Philadelphia, PA, September 24, 2026 — Drexel University has announced plans to sell the Academy of Natural Sciences, a prominent institution located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The university’s decision has prompted a legislative response from City Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., who has introduced a bill aimed at shaping the future of the property.

Councilmember Young Jr.’s proposed legislation seeks to impose restrictions on the redevelopment of the Academy of Natural Sciences site. The bill, if enacted, would designate specific future uses for the property, limiting them to cultural and civic purposes. This measure is intended to prevent the land from being developed for residential or commercial uses.

The Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1812, is one of the nation’s oldest and most comprehensive natural history museums. Its potential sale and subsequent redevelopment have raised concerns among city officials and community members about preserving its public and cultural significance. The exact terms of Drexel University’s sale, including potential buyers or timelines, were not detailed in the provided information. The specific details regarding the bill’s progression through City Council were also not provided.

Councilmember Young Jr.’s initiative reflects an effort to maintain the character of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a significant cultural corridor in Philadelphia. By proposing to restrict the property’s use, the bill aims to ensure that any future development aligns with the area’s established civic and cultural identity. The contractor involved in any potential sale or redevelopment was not specified. The outcome of the bill in City Council remains to be seen.

Story summarized from the original created by Sean Walsh, Jake Blumgart on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.

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