Phase Two of uCity Square Awaits Construction in University City, West Philadelphia

The seven buildings that comprise the uCity Square project in University City, West Philadelphia, are under various stages of progress, with three currently under construction and four more still under planning, to be built in the next phase. The proposed towers will effectively surround One uCity Square, flanking the building to the south and to the west and creating an extraordinarily dense cluster of buildings. Designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects and developed by Ventas Incorporated, uCity Square will bring 6.5 million square feet of mixed-use space spread across the 14-acre site. The three buildings will stand on North 38th Street, with the hotel proposed at the corner of North 37th Street and Filbert Street, and will rise 23, 18, 15, and 14 stories.

uCity Square four tower site. Image via Google Earth

uCity Square rendering aerial showing a redesign via State of University City Report

Massing for uCity Square. Original image by Google Earth, model and edit by Thomas Koloski

The development was revealed in September 2015 with a drastically different look and density. Since that time, One uCity Square has become the centerpiece of the project with an eye-catching design. The sleek building cluster will bring a modern look to the surroundings.

Site of One uCity Square looking north. Photo by Collin LeStourgeon

Site of One uCity Square looking east. Photo by Collin LeStourgeon

Site of uCity Square hotel looking east. Photo by Collin LeStourgeon

Site of Two uCity Square looking southeast. Photo by Collin LeStourgeon

Site of uCity Square tower looking west. Photo by Collin LeStourgeon

Out of these buildings, Two uCity Square is the only one with permits posted on the city site, accounting for the foundation, core, and structural skeleton of the 15-story building. The site for the building is a currently active paring lot that was constructed two years ago.

One uCity Square is projected to be completed in 2023. The other four could be completed by 2026.

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