Construction has been progressing rapidly at 3700 Lancaster Avenue, a massive six-story apartment building in the uCity Square megaproject in University City, West Philadelphia. The 304,907-square-foot project will add 463 new residential units and 157 parking spaces units to the neighborhood. YIMBY first shared the project in September, when foundation work had been completed and framing had begun on the first floor.
Rendering of the project via the civic design review.
Recent photos show framing well underway, with major progress at the site. A tower crane has been erected to help speed up the construction process. The irregularly shaped portion of the building shown in the above rendering is furthest along, with framing reaching the fourth floor. However, the section of the building just to the left of this is still only constructed to the first podium level.
Some parts of the project have moved farther along than others. The contrast in sections can be seen in this photo. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Based on the pace of progress, topping out should occur over the coming months, revealing the true scale of the project. The sprawling structure will be most prominent on Lancaster Avenue, the street that runs along the majority of the building.
Progress up to the fourth floor can easily be viewed from Lancaster Avenue. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
More progress as seen from Lancaster Avenue. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Not only will the project be within easy walking distance of all University City, commutes to Center City are also easily accessible via the route 10 trolley, which runs on Lancaster Avenue directly adjacent to the property.
View of the development. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
The project does a lot to balance out the uCity Square development, which is likely the reason why it is progressing first and so quickly. While the rest of the development is all office and education space, this section will accommodate residents that will be at the site around the clock and add life to the surrounding area during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays. Additionally, it helps soften the transition from the high-rise cityscape of uCity Square to the neighborhood of Powelton Village.
View of the development. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
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Previously, Schuylkill Yards was the more exciting of the two mega projects in University City. But UCity Square has proven to be the much more bold and ambitious of the two. I am looking forward to seeing this dense collection of buildings come together.