Temple University has purchased the former McDonald’s site at Broad Street and Girard Avenue, next to Temple University Sports Complex, for $8 million, writes Ryan Mulligan for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
The fast food restaurant that once occupied the lot was demolished in 2023.
This acquisition continues a series of deals the university has pursued to expand its campus incrementally in recent years, a trend that has intensified under President John Fry. Temple plans to release its master plan soon, outlining Fry’s strategy to create an innovation corridor in North Philadelphia and increase on-campus housing.
“While the plans for the property are still under development, its location, which is adjacent to our athletic fields at the Temple Sports Complex, provides an opportunity to implement the vision of our campus safety and physical environment plan,” said Temple spokesperson Steve Orbanek.
A public safety audit conducted by 21CP Solutions in 2022 recommended looking at centralizing a physical location for the Temple University Police Department as part of a master plan. In response, the university recently outlined a hiring surge plan for its police department.
Read more about Temple University’s latest acquisition and others amidst its efforts to expand its campus in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA Today in January 2026.
