The transformation
of West Philadelphia from a collection of rural estates and small industrial villages
into a suburban development took place largely from the 1850s through the 1920s.
This website was created to help residents understand their houses. Its focus
is on the area covered by the University of Pennsylvania's Community
Housing Program, and more generally the area now covered by the University
City District. The website has three broad catagories that can be explored;
a history of the area, an overview of the architecture, and research tools.