Brandywine Completes Community Park in Schuylkill Yards Development

by John Jordan Globest.com
Brandywine Realty Trust has completed Drexel Square, a new 1.3-acre community park, that will be part of its $3.5-billion master-planned Schuylkill Yards development in University City here.

The $14.3-million park, situated directly across from 30th Street Station at the corner of 30th and Market streets, is the first of several public green spaces that will eventually total 6.5-acres of the 14-acre Schuylkill Yards neighborhood. These greenspaces will connect 6.9 million square feet of workplace and lifestyle environments being master developed by Brandywine Realty Trust.
A host of city officials, including Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, and other dignitaries were on hand for the grand opening of Drexel Square on Monday.

“We are thrilled to introduce a new park for the entire community to enjoy,” says Jerry Sweeney, president & CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust. “Schuylkill Yards is designed to create a neighborhood centered around human interaction and unique environments. Our investment in Drexel Square was the first project within the master-planned neighborhood because we understand the social, environmental, health and economic benefits that green spaces offer to communities. Drexel Square lays the foundation for what’s to come at Schuylkill Yards.”
Designed by West 8 and SHoP Architects, the park serves as the continuation of William Penn’s vision of Philadelphia’s “Public Room”—a place for people to gather, rest, and be renewed by the natural world, Brandywine states. Conceived as an intimate, natural space within the urban environment, Drexel Square provides a clear transition from the city to a lush enclave, with 23 Meta Sequoia (Dawn Redwood) trees standing more than 25 feet tall lining the perimeter. The trees are complimented by an array of shrubs and perennials in more than 9,000 square-feet of raised planted beds.

The elliptical green lawn, measuring more than 12,000 square feet, features an abstract graphic overlay evoking visions of the globe, while also serving as a pathway for visitors. The custom granite benches, outdoor furniture and built-in lighting features will create an inviting environment for all to enjoy.

“When we selected Brandywine as the master developer for Schuylkill Yards, we knew we found a partner who shared our values of quality and integrity for the built environment and public realm,” says John Fry, president of Drexel University. “The investment made in this park will serve the University City neighborhood and all those who enjoy it— from our local residents, students, employees, visitors and more— for generations to come.”
Drexel Square park sits directly in front of the Bulletin Building, which Brandywine will begin construction on this month in partnership with Philadelphia-based architecture firm, Kiernan Timberlake. Together, with Drexel Square, the $43.3-million re-imagination of the Bulletin Building will serve as the centerpiece of Schuylkill Yards. Brandywine and Timberlake will reshape the building into a high-performing work environment. The renovated building will feature more than 200,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet of lab space, and is fully leased to life science company, Spark Therapeutics.

Following the opening of the reimagined Bulletin Building in early 2020, two ground-up developments are planned at 3001 and 3025 JFK Blvd. featuring office, retail and residential components. Drexel Square, The Bulletin Building, and the two “East” and “West” JFK towers are considered phase one of the multi- phase, master-planned interconnected neighborhood that will eventually host 14 acres of experiences unfolding within 6.9 million square feet of office, lab, residential, retail, hotel, and green space.

“This project isn’t just centered around one building,” said Philadelphia Mayor Kenney. “The Schuylkill Yards project is about the transformation of an entire neighborhood, and it’s impressive to see the growth of this neighborhood happening right before our eyes. This investment is a testament to the momentum Philadelphia has as a world-class city, and showcases the drive we have as Philadelphians to help this city thrive.”
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