30-story mixed-use tower to move into old Newman Center site

A plan for a 30-story tower proposes bringing 420 apartments, and 4,000 square feet of retail to the old Newman Center building in University City.

The proposal, which will go in front of the Civic Design Review at a meeting Tuesday details developer EPG Urban Multifamily’s plans the project at 3720 Chestnut Street. It consists of 26,500 square feet of space, including retail and apartments, with 40 underground parking spaces. It includes outdoor public space as well as a number of sustainable elements, according to the proposal.

Namely, developers plan to replace the asphalt that’s currently at the site with in ground landscaping and pervious paving, “to manage stormwater and dramatically reduce the heat island effect of current site conditions,” the proposal said. They also plan to use sustainable materials during construction, and make room to park over 140 bicycles.

The building’s facade will be designed to complement surrounding structures—it’s flanked on either side by stone churches—the proposal said, adding that the base of the structure will be brick and stone masonry. Above that, the building’s facade will feature metal and glass panels.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was under contract in January to sell the site and the student ministry will move into the St. Agatha-St. James Parish church next door, according to an article from Philly.com. Proceeds from the sale will go toward renovating the church basement, they reported.

• University City Newman Center slated for replacement [Philly.com]