Just Do It

The Evolution of University City

by Jakob Dorof

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Mon., July 28 (rain date is Tue., July 29), 5:30 p.m., free (reservations required), meet at 36th and Sansom streets, 215-386-9224, whitedogcafe.com

What might University City look like without, well, the universities? Without all the buildings, the Blue Line or any dorms to crowd the open sky? Subtract the street from Spruce Street, pluck the tombstones from Woodlands Cemetery and replace Mill Creek with a creek lined by mills. All that's left now are dirt roads, pastoral estates and the occasional horse-drawn carriage.

Although this 17th-century scene is drastically different than today, according to local architect, historian and University City resident Bob Thomas, the community is in a state of constant change. "During the '60s and '70s, Penn used to be dead during daylight hours," he remembers. "They've made a lot of effort to stimulate growth and activity around here, really only having started about a decade ago."

This Monday, Thomas will discuss the history and architecture during "The Evolution of University City," a walking storytelling tour. The evening will chronicle the neighborhood from its 17th-century pastures through the arrival of Penn and Drexel, and the ways these institutions have (for better or worse) affected the residents and skyline. The group will meet at 36th and Sansom streets, then travel by trolley to West Philly, where the tour will begin. One and a half miles later, the trip concludes at the White Dog Café, where discussions and anecdotes will extend over an a la carte menu of seasonal specials.