March 24, 2014 – In parts one and two, we visited the streets in the Rittenhouse and Fairmount, and Old City and Elfreth’s Alley. Today, we will venture west to University City and Powelton Village on the cusp of West Philadelphia to show the diversity of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.
University City
Philadelphia’s city limits are home to 20 universities, but if there is one area that can be known as college town, it is University City, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The area covers from 30th Street to 47th Street (east to west), and Powelton Avenue to Baltimore Avenue (north to south). Although the traffic and tall buildings can give the impression the area is part of center city, the tree-lined streets and open green spaces are the hidden gems that give the area a surprising suburban college feel.
Here is a shot of Sansom Cafe, on Penn’s Campus at 36th and Sansom Streets.
Across the street from the cafe are a few other shops on the campus, including the official book store.
On Walnut Street, between 35th and 36th Streets, you’ll find one of the campus mini parks tucked away from the traffic.
A few blocks east, on Drexel’s campus at 33rd and Market Streets, sits the Paul Peck Alumni Center.
Powelton Village
Powelton Village is a small, diverse community that officially sits inside the limits of the University City area, but stands on its own with pride. It extends north from Market Street to Spring Garden Street, east to 32nd Street, west to 40th and Spring Garden Streets, and to 44th and Market Streets. Its Victorian twin houses and converted apartments are home to some families and plenty of Drexel students. The area takes its name from the Powel family, 17th century colonialists who owned many estates in the area.
35th and Baring Streets, in Powelton Village is also home to many Drexel fraternities.
A quiet spot in Powelton Village at 36th and Baring Streets.
More apartment buildings and frat houses for Drexel at 36th Street and Powelton Avenue, with the school flag displayed in front. Amazing architecture.
On the way home, I stopped at 34th Street and Girard Avenue, on the outskirts of Powelton Village, to take a photo of the city and Boathouse Row across the Schuylkill River.
Part four of the series next Monday features Queen Village in South Philadelphia and Fishtown.
janemcmaster 
Ah, the memories!
I thought you might think that!