Articles date from late October or Early November 1958

Demolition Ceremony to Mark Birth of New Era In University Expansion

A new era in University development was ushered in…marking the start of demolition of properties on the site where…(old buildings) stand.

Principal speakers at the ceremonies were Albert M Cole…(of the) Housing and Home Finance Agency and President Johnson….

Cole said that the ceremony represents another milestone in the urban renewal program.

"We are translating into 'brick and mortar' those plans and concepts which bring about restoration of our cities," he said.

He stressed the need of science today and its great challenges.

"In this building scientists will be able to follow the search for truth wherever it may lead them," Cole said. "There will be no 'verboten' signs."

"(University students) will not have to relate their findings to any ideology. They will not be told what to say or what not to say, as the Russian scientist has been," he said.

"We are not forced to listen to such academic nonsense on the free side of the Iton Curtain."

Cole also pointed out the role that his and other agencies played in the project. He said it was a good example of city, state and federal cooperation.

The Urban Renewal Administration financed two-thirds of the 1 million dollar cost of the land. The remainder was financed by the General State Authority, which also will finance the 4 million dollar building.

Demolition of the 46 buildings in the area bounded by Park av., 13th, Norris and Berks sts. will begin in a few weeks. Contractor is Allan N. Lashner, 3700 Richmond Street.

PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY

The new building will house complete facilities for the University Physics and Biology Departments. It is expected to be completed by August, 1960.

Plans indicate that the building will have sections of one, three, and four stories.

Dr. Lloyd J. Bohn, professor of physics and chairman of the department, said the building will be "a tremendous step."

"It should improve enrollment in the science and substantially because it will have more research labs. The south end and basement are devoted entirely to research labs and offices," he said.

MANY INNOVATIONS

Professor Bohn said that there are many innovations, such as an anechoic chamber, a planetarium, …indicators, and a Foucault pendelum…. Also in the lobby will be the pendulum showing the earth's rotation.

The building will also contain 31 classroomns; 25 laboratories, each with facilities for 25 students; 14 staff offices; 28 research laboratories and offices for use of faculty members and graduate students.

LECTURE ROOMS

There will be two acoustically-treated and specially lighted lecture rooms, one seating 200 students and the other 150 students.

The exterior walls will be covered by cast stone and enamel brick. The stone will be the shade of limestone and the bricks red, blue and yellow.

Nolan and Swinburne, 226 S. 16th St., are the architects.

Others present at the ceremonies were William L. Rafsky, coordinator of Philadelphia Development; Michael von Moschzisker, chairman of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority; David M. Walker, regional administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency and Anthony J. Caruso, executive director of the General State Authority.

91 Families Prepare for Relocation

Before the start of the demolition of properties where the University's science building is to be erected, 91 families will have to be relocated, reported E.T. Gallagher, assistant director of the Relocation Division of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

Approximately 73 percent of the families have already vacated, Gallagher said…..

Articles from the collection of Bill Baker