Penn’s New College House West will be built near 40th and Walnut (Photo by West Philly Local).

It looks like the green space behind the Walnut Street library near 40th and Walnut will not remain open for too much longer. Penn has announced plans to build a new 250,000-square-foot residential building, New College House West, in the space where 40th Street summer concerts are held. The design for the building was approved last week. The University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees approved the design of the building last week.

View of the New College House West from 40th St and Locust Walk (rendering image by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects)

The new undergraduate college house will occupy a site bounded by Locust Walk, Walnut Street and 40th Street. The new construction will not affect the West Philadelphia branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, which will remain open.

The new project will serve as a “new western gateway to campus,” according to Penn President Amy Gutmann.

The project is designed by Philadelphia-based Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects, the company that recently completed the New College House at Hill Field. The 450-bed residence will include a mix of 6- and 5-bedroom two-bath suites and 4-, 3- and 2-bedroom one-bath suites and will house sophomores, juniors and seniors.

The construction of the $163-million project will begin in Spring 2018 and is expected to be completed by Fall 2021. More information can be found here.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two male suspects, who robbed and viciously assaulted a 26-year-old male Penn grad student. The robbery took place on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 10:45 p.m. when the young man was walking along the 400 block of South 43rd Street. The victim was beaten during the robbery and suffered serious head injuries, including a fractured skull, according to police.

Surveillance video captured the suspects later that night inside a convenience store:  Continue Reading

The Porch at 30th Street Station, built by UCD.

University City District, a nonprofit, had always insisted on building public spaces – parks, plazas, a composting facility – that were accessible to all. But, about two years ago, UCD’s Vice President of Planning and Economic Development, Andrew Stober, and his co-workers had a realization: When it comes to equity and inclusion, “We don’t really know what we’re talking about,” Stober said. With a new initiative called “Just Spaces,” they hope that will start to change.

UCD, which built The Porch at 30th Street Station, collects plenty of data on who uses its spaces and how, but it knows less about who doesn’t, and why not. Enter the group’s new self-audit, “Just Spaces,” which is focused on identifying groups that feel unwelcome at UCD’s public spaces, and to help welcome them instead. Most obviously, the initiative might examine proximity – Who can get to a space easily?; infrastructure, since even a swing-set can be inaccessible to some; and commerce, How expensive are the concession stands? Sometimes, inclusion just means selling something other than a gourmet hamburger.  Continue Reading

Exactly one year ago, on Nov. 8, 2016, Donald Trump won the presidential election. An exhibit by eight local photographers, titled “Resistance Photography: a Year of 45,” which opened last week at the Green Line Cafe at 43rd and Baltimore, marks the anniversary of that date.

The exhibit’s opening reception is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. All eight photographers – Kaltoum Alibrahimi, Chris Baker Evens, Darryl Murphy, Sonja Nosisa Noonan-Ngwane, Joe Piette, Kaytee Ray-Riek, Tieshka K Smith, and Rachael Warriner – will give their individual perspective on the many forms of protests, marches and public actions of resistance they’ve documented over the past tumultuous year.  Continue Reading

The race for district attorney in Philadelphia has been one of the most-talked-about local elections in the country, thanks mostly to the candidacy of Larry Krasner. But the DA’s seat is not the only one up for grabs tomorrow.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 7). Go here to find your polling place. Remember, you don’t need ID unless you are a first-time voter.

Krasner, the civil rights attorney who has promised major reforms, is running against Republican candidate Beth Grossman for the DA’s seat. That’s getting all the hubbub, of course, but here are offices to think about (click on each office for links to profiles at the non-partisan Committee of 70):  Continue Reading

The Woodlands third annual Gobble Wobble 5K Fun Run is back!

This individual or team relay 5K wobble takes you through the historic grounds of William Hamilton’s 18th century estate, 19th century cemetery and modern day urban oasis. Outrun the West Philly Turkey and support the neighborhood’s best running spot. Compete to win the first prize, a Thanksgiving turkey or tofurkey from Mariposa Food Co-Op! The 5K takes place on the paved road within The Woodlands Cemetery, with the start and finish line near the Hamilton Mansion.

Team Relay Entries: Each team member registers individually. Make sure to put down your team name. Each team member will run 1/3 of the 5K, so get your relay baton ready!

Register early, because the first 150 people signed up will receive a limited edition Gobble Wobble pint glass that you can fill with beer at the finish line, generously donated by Clarkville. All proceeds will go towards improving runner amenities at The Woodlands.  Continue Reading