February 22, 2016

February 22, 2016 — A visionary leader in Philadelphia’s urban evolution, Alan Greenberger, Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor until January 2016, will join Drexel as a Distinguished Visiting Teaching Professor in the Department of Architecture & Interiors. He will also serve as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation. Greenberger was the deputy mayor for economic development and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia from 2009 through 2015 under the administration of former mayor Michael Nutter, additionally serving as executive director and then chairman of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.

“Alan’s influence can be seen across the cityscape of Philadelphia,” said Dean Sabinson. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Department of Architecture & Interiors where he taught for us for many years when he was in professional practice at MGA Partners. Our students will have wonderful opportunities to learn from someone whose guidance has shaped our vibrant, thriving city.”

With a career spanning a period of time during which Philadelphia experienced unprecedented population growth and redevelopment, Greenberger played a vital role in overseeing more than $8 billion in real estate projects through development concepts. During his tenure, he oversaw major planning initiatives including rewriting the Philadelphia Zoning Code and a five-year long comprehensive plan for the city, entitled Philadelphia 2035, as well as building projects that include Dilworth Park, Race Street Park, Rodin Museum Renovation and the Comcast Innovation and Technology Center.

As a Distinguished Visiting Teaching Professor, Greenberger will teach a variety of required and elective courses in the Department of Architecture & Interiors that will draw upon his deep expertise as a designer, an urban planner and from his extensive experience in a wide range of roles in the City Government of Philadelphia working on issues of economic and real estate development. He will be an active contributor in the creation of new interdisciplinary graduate programs focusing on the urban environment, and as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation he will contribute to public programming and research also centered on issues related to urban planning and the built environment.

A fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he has served on the boards of numerous civic and cultural organizations in Philadelphia including the Association for Public Art, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.  He is also a co-founder of the Design Advocacy Group of Philadelphia, a 1000-member organization that is a model of design advocacy nationwide.