St. Joe’s is hoping to sell the entirety of the former USciences campus, and as a result, a community-based committee tasked with brainstorming ideas recently presented initial ideas to the Spruce Hill Community Association, reports West Philly Local.

The committee is made up of representatives of local community groups, such as Friends of Clark Park, neighborhood associations, and residents from West Shore. 

Potential projects include another university buying and occupying the space, building a residential neighborhood with roads and a commercial corridor, apartment buildings, or a school.

This process began last fall, when the university agreed to fund the committee, who were then asked to get four to five “guiding principles” for what the community wanted on the site.

The principles included:

• “Capitalizing on borders and topography” – Promote density while minimizing disruption to residents and nearby spaces.

• Connectivity and accessibility – Keeping community access. Green spaces, maybe roads. No gated communities.

• Intentional residential development – Consider residential development for low-income people and seniors.

• Commercial activity – Commercial uses that serve residents, like a grocery store or community center.

St. Joe’s hopes to sell the campus to a single developer, a process likely to take years to complete.

Read more about St. Joe’s plans to sell USciences in West Philly Local.

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