West Philadelphia
Phila. School District to close 23 public schools
The Philadelphia School Reform Commission approved plans Thursday to close 23 schools in the city at the end of the school year, including University City High School at 36th and Filbert streets.
Single car crash at 38th and Spruce streets
A single car crash occurred at the intersection of 38th and Spruce streets Friday around 2:45 p.m. The crash knocked down a traffic signal.
Penn Alexander parents rally outside U. Council
Demonstrators gathered in the freezing cold Wednesday afternoon on the steps of Houston Hall to protest the results of the lottery registration at the Penn Alexander School.Penn Alexander lottery concerns Penn faculty
The announcement of a lottery system of registration at the Penn Alexander School in West Philadelphia is causing many Penn faculty and their families to think twice about staying in the neighborhood.
Hearing on 40th Street mansion yields few decisions
No decision was made at Tuesday’s hearing over the controversy concerning the demolition of the historic villa at 400 South 40th Street.
New Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cafe opens
Café Renata will have its grand opening Friday at 43rd and Locust streets, where Café Clave used to be.
Penn Alexander parents meet with school district superintendent
When the School District announced at 6 p.m. on Friday night that the registration system for kindergarten had changed, many parents were upset.
Penn Alexander switches to lottery registration
School officials announced that tonight that Penn Alexander School would select students for its incoming class by a lottery system even as about 70 parents stood in line to register.Student groups adapt to Philadelphia school district changes
The Philadelphia public school system is undergoing some changes — changes that are rightfully capturing the attention of some service groups at Penn.
Artist-in-Residence Program exhibits local artists
The Artist-in-Residence program exhibited West Philadelphia artists in their annual “Friends and Neighbors” show this weekend.
While W. Philadelphia parishes merge, Catholic life on campus thrives
Due to low funding and attendance, six parishes in West Philadelphia will merge to become three later this month. Catholic organizations at Penn, however, manage to maintain membership by straying from a strictly worship-based community model.Nursing School's new curriculum focuses on culturally sensitive care
Even outside the curriculum, students volunteer their time at community outreach programs responsive to the needs of West Philadelphia residents.
Campus Apartments looks back on West Philadelphia roots
The company currently owns a portfolio of nearly $200 million of real estate comprising 145 properties across the country.
Sale of old West Philly High School still pending
According to its budget plan, the school district expects to receive $28 million from the sale of unused school facilities through 2017.
New retail and dining options to replace church on Sansom Street
The Fortieth Street M.E. Church will be demolished and replaced with a contemporary glass-front retail space that will house four new dining and shopping options, including Dunkin’ Donuts, Whirled Peace Frozen Yogurt and Philadelphia Chutney Company. The fourth property is still available for lease.
Swaying the vote, one Barbie at a time
The shrine belongs to Jacqui Bowman, a former consulting scholar for the Penn Museum who earned a certificate of executive administration from the University. The shrine is Bowman’s front porch on 43rd Street near Baltimore Avenue.
Reporter's Notebook: Sheltering from Hurricane Sandy
It’s around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and the doors of West Philadelphia High School still don’t appear to be open.
Visitors interact with Penn Museum's 'Imagine Africa' exhibit
Teams from the museum spent a full year preparing for the exhibit, going into West Philadelphia schools and community centers to consult people’s opinions on how the exhibit should be run.