The area around Temple University is making some of the same moves Penn has in an attempt to revitalize itself.
A Fresh Grocer supermarket will soon be constructed near Temple, along with a seven-screen movie theater and new retail stores and restaurants.
The construction will primarily take place in Progress Plaza, near the Temple campus.
Though the revival efforts near Temple are similar those Penn has undertaken, such as adding the Fresh Grocer and the Bridge: Cinema de Lux at 40th and Walnut and more retail around campus, Temple spokesman Ray Betzner said Temple operates differently from Penn because private enterprises are taking the reins when it comes to new projects around campus.
He said there is no direct relationship between Temple and Progress Plaza, the new building site, and that "Temple dollars are not being used." Penn's revitalization initiative , however, came from within the University administration, Betzner said.
He added that a Fresh Grocer will be a "tremendous advantage to the Temple community."
Area residents currently travel at least 10 minutes to go food shopping, Betzner said.
Temple sophomore Danny Mishkin said it is "exceptionally inconvenient" to have to travel far to buy groceries, especially for upperclassmen who are no longer on a meal plan.
The area is especially lacking a grocery that offers healthy and fresh food options, Pennsylvania State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) said.
"When you look around, there are very few quality markets in under-served areas," he said, adding that the opening of a grocery store also creates job opportunities for local residents.
Evans is sponsoring the state's Fresh Foods Financing Initiative, a program which has contributed about $5.5 million for grocery-store products, he said.
As a result of recent plans, Evans said, the area around the school's North Philadelphia campus is a "very fast growing neighborhood."
Mishkin said the developments could impact the Temple community by reducing crime in the area, but such efforts could be "at the cost of growing animosity toward Temple students by locals."
A residential dorm that will also house around 1,000 students is being built in the same area. Temple sophomore Kevin Sperling said the new residence has generated enthusiasm among students.
