P/PREP Philadelphia Trek

Explore Philadelphia with P/PREP!

Join P/PREP for an exciting day-trip to Philadelphia, America’s 6th largest city, to discover its rapid growth and transformation. The tour will be led by local developers and designers who have played key roles in shaping the city's dynamic landscape over the past decade.

We'll guide you through three neighborhoods that have undergone significant change:

1. West Philadelphia and the Life Sciences Boom: Centered in University City, Philadelphia’s biotech sector is among the most innovative in the country. To help house this science, Brandywine Realty Trust has transformed the vacant lots around 30th Street Station into a hub of labs, offices, and residences. Join us as Brandywine shares their journey from traditional office space to labs and their partnerships with Amtrak and local universities. Hosted by and .

2. Center City’s Transformation into a 24/7 Neighborhood: Once a corridor of parking lots and 9-to-5 offices, the one-mile stretch from 30th Street Station to City Hall is now a vibrant area filled with new parks, residences, offices, and labs. Experience the history and recent transformation of this corridor firsthand with a walking tour led by .

3. Residential Boom along the Delaware: While Philadelphia's overall population grew by 5% from 2010 to 2020, its core saw a remarkable 26% increase. This growth is concentrated in former industrial neighborhoods like Northern Liberties and Fishtown, now home to trendy restaurants, breweries, and remote workers. With a local developer as our guide, we'll explore some of the 10,000 residential units under construction, fueled by tax abatements, and discuss the future of Philadelphia’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 21
• Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Starting Point: Meet inside 30th Street Station, Philadelphia
• Lunch Break: Lunch will be after the walking tour led by Tobin Stuff, at Reading Terminal Market

Important Notes:

• The tour is free, but participants must arrange their own travel. Multiple Amtrak options from NYC arrive before the 11:30 AM start time.
• Participants are welcome to join or leave the tour at any point, but please note that some building tours may not accommodate late arrivals.
• Limited spots available—reserve your tickets now!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

William H. Gray III 30th Street, 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, United States