One uCity Square is a 13-story, 400,000 SF lab/office tower that anchors Philadelphia’s University City innovation neighborhood. Developed by the joint venture of Wexford Science + Technology, Ventas, Inc, and University City Science Center, and built by a partnership between Turner Construction Company and McKissack and McKissack, it is a key component of the multi-phased uCity Square development—a mixed-use community designed to spur economic growth & foster collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, & the local neighborhood.

Designed by ZGF Architects, One uCity supports evolving needs in the life sciences & technology sectors. Its steel superstructure, complete with slab-on-metal decks and a high-performance curtainwall system, ensures durability & efficiency. Inside, expansive floor plates provide adaptable spaces for both established biotech firms & emerging startups, while a two-story penthouse and 5 outdoor terraces encourage collaboration and wellness.

Beyond its striking architecture, the building integrates public space to enrich the community. A 1-acre plaza called The Square featuring seating, landscaping, and a waterwall hosts activities such as yoga, movie screenings, and concerts, seamlessly connecting innovation with everyday life in University City. Located near Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of the Sciences, One uCity Square drives workforce development, internships, and training programs for students and local residents. It also fuels job creation, offering both construction roles & permanent research and office positions, while diversifying the area’s tenant mix through strong market interest from biotech & pharmaceutical companies.

The project emphasized community engagement & inclusivity, implemented a comprehensive program in collaboration with a neighboring construction project, Drexel University Health Sciences Building, to increase the representation of diverse workers and contractors on the project. Wexford and Turner hosted multiple outreach events for Underutilized Business Enterprises (UBE), ultimately achieving 48.2% UBE inclusion—exceeding an original goal of 25–30%—which amounted to $74 million in contracts for both projects combined. A sign-in book placed in the lobby enabled neighborhood residents to explore employment opportunities; 45 individuals were hired through this effort.

Turner also worked with neighborhood non-profit Public Workshop to commission picnic benches for The Lawn, a green space at uCity Square. Public art is a key component at One uCity Square: the lobby showcases a curated collection featuring artists with strong Philadelphia connections, and The Square is home to Ascendance, part sculpture, part soundscape, part shade structure that is a landmark and anchor for uCity Square and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Sustainability and resilience are central to its design. LEED Gold v4 BD+C: CS certification reflects advanced mechanical systems that optimize energy usage, dual power feeds for reliability, & touchless technologies that enhance occupant health while reducing resource consumption. Green roofs help mitigate the urban heat island effect and manage stormwater, while outdoor terraces provide open-air spaces for relaxation, fostering a sense of well-being among tenants and visitors.

Ultimately, One uCity Square is more than just a building—it’s a hub of innovation, connection, & community engagement. Through thoughtful architecture, collaborative spaces, & inclusive public programming, it exemplifies the future of urban life sciences development, solidifying University City’s reputation as a leading destination for research, entrepreneurship, & neighborhood vitality.

Project Partners:

• Owner/Developer – Wexford Science and Technology
• McKissack & McKissack – Construction Manager
• Turner Construction Company – Construction Manager
• Architect – ZGF Architects
• Architect/LEED Consultant – OZ Collaborative
• Structural Engineer – Keast & Hood
• Civil Engineer – Boles Smyth Associates
• MEP Engineer – AKF
• Landscape Architect – Andropogon Associates
• Lobby Art Advisory – Paradigm Art Gallery