U. will create 'upscale park' on 36th Street

A hotel, shops and erstaurants will revitalize the area, Rodin said. The University will revitalize the 3600 and 3700 blocks of Sansom Street with shops, restaurants and a hotel within the next two years, University President Judith Rodin announced yesterday. Rodin also hopes to close off 36th Street between Walnut and Chestnut streets to create an upscale "urban park." At yesterday's University Council meeting, Rodin said the Sansom Commons, as it will be called, will resemble the popular commercial area in Manayunk, Pa. The area will include "funky" shops like those currently located on Sansom Row, between 34th and 36th streets, she added. "We want to create a vibrant, 'round-the-clock exciting destination," Rodin said. Sansom Commons will also include the Penn Inn, a University-built and -operated hotel that will be constructed next to the Barnes & Noble bookstore on 36th and Walnut streets. The Penn Inn will adjoin a large park area that will provide students with an attractive outdoor common area amid the new retailers, Rodin explained. But before the University can proceed, the city must authorize the proposal to close off 36th Street to traffic. Rodin said University administrators are eager to fill Sansom Street's real estate space with boutiques and eateries that excite the University community. "It's silly to replicate stores from one block to another, and it's silly to lease stores at random," Rodin added. Executive Vice President John Fry would not reveal how much the entire project will cost, but called the revitalization feasible, because the property will generate revenue. The University can either borrow money against the future retailers or seek outside investments to fund Sansom Commons, Fry said. Rodin said when the Board of Trustees met in closed sessions in October, members discussed the new plans and indicated their financial support. The Sansom Commons announcement came among several other facilities initiatives, including the development of new residences and academic buildings. "We're going to push all of these things simultaneously," Fry said. Rodin added that there are several other proposals in progress to attract retailers to the University area. Because the University plans to expand student residences to the north, Rodin noted that there would be a need for more "service-oriented retail" such as dry cleaners and supermarkets near Market Street. Rodin added that although Market Street is currently "unsafe" and "run down," new businesses can restore the area's vitality. According to Rodin, the University Medical Center is another targeted site for revitalized retail. Rodin said the complex will include a center for students, faculty and staff that will include "flourishing" restaurants, cafes and study space. Rodin added that she also hopes to bring new retail to 40th Street and the 4000 through 4200 blocks of Walnut Street. "These aren't forgotten areas," Rodin said.