Zip Codes of Temple University and Their Impact on the Surrounding Community

Temple University, a renowned higher education and research institution in Philadelphia, is not just defined by its students, professors, and alumni pushing boundaries. It's also inextricably linked to the surrounding North Philadelphia neighborhoods through its physical presence and community initiatives. Understanding the zip codes associated with Temple University provides insight into the university's footprint and its engagement with the local community. This article explores these zip codes and their significance.

Temple University's Zip Code Footprint

Temple University’s Main Campus and Health Science Center are surrounded by several zip codes. The Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative (LNPWI) focuses its work on the following zip codes: 19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19130, 19132, 19133, and 19140. These zip codes represent the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the university.

Specific Locations and Their Zip Codes

To further clarify Temple University's presence within these zip codes, here's a list of some key buildings and their corresponding zip codes:

1300 Dormitory: 1300 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122-2509
Edberg-Olson Football Facility: 1001 W. Diamond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Rock Hall: 1715 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6097
1700 N. Broad Street (formerly Vivacqua Hall): PO Box 2843, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0843
Entertainment and Community Education Center (WRTI): 1509 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
School of Architecture: 2001a N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6079
1810 Liacouras Walk Bldg. (Student Services): 1810 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Facilities Management: 1009 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6076
Small Business Center: 1510 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
1940 Dorm: 1940 N. Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6075
Gladfelter Hall: 1115 W. Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6089
Speakman Hall: 1810 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6083
Alter Hall: 1810 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6083
Intercollegiate Athletics: 4th Floor, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0842
STAR Building: 1816 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1605
Anderson Hall: 1114 W. Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6090
Johnson Hall: 2029 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1115
Student Activity Center: 1755 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6084
Annenberg Hall: 2020 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6080
Kardon Building: 1851 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1901
Student Recreation Center: PO Box 2841, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0841
Baptist Temple: 1823 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Klein Hall: 1719 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6098
Sullivan Hall: 1330 W. Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6087
Barrack Hall (formerly College Hall): 1819 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6093
Liacouras Center: One Apollo Center, 1776 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Temple Health Connection: 1035 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Bell Building (TECH CENTER): 1101 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Mitten Hall: 1913 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6092
Temple Towers: 1200 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122-2603
Beury Hall: 1901 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6081
Morgan Hall Dormitory: 1601 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6099
Tomlinson Theater: 1301 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6075
Bio - Life Building: 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078
Newman Center: 2129 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1193
Tuttleman Learning Center: 1809 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6073
Carnell Hall: 1803 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6095
Paley Library: 1210 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6088
Tyler Art School: 2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Charles Library: 1900 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6082
Pearson/McGonigle Hall: PO Box 2840, Philadelphia, PA 19122-0840
Wachman Hall: 1805 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6094
College of Engineering & Architecture: 1947 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6077
Presser Hall/New Tyler Campus: 2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6079
Weiss Hall: 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6085
Conwell Hall: 1801 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
Ritter Hall / Annex: 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091
White Hall: 2108 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121-1605

Real Estate and Development Trends in 19121 and 19122

The zip codes 19121 and 19122, encompassing Temple’s Main Campus, have seen significant real estate activity. Since 2010, nearly 3,600 properties have been purchased in these zip codes, a stark contrast to the mere 58 properties bought in 2000. By 2017, this number had surged to 720 purchases, with the average buying price exceeding $306,000. This surge indicates a "hot" market driven by investors seeking to capitalize on renters, predominantly students.

Impact on the Surrounding Community

Temple University's growth and presence significantly impact the surrounding North Philadelphia community. This impact is multifaceted, encompassing housing, economics, and community relations.

Housing and Gentrification

The increasing student population and the development of off-campus housing have led to rising property values and rents. This can create challenges for long-term residents, as Alexis Savage, a long-time resident near Temple, has witnessed. She noted how many original residents have had to leave due to financial pressures. The median rent and utilities near Temple were about $765, according to the 2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimate.

David Adamany, former Temple University President, predicted this phenomenon, stating that homeowners could sell their properties for a "premium" due to the strong off-campus student housing market. This transition from a commuter school to an on-campus living one has fueled the development of student housing, with investors from across the country purchasing properties to capitalize on the market.

Landlord-Tenant Dynamics

The rise in off-campus housing has also created complex landlord-tenant dynamics. With an estimated 6,000 students seeking off-campus housing each year, a market has emerged where some landlords live far from their properties, resulting in less oversight and potentially increasing rent. This can lead to issues such as trash accumulation and disruptive parties, impacting the quality of life for community residents.

Community Engagement and Development Initiatives

Recognizing the impact on the community, Temple University has initiated programs to support local residents and foster positive relationships.

The Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative (LNPWI) is a prime example. Founded in 2018, LNPWI aims to strengthen the earning potential of local communities by providing job training and career readiness programs. Their work focuses on the eight zip codes surrounding Temple University’s Main Campus and Health Science Center.

LNPWI's Goals:

Providing Data-Informed Workforce Development Programs and Training
Expanding Access to Supportive Services that remove barriers to employment
Fostering Connections and Collaboration in the Workforce Development Ecosystem
Supporting Human Resources Practices that Benefit North Philadelphia Residents

LNPWI's Programs:

Career Coaching: Offers one-on-one support, guidance, and referrals to reach career goals, including resume building and interview preparation.
Workforce Webinar Series: Provides the latest skills and tips to succeed in any workplace.
New Choices NOW Program: A free 10-week professional development seminar assisting participants with employment and educational goals.
Temple University Employer Council for Local Hiring: Promotes and increases the hiring of North Philadelphia talent within Temple University and its affiliated organizations.
The Opportunities for Workforce Leadership (OWL) Hub: Provides in-person access to education, job readiness, employment, and digital inclusion resources.

Balancing Development and Community Needs

The tension between development and community needs is evident in the experiences of North Philadelphia residents. While some appreciate the businesses and services catering to Temple students, others are concerned about rising costs and the changing character of their neighborhoods.

Community organizations and local wards play a role in the development process. Developers seeking to alter properties often need to present their plans at public community meetings. While these votes are nonbinding, they provide a forum for residents to voice their concerns.

Student Perspectives

Students living in off-campus housing have varied experiences. Some encounter responsive and caring landlords, while others face challenges such as unexpected rent increases and absentee landlords. Alexander Fucito, a former student, had to bring in an additional roommate to afford a $600 rent increase. Mike Fetterhoff, another student, noted the contrast between well-maintained student housing and run-down properties in the surrounding area.

The Future of Temple University and its Neighborhoods

Temple University's relationship with its surrounding neighborhoods is dynamic and evolving. As the university continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to balance its needs with the needs of the long-term residents of North Philadelphia. Initiatives like the LNPWI and community engagement efforts are vital in fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship.

While Temple University administrators outlined long-term on-campus housing plans in the 2014 Visualize Temple campus master plan, including adding residence halls and redeveloping existing ones, near-term solutions are needed to address the off-campus housing pressures.

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The zip codes associated with Temple University are more than just postal codes; they represent a shared space where the university and the community intersect. By understanding the dynamics within these zip codes, stakeholders can work together to create a thriving and equitable environment for all.

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