Drexel University to Transform Chestnut Street into New Gateway for University City

Drexel University and American Campus Communities will transform Chestnut Street between 32nd and 33rd Streets into a new gateway for Drexel and University City featuring 361,200 square-feet of mixed-use student housing and retail space. The groundbreaking event for the estimated $97.6 million project is scheduled for February 21, with a targeted construction completion date of September 2013.

Designed by internationally acclaimed Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the development will include two eight-story buildings that front Chestnut Street while maintaining an open entry corridor to the adjacent Creese Student Center. The broad use of glass at the street level combined with limestone will continue Drexel's progress toward creating a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use campus district enlivened by retail amenities. The building design will also include a 19-story residential tower at the corner of Chestnut and 32nd streets. The two-story street-level space will include retail outlets, neighborhood restaurants, and a new corner entry into the Barnes and Noble - activating student life in an urban setting. Upper floors feature student apartments with both shared and private accommodation options.