Officials see opportunity in 24-acre expansion

The University's recent acquisition of the 24-acre property currently owned by the United States Postal Service has far-reaching implications for all of Penn's 12 schools in terms of future expansion.

Although specific plans for the development of the property have not been finalized, it will likely become home to numerous athletic fields, retail outlets, classrooms and possibly even dormitories.

Faculty and administration officials have all expressed very positive reactions to the purchase of the land and to the direction the University is pursuing with the eastward expansion.

"It's part of a very compelling vision that happens once in a lifetime," said Eduardo Glandt, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. "It's bringing the city to our doorstep."

"The development of the Left Bank [on 31st and Walnut streets] was a tremendous step in filling the vacuum. Having offices and stores and restaurants and homes and people there will be wonderful," he added.

While renovation of the new property is still in the initial planning phase, different departments have various hopes for the development of the new land.

"We are expanding out of our buildings and working towards the kind of research that will require additional space, which we don't have" right now, said Afaf Meleis, dean of the School of Nursing. "This is an absolutely incredible opportunity to develop office space and lab space for interdisciplinary work and teaching and research."

The University's decision to expand in the direction of Center City has also met with positive reaction in terms of Penn's relationship with the West Philadelphia community.

"I think it is a win-win situation for everyone," Meleis said. "We want to expand our border, and we are not encroaching on the community."

Plans for the new acquisition include an expansion of the University's recreational space.

"We need more green space because we have [less] of that than we once did," said Samuel Preston, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. "Hopefully, this will be an opportunity to take advantage of the outdoors with athletic fields and places to play soccer and Frisbee."

"The plan to increase the greenery will provide more of an opportunity for students to mingle and connect," Meleis said. "And hopefully, we will walk more, and the campus will become more fit."

"Since we are expanding more eastward, our buildings will become more central," Glandt said. "We will be closer to the center of campus, but I think athletics will benefit the most."

Penn will not officially take ownership of the site until 2007, with the bulk of the development taking place between 2007 and 2017. Although the project will not be completed for over a decade, the long-term benefits can be seen even now.

"Twenty years from now, it is going to look like a terrific acquisition," Preston said. "I think the [University] Trustees are entrusted with determining the long-term future of the University, and this is a life decision."

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