ULI Philadelphia is recruiting 10-12 members to serve on a two-day Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) that will provide PIDC with recommendations on improving connections between University City’s life sciences cluster to new development sites in the Lower Schuylkill District. In addition to the two-day engagement (May 6-7, 2020), panelists are expected to review extensive briefing materials prior to the initial in-person convening, which may include briefings by conference calls in addition to electronic background materials.

For 20+ years, PIDC and the City have worked closely with the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital to create a thriving medical complex and biotech hub in University City (UCity). Coupled with robust institutional R&D programs, this has led to an extraordinarily tight supply of life sciences lab space  and an urgent need for cell and gene therapy manufacturing. These uses are hard to site in UCity, due to vertical construction premiums and limited sites.

PIDC has identified existing buildings in the Lower Schuylkill, just south of UCity, that can support lab conversion, and two sites (owned by PIDC) that can support ground-up construction for manufacturing. The Lower Schuylkill, however, is perceived by developers and life science companies as distant and not easily accessible, with no life science presence and a low-quality industrial character.

Attracting high-quality development, responsible investment, and inclusive economic opportunity to this area is a key priority for PIDC and the City. PIDC seeks to partner with ULI on a TAP to develop practical strategies for positioning the Lower Schuylkill as a credible location for the next stage of life sciences development. This will include (1) a plan for aesthetic and functional improvements along access routes, and (2) an analysis demonstrating viable transit and non-vehicular transportation options, as well as funding recommendations for the improvements.