It’s no secret that the University of Pennsylvania has been building like crazy, with an upcoming performing arts building at 33rd & Chestnut the latest to come down the pike. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology at 3200 Walnut St. is another example of a new Penn project, and we’d say it’s literally of the shining variety. Sitting adjacent to the famed Palestra, we last told you about this project in November 2020, when plans for this seven-story energy research facility first came to our attention. At the time, the property was a somewhat forgettable surface parking lot, sitting below grade from the heavily traveled Walnut Street to the north.

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A look at the site plans for the Vagelos Laboratory, with added landscaping
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An aerial from when the site was cleared gives a better understanding of the grade change

Since then, progress has been steady, with this design from German-based firm Behnisch Architekten at full height and getting its wonderful facade treatment. True to the spirit of the work taking place within the building, the structure is lined with angled glass, allowing for light to enter while managing the heat from the sun, which will pound the surface of this building, especially in the morning. The development team is also shooting for LEED Silver designation, apparently not opting to go for the platinum level.

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Current view looking SE down Walnut St.
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Massing looks nearly identical to the rendering
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View of the eastern-facing facade
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An idea of what to expect once complete
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A closer look at the angular facade treatment
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A look at the future pedestrian access and plaza

As this new building creates a new entrance as one makes their way west into University City, this isn’t the only building in the area making its mark on the skyline. The Standard at Philadelphia is now nearly complete at 119 S. 31st St., just a bit to the northeast of the future lab. Initially announced in Spring 2021, this building is close to complete, with the Cube3-designed building bringing 280 student-targeted units to the far eastern edge of University City. This one looks almost finished and will add yet another injection of residents and pedestrian activity to the area.

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A view of The Standard from the lab
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Rendering looking nearly identical to the final product

Like we said, things are changing rapidly in University City. The combined efforts of Penn, Drexel, University City Science Center, and private developers are giving us projects large and small, filling in vacancies and bringing underused properties closer to their highest and best use. As long as Philadelphia remains an “Eds and Meds” town, figure this will continue for years to come.