- The Inquirer looks at Drexel’s plans to construct a 19-story, $97 million student housing and retail project on the 3200 block of Chestnut Street, to be ready for the fall semester of 2013. This is keeping with the university’s master plan, which includes doubling on-campus student beds (this will be the first of three such sizable projects) and sponsoring better connections with the adjoining Manuta and Powelton Village neighborhoods. Slick and modern university housing, president John Fry believes “rounds out the whole academic experience.”
- The New York Times’ Roberta Smith reviews the PMA’s “Van Gogh Up Close,” a collection of over 45 pieces by the Dutch post-Impressionist (as well as some inspiratory works). Smith admires the meticulous, almost scientific analyses from van Gogh, musing that in one painting “his long quick brush strokes come closest to approximating the textures of nature, one stalk, leaf or blade at a time, without ever forfeiting their vitality as paint on canvas.” The exhibit runs through May 6.
- Naked Philly reports that SEPTA is replacing trolley tracks in the Northern Liberties, attempting to provide a smoother ride for passengers of the Route 15 service.
- Newsworks joins the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission as it begins to gather statistics of bicycle patterns in its goal of envisioning a more efficient and realistic rhythm on area streets.
- Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design will host the Philadelphia premiere of Urban Roots, tomorrow night at 7PM in the Bossone Research Center (3140 Market). The documentary film explores the topic of urban agriculture in Detroit. Its director, Mark MacInnis, will help contextualize the film with local farmers after the screening.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
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