PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future

Drexel University has the Planning Commission's approval to build three residential structures on the 3200 block of Chestnut Street.

Commissioners this week approved an amendment to the university's institutional development district plan, allowing for the construction of two eight-story buildings fronting on Chestnut Street and a larger, 19-story tower that would wrap around 32nd Street.

Planner Martin Gregorski, the commission's IDD supervisor, told commissioners, said the project includes 36,000 square feet of first-floor retail and office space and 863 residential units. A 101,500-square-foot parking garage for 267 cars will also be built as part of the project.

None of the existing buildings on the block will be torn down, Gregorski said.

Reach the reporter at kgates@planphilly.com.