Going green - without LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification standards hold a monopoly over colleges' sustainable construction projects. But a lesser-known alternative is beginning to make a mark at universities. Penn's master plan calls for the construction of a number of environmentally sound buildings, which will be certified as such by LEED, the widely used and expensive third-party review system.

Increasing economic troubles drive up construction costs

With gas prices sitting at $3.51 a gallon nationwide, many people are finding it harder to get around. These same prices are making it more expensive for institutions like Penn to fund construction projects. Recent economic troubles - especially rising fuel prices - are driving up construction costs, forcing universities and developers to plan ahead and take steps aimed at saving money.

Officials hope to prevent a U. City traffic jam

University City has a bright future. Those managing it just need to ensure that the future is visible past lines of cars and swarms of people in rush-hour traffic. The face of the district will soon undergo a decades-long makeover with planned development projects from Penn, Drexel and Brandywine Realty, the firm developing the Cira Centre South at 30th and Walnut Streets.

Group trying to bridge cultural divides

There's no denying that Penn students are a diverse bunch. About 13 percent of current freshmen are international students. Additionally, many students who are U.S. residents immigrated here from another country. Bridges For Integration is a new organization devoted to helping immigrant students assimilate into American culture.

Another new design for the bridge, from the community

After much delay, the South Street Bridge Replacement Project finally appears poised to begin - but community members are still trying to assert their views about the project. Community members have been critical of the design put forth by the city, and last month the South Street Bridge Coalition commissioned urban planning firm Wallace Roberts & Todd L.

Green needed to go green

As the University marches toward a sustainable future, Penn continues to make LEED certification a major initiative in its newly constructed buildings. But while institutions continue to strive for this goal, they are realizing that in order to build green, they must shell out some green in the process.

A sunny outlook for energy-efficient homes

As fuel costs rise, the benefits of solar energy are often touted - but solar power is easier to implement in some places than others. The construction of a solar community in Northeast Philadelphia displays the benefits of obtaining energy from the sun. But it also highlights the difficulties in applying such technology on a large-scale, such as at institutions like Penn.

Trying to touch the sky

Philadelphia is going through a growth spurt, and it's taking University City with it. As it stands now, the city is one of the smallest among its peers in terms of building height, especially when compared to cities such as New York and Chicago, where skyscrapers abound.

Another U. City campus expands

Upcoming development projects associated with Penn, including the $500 million Cira Center South towers, will be changing the face of University City for years to come. But Penn isn't the only institution changing the landscape west of the Schuylkill. This month, Drexel University announced that it will commit more than $400 million to the construction of 11 projects that will be completed by 2013.

News Brief: Zoning approved for green music building

Plans are underway for major renovations to the music building near 34th and Walnut streets. The renovations will include the demolition of the building annex, which was built in the 1960s as an addition to the historic 19th century structure. In its place, the School of Arts and Sciences plans to construct a silver-level LEED-certified building.

To build up, first step is to demolish

With the completion of Cira Centre South still a number of years away, for now, progress is being marked by subtraction. Before construction can begin, the Post Office Truck Terminal Annex building that currently stands on the site along 30th Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets must first be demolished.

A tree collection on its way to becoming even greener

A place that most students haven't heard of will soon become the site of the greenest building owned by Penn. The Horticulture Center at the Morris Arboretum, a project that could cost up to $11 million to be completed, is currently being designed by a team of architectural firms from around the country.

Even off campus, RA-figures plan events

Future residents of the Radian who plan on escaping all aspects of College House life might be disappointed. In at least one way, the Radian - a 14-story apartment building under construction at 39th and Walnut streets - shares a major resemblance to on-campus living.

Tax credit assists area developers

A bill passed by the U.S. Congress eight years ago is slowly beginning to change the face of urban development in West Philadelphia. The Hub, an apartment and retail building located at 40th and Chestnut streets, was the first project in Pennsylvania to take advantage of the New Markets Tax Credit program, created as part of the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000.

Little say for students in local retail

In recent years, more and more students have been able to grab a cup of coffee or go shopping - without leaving their apartment buildings.

Radian residents meet and greet

It was a bit like New Student Orientation all over again last night for next year's residents of the Radian, as they met with future roommates and hallmates for the first time. As construction progresses on the Radian, located at 39th and Walnut streets, its future residents gathered last night at Marathon Grill.

Radian construction proceeding on schedule

Over the past few weeks, a developmental eyesore has been replaced by the sleek exoskeleton of a new building. Construction on the Radian, located at 39th and Walnut streets, is progressing on schedule, according to developer Inland American Communities Group.

On 40th Street, a new Hub for retail, housing

The Hub, the colorful apartment and retail building on the corner of 40th and Chestnut streets, will soon be expanding across the street. Teres Holdings, LLC, the developer behind The Hub, is currently planning the construction of Hub II, which will be built on the other side of 40th Street, at 4001 Chestnut St.

Speeches, vigil commemorate MLK

For many in the Penn community, yesterday's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday was not simply a day off from classes - it was a chance to reflect on the life of a hero and to live out his message of social justice. From painting with youngsters to cleaning a school to an evening candlelight vigil, the University community celebrated King's 79th birthday with a jam-packed day of tributes and community service.

Dreidels, gelt and Gutmann

Strobe lights, music, karaoke and chocolate fondue - sounds like a party! Add Penn President Amy Gutmann and a student dressed as a cardboard dreidel and you have last night's Hanukkah candle lighting at Hillel. Penn Hillel celebrated the first night of the Festival of Lights with a party for the University community.