Speaking Out
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Which Bank is Left?River banks are named, by convention, from the perspective of an observer facing downstream. Why then is the old GE building being called "Left Bank" when it actually sits on the right bank of the Schuylkill River? --Sean Hennessy, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
See reply to this letter, below. |
A Magical Destination
The Left Bank, a 282-luxury apartment complex, located at 3131 Walnut Street, is so named because the surrounding mosaic of eclectic colors, sounds, tastes, and blend of education, culture and the arts embodies an atmosphere of the joie de vivre and hipness of its counterpart in Paris, France.
In creating an appropriate name for the multi-dimension, multi-faceted building, I was inspired by the many parallels of the University City area and the Left Bank in Paris, a magical destination conjuring up images of learning, architecture, and a rich history highlighted by cultural vanity. In Paris, the present-day Left Bank is accented by state-of-the-art technology, a signature defining the university community in which The Left Bank in Philadelphia proudly stands.
Benjamin Franklin, a beloved historical icon with strong ties to Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania and the Left Bank in Paris was so moved by his experience living on the Left Bank, he was prompted to remark, "Every man has two nations and one of them is Paris."
--Carl Dranoff, President of Dranoff Properties
Speaking Out welcomes reader contributions. Short, timely letters on University issues can be accepted, by Thursday at noon for the following Tuesday's issue, subject to right-of-reply guidelines. Advance notice of intention to submit is appreciated. --Ed.
Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 19, January 23, 2001