University City District is teaming up with the Science Center to renovate and rejuvenate Market Street between 34th and 41st Streets, according to an article in The Daily Pennsylvanian.

University City District Executive Director Lewis Wendell is teaming up with Science Center Senior vice President of Real Estate and UCD board member Curt Hess to revitalize the blocks on Market Street in a more than $5 million project aimed at “creating uniformity in the streetscape.”

Some of the improvements will include light fixtures  powered by the sun and wind, stormwater collection systems that prevents runoff, sidewalks embedded with Wissahickon schist to create a “sparkle effect”, reduced on-street parking, a new bike lane, planted median areas, and more pedestrian lighting.

The improvements are currently being reviewed by the Streets Department and SEPTA. The project is slated to start in about 6 to 9 months when the design is finalized.

“This is going to be part of a gateway into University City,” said Hess, “a much more elegant boulevard.”

Photo courtesy of DailyPennsylvanian.com.