University City on the rise

by Natalie Kostelni, Staff writer for Philadelphia Business Journal

There is a plethora of construction activity underway in University City. (I wrote about the construction activity underway in this week's print edition.)
While real estate development is on the rise in the West Philadelphia neighborhood, other positive indicators point to an area of the city that has reversed a trend of decline and is thriving. It’s not glimmers of success, either.

Jobs and employment have risen, population grown, housing stock increased, the number of restaurants and retailers crept up and the amount of office inventory has expanded and maintains an enviable 96 occupancy rate, according to University City’s latest annual report. An abundance of development activity is underway and billions of dollars more will eventually be set in motion. Learn more here.

While data reveal how well University City is doing these days, there is still work to be done, said Matt Bergheiser, executive director of University City District, or UCD.
UCD continues to work on the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, which connects residents with nearby employers. So far, it has placed more than 125 people in jobs.
Full story: http://tinyurl.com/lwklsdj
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