Drexel Square

Drexel Square is a 1.3-acre urban park located at the corner of 30th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Completed in 2019, it marks the first phase of the larger Schuylkill Yards development project, a partnership between Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University.

The park replaced a former surface parking lot, transforming the space into a public green area directly across from Amtrak's 30th Street Station. Designed by West 8 and SHoP Architects, Drexel Square features a large elliptical lawn measuring 12,064 square feet, which serves as a central gathering point for visitors.

Surrounding the lawn are 23 Dawn Redwood trees, each standing over 25 feet tall, creating a natural canopy around the perimeter of the park. The space also includes 9,116 square feet of raised planted beds filled with a variety of shrubs and perennials, adding to the park's greenery and visual appeal.

Drexel Square's design incorporates elements inspired by William Penn's concept of Philadelphia's parks as "public rooms" - spaces where people can gather, rest, and connect with nature within an urban environment. The park features a network of granite paving and seating edges, providing ample space for visitors to relax or socialize.

As part of the larger Schuylkill Yards project, Drexel Square serves as a gateway to the developing innovation district in University City. It provides a green space for nearby workers, students, and residents, contributing to the area's transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood.