocolate Café is opening its second location on 34th and walnut in University City.

“[People] know a good investment when they see it. They are seizing an opportunity,” said Mark Christman, Marketing and Communications Director for University City District.

University City District is an economic development organization. They organize programs to maintain cleanliness, help with basic infrastructural upkeep, and plan social events for the community to participate in.

The number of restaurants in an area may seem insignificant, but it can have a noticeable effect.

“I think it’s really key to a revitalization of an area. Especially if there are a lot of locals being employed and [restaurants] are using resources that are local, “Christman said.

Given the amount of universities and college students in this area of Philadelphia, it may seem that University City should have always been thriving. Unfortunately, University City is still shaking the stigma of an unsafe area.

“The potential wasn’t always prevalent. There are challenges to putting yourself along a corridor where there isn’t a lot of foot traffic,” he said.

Many students are leery of venturing pas the 40th street divide. According to the Pennsylvania Gazette, the University of Pennsylvania magazine, 40th street had become “an invisible campus boundary.”

“It’s a perception that carries on from many years ago and that perception, at this point, is way out of line with the current statistics,” Christman said. “One doesn’t need to be anymore cautious at 45th and Spruce than you need to be on campus.”

Restaurants and cafés typically seen in center city and old city are finally making their way into University City. Distrito and Naked Chocolate Café are just two examples of this.

“We’ve really been trying to attract other Philadelphians. Crossing over the river after 5:00 p.m. is acceptable and worth their while,” he said.

Christman hints of some new retail stores on 40th street, but can’t reveal what they are just yet. He does admit that there are plans for two more apartment buildings.

“The folks who brought us The Hub, are bringing a Hub two and three,” he said.

University City is not a typical college town. Unlike most, it is not flooded with bars and cheap hangouts. Instead, there are reasonably priced restaurants, socially conscious cafés, and of course a few cheap eats.

“I think it has a lot to do with young student’s savyness in 2009. [People] are interested in a more sophisticated experience, whether it’s from a restaurant or movie theater. Christman explains.

“There is healthy competition here; there are going to be more and more opportunities for people to explore the area.