University.org Re-launch Highlights University City District's Nationally-recognized Programs and Touts Neighborhood’s Endless Amenities

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

CONTACT: Lori Brennan, University City District | 215-243-0555 x227 or [email protected]

(Philadelphia, PA) - University City District (UCD), the neighborhood improvement and economic development organization in West Philadelphia, is pleased to announce the re-launch of universitycity.org. This new site - with its clean and modern design, stunning images, informative blog and social media feeds, cultural events calendar, intriguing personal stories, and easy-to-navigate tools for neighbors and visitors alike - recognizes that Philadelphia’s University City is more than just a neighborhood.

Philadelphia's University City is a vibrant place to live, work, and play and is more than just a neighborhood. It's the region's leader in education, science, and innovation, with world-class universities and medical institutions. The universitycity.org site prominently features quick links and drop down menus that direct users to each of UCD's main initiatives. The site also highlights this foodie destination with a Yelp-integrated listing of restaurants, an interactive map, as well as an events calendar for culture seekers that draws automatically from relevant Philly Fun Guide entries.

UCD chose Philadelphia firm Bluecadet Interactive to undertake the redesign because of their extensive experience in web strategy, user interface design and website development. Their clients have included the Mural Arts Program, Eastern State Penitentiary, MoMA, and Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art. Their work has garnered numerous awards and recognition including an Emmy, a silver MUSE award, a Knight Batton award, a Webby and a SXSW award. Their redesign of universitycity.org makes it simple for users to find information on what’s new and excit­ing in University City, and on UCD’s work in the neighborhood. The new site clearly demonstrates why University City is one of the most vibrant and vital neighborhoods in the region.

UCD believes that University City’s future is critical to the future of our city and region, and that the unique assets, opportunities and environment here are both an engine of prosperity and an exemplar of community. University City, the 2.4 square mile area just west of the Schuylkill River, has become a place where Philadelphia’s future is happening today. It’s a boomtown with nearly 70,000 jobs and $2 billion in real estate projects recently completed or under construction. Neighborhood institutions are investing more than $1 billion dollars in R&D spending into new cures and innovation, and University City has already exceeded the City’s 2015 targets for renewable energy. Global innovators, Iron Chefs, the IRS, Hilton hotels and even urban beekeepers all call University City home. These are just a few of the many signs that University City is a first-class neighborhood.

University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses and residents that creates opportunity, improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City area of West Philadelphia. Our primary mission is community revitalization. We work within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, bring life to commercial corridors, connect low-income residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation.

Please note:
universitycity.org now features a secure Press Room for members of the media. Interested in downloading high-resolution images and getting access? Email [email protected] for more information.

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