On Friday, Oct. 1, Temple President Ann Weaver Hart joined leaders of Beech Interplex Incorporated; city officials including Councilman Darrell Clarke; and members of the North Philadelphia community in breaking ground on Beech’s latest community development project: Beech International Apartments at Temple University. 

The complex, which is being developed in conjunction with Temple, will be built by Beech on the 1500 block of Cecil B Moore Ave., right off of Temple’s Main Campus. The property is designed to be home to the university’s growing population of international students, faculty and researchers, as well as students studying international affairs. It will also include a movie theater, café and retail shops. 

“This is a partnership that involves jobs for our community, homes for our students and a welcoming place for international students and international scholars,” said Hart. “This is where Temple will welcome the world.”

Richard Bazelon, chairman of Beech Interplex Inc., noted that the “project will enhance Temple University, the community and Philadelphia through its presence” in what has long been an empty lot next to a developed commercial strip of shops, offices and housing.  

The 100-unit residential facility is expected to create more than 200 short-term construction jobs, and 50 long-term positions once opened. Beech plans to hire a majority of the facility’s staff from the community it serves, North Philadelphia.

Established in 1990, Beech is a community development corporation which has dedicated itself to the revitalization of Cecil B. Moore neighborhood, focusing on home ownership, entrepreneurism and community empowerment. 

Beech International Apartments is expected to house students when it opens for the Fall 2011 semester.