The Summit at University City
A dynamic mix of uses supporting student life.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Client: American Campus Communities
Size: 1/2 acre
Project status: Construction completed 2015.
Project team: Ground Reconsidered, Solomon Cordwell Buenz (prime)
The Summit at University City is a 580,000 square foot mixed-use and residential development adjacent to the campus of Drexel University. In addition to the residential component, the development includes 20,000 square feet of retail space divided into eleven street level locations, as well as a student and community dining center.
Ground Reconsidered was responsible for the site’s entire landscape design and documentation, including the multi-level amenity terrace above the parking garage. The terrace includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, tables and chairs, and a lounge area. Planters were designed to capture and filter stormwater from the adjacent roofs. The front entry stairs are designed as a grand entry, but also an occupiable space to sit and wait for friends.
The Summit received an Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute in 2016.
