Press Releases : 2004

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Jerde Completes Science Center Master Plan

August 9, 2004

PHILADELPHIA (August 9, 2004) -- The Jerde Partnership today announced the completion of a revised master plan for a new Science Center campus in West Philadelphia's University City. The vision behind the master plan is to help Philadelphia, which is home to the nation's highest percentage of physicians engaged in research and educates more than 20 percent of the nations physicians, maintain its position at the forefront of scientific research.

Under guidance and direction from the Science Center, Jerde conducted workshops to incorporate feedback from the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, and other private and public agencies to develop a master plan that satisfies both the demand for quality office and research space and the need to create a sense of campus community that reinforces the Centers role as the synergistic hub of the academic and research institutions in the area.

"Since its founding, the Science Center has helped build more than 350 companies that have created thousands of jobs and attracted millions in investment," said Jill Felix, Science Center president and CEO. "We are very pleased with our success to date, but it is time to take steps to ensure growth and prosperity into the future." Felix continued, "The Jerde Partnership has applied their expertise in creating places where people enjoy living, working and relaxing to develop this innovative master plan. By incorporating leading edge research facilities with housing, retail and other community uses, the plan allows the Science Center to continue to play a key role in attracting scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and life sciences companies to Philadelphia."

By creating a formal and functional gateway to University City, the Science Center master plan showcases Philadelphia's unrivaled network of prestigious educational institutions and renowned medical facilities, which are located near 80 percent of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies.

"Responding to the evolving needs of the Science Center, the marketplace and technology, this plan provides for a humanistic campus that will continue to support the incubation of ideas, serve the needs of its users and welcome the life sciences and greater Philadelphia communities to create a center of creativity and vitality," said Tim Magill, Jerde senior vice president and design principal.

The Science Center master plan is currently under consideration by Philadelphia's Regional Development Authority. A recent study by the Milken Institute ranks Philadelphia among the top biotech hubs in America. The city will host BIO 2005 International Convention, the world's largest biotech gathering.

Related Images

Science Center rendering