Community Initiatives - Science Center
The Science Center is actively involved in helping our community through a variety of initiatives. We work closely with groups like the Innovation Partnership and Select Greater Philadelphia to help grow the economy of our region.
We also work closely with local nonprofits like iPRAXIS and through our resident art gallery, the Esther M. Klein Art Gallery, on a variety of projects designed to improve science education in schools and classrooms throughout West Philadelphia and beyond.
Market Street Revitalization Project
Market Street is getting a facelift. Work began November 1 on a project to revitalize the streetscape on Market from 34th to 41st Streets. The project is expected to take 7 months to complete.
The goals of the Market Street Revitalization Project are three-fold and focus on sustainability, streetscape and safety. When the project is complete in May 2010, Market Street from 34th to 41st Streets will be transformed with new trees, sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles, bicycle lanes, improved pedestrian lighting and crosswalks.
Of course, there will be some inconvenience associated with the project. Here’s what to expect:
• Sidewalks will be demolished in preparation for new concrete, amenity strips and bump outs. Please use caution when walking and/or driving in the affected areas.
• Parking along Market Street will not be permitted during several phases of the project.
• Some trees may be removed to conform with City codes and the overall design plan. When the project is complete, however, more than 70 new trees will be planted.
• Lunch trucks will move to the opposite side of Market Street as their blocks are affected.
• LUCY service will continue throughout the project.
The project is funded by property owners and landlords along the targeted area of Market Street and a $2 million grant from the City of Philadelphia’s Restore Philadelphia Corridors program. Project partners include: City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Department of Streets, Planning Commission, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell; The Partnership CDC; University City District; KS Engineers; Maven Inc.; Wells Appel and property owners along the targeted area.
To view renderings of the completed project, click here.
To download the Market Streetscape Community Handout, click here.
To download weekly construction schedule updates, click here.
Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program
The University City Science Center is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and the environment by joining the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program. The Science Center has joined companies across the Philadelphia metropolitan area in making a public promise to change its daily business practices to reduce impacts on the environment. Like other members of the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, the Science Center committed to reduce impacts on the environment by adopting green operational practices. Click here to see the list of our commitments.
The University City Science Center’s newest building at 3711 Market Street in Philadelphia has been awarded LEED® Silver Level certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.