It seems logical that with a 21 percent increase in the 20- to 34-year-old population over the past dozen years in University City, and more than three dozen new businesses opening their doors in the area in 2011 alone, there is an increased demand on the public transit system that serves the area. The 34 and 13 trolleys are staples of the West Philly experience in the neighborhoods west of the 40th Street Portal.

The portal

University City District recently announced plans to renovate and transform the portal, out of which the 11, 13, 34 and 36 trolleys all head down different westbound routes, into a greened and pedestrian friendly plaza.

Closer look

Plans call for renovations to occur in two phases. The first, which could cost up to $1M, will work to improve pedestrian safety, the main goal of renovations. A café or commercial space will be constructed during phase two, projected to cost around $3M. UCD Executive Director Matt Bergheiser presented plans to the Spruce Hill Community Association at its meeting this month.

Current view from above

Aerial view of the future. Images provided by UCD.

Greening the space means planting native seasonal plants which will add 7K sqft of green space to the portal. The roof will likely be fabricated into a green roof. UCD has committed $650K to the project, which could begin in 2013. UCD has partnered with landscape architects Andropogon Associates, SEPTA and city agencies to begin the process of drafting preliminary plans. An RFP will be issued later to find a firm to execute the renovations.

Almost 3,400 riders boarded at the portal daily in 2010, making it the second busiest trolley-only stop in University City behind 30th Street Station, according to Seth Budick of UCD. We imagine this station will only get busier moving forward, and that this renovation could be a blueprint for future renovations at other trolley stops in West Philly.

–Lou Mancinelli