Editing University City (section)

== History ==

=== Pre-University Era ===

The area now known as University City developed in the mid-19th century as one of Philadelphia's first suburbs. The construction of railroad bridges across the Schuylkill River connected West Philadelphia to Center City, enabling development.

=== Institutional Growth ===

The University of Pennsylvania relocated to its current West Philadelphia campus in '''1872''', moving from Center City to a larger site. Drexel Institute (now Drexel University) was founded in '''1891'''. These institutions gradually expanded, acquiring surrounding residential properties.

=== Urban Renewal ===

The "University City" concept emerged in the 1960s during an urban renewal effort. The University City Science Center, established in 1963, created a research corridor. Controversially, thousands of homes were demolished for institutional expansion during this period.

=== Recent Development ===

Since the 1990s, Penn and Drexel have invested heavily in neighborhood amenities, safety, and commercial development. The neighborhood has become increasingly affluent, with significant private development alongside institutional expansion.