St.Joeitification: Are Wynnefield and Overbrook Changing? (Upland, Parkside: dorms, neighborhood)

[BlackBuddha]

I was born and raised in this lovely community and notice a lot changes occuring with the help of Saint Joseph's University such as the new mall on 52nd and Jefferson, the new SJU garage on 54th and City Line, the new dorms, and rumors of St. Joe's purchashing the old Acme Warehouse on Upland Way bordering Overbrook, Wynnefield, and Parkside. And I notice some of the subtle tones of the students, faculty, and staff give off to the local residents as if we don't belong here. We've been here way before some of these students were even born. And one cop asked what am I doing in this neighborhood. Is it me or is Wynnefield becoming a victim of St. Joetification?

[JHG722]

Overbrook as a whole, no. I live down the street from Overbrook (albeit a different part than near SJU), and it's still pretty bad. My dad grew up in Overbrook and it was very nice then. It's a shame.

[thesixth]

I think Overbrook and Wynnefield are really just the same as they've always been. The new dorms & parking garage were built on property that had been owned for years by the university and then rented to the retail establishments that were on them previously. As the university had more of a need for student housing and parking, they decided to build.
Overbrook and Wynnefield continue to be working class areas with some rougher sections throughout.
And re: residents being there long before the current students - while that is true, Saint Joseph's has been in that location on City Ave. since 1927 - so it has fairly deep roots in that part of the city.