Based in Sydney, Australia, Foundry is a blog by Rebecca Thao. Her posts explore modern architecture through photos and quotes by influential architects, engineers, and artists.

More on revitalization study

More on revitalization study

Sharon Mester
To The Editor

To the Editor:

The story in September 6 Swarthmorean regarding the town center revitalization study generated a lot of positive feedback and interest, and some questions, too. Some of the questions were addressed in an earlier Swarthmorean article but I thought it would be helpful to refresh folks on the original article and add some context.

In keeping with the Swarthmore Centennial Foundation’s mission of the “betterment of Swarthmore,” the Foundation generously commissioned and funded this study. About two years ago, after completing the Central Park and Amphitheater project, the Centennial Foundation wanted to ensure that their next project was one that the citizens of Swarthmore wanted. The Foundation embarked on a series of a visioning sessions with over 150 residents from various groups to see what they envisioned for the town in the next 20 years.

After completing the visioning work, the Foundation chartered a task force to help create a revitalization plan for the town. Swarthmoreans wanted a more vibrant downtown with unique retail and restaurant offerings, innovative spaces for working, more small housing options, and well-maintained green space.

The task force went through a competitive RFP process to select an urban planning company to conduct a market study on the viability of the vision of Swarthmore. U3 Advisors stood out because they have experience and expertise with college towns similar to Swarthmore and were able to provide benchmark data and ideas.

The visioning and market assessment study summarized in the September 6 Swarthmorean are being shared with community organizations and others. Additionally, a summary of the study will be available on the Swarthmore Town Center (STC) website. The Swarthmore Town Center is utilizing the work of the study to help in the development of its strategic plan which will be published and shared with the community. STC looks forward to creating a plan that helps to develop a vibrant and thriving Town Center.

Sharon Mester
President
Swarthmore Town Center

Check out ABC this fall

Check out ABC this fall
‘Let’s get going’

‘Let’s get going’