Ground-breaking Celebration Set for July 18 for The Radian Student Housing Community

WHAT: A ceremonial ground breaking celebrating the construction of The Radian, a student apartment community in the 3900 block of Walnut Street in Philadelphia, adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania campus and developed by University Partners and Inland American Communities.

Scheduled to open in August 2008, the $50 million-plus building will feature a 14-story, 150-unit apartment community as well as more than 40,000 square feet of street- and mezzanine-level retail stores.  Its construction will include environmentally friendly energy features.

The Radian's name is based on its angular-design feature created by Philadelphia-based Erdy McHenry Architecture LLC.  The building's "green" features will include a storm water drainage system recognized by the Philadelphia Water Department for innovative design and energy-efficient roof construction.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 18

WHO: Penn President Amy Gutmann and officials from University Partners and Inland American Communities will speak.

WHERE: The ceremony will be held in a tent across from the construction site, next to the Free Library.

A reception will follow at the Marathon Grill, 200 S. 40th St., Philadelphia.