Rail Park breaks ground in Philadelphia

Philadelphia will soon be getting its own version of New York’s popular High Line park as construction on the first phase of The Rail Park will begin by the end of the current calendar year.

The project will transform the tracks of the old Reading Railroad into a 25,000-sf linear park. The park will have green space, lighting, walking paths, and benches and cost $10.3 million to build.

The park is expected to spur new development in the surrounding areas in the same way economic development has sprung up along the High Line. The first phase of the transformation will focus on improvements in the 1200 block of Noble Street and the viaduct bridges up to Callowhill Street. This phase is expected to be completed by early 2018.

When completed, The Rail Park will stretch for three miles across 10 neighborhoods and 50 city blocks. It will run underground and overhead and be divided into three separate sections: the Viaduct, the Cut, and the Tunnel. The first phase is where the Viaduct meets the Cut. Construction will work outward and onward from there, according to the park’s official website. When completed, the park will connect Fairmount Park to Center City.

Phase one is almost completely funded thanks to a $3.5 million grant from the state. More funds still need to be secured before construction begins, but officials are confident the project will meet its requirements before 2017.

Rendering courtesy of The Rail Park

Climate change is having a dramatic impact on urban design, in terms of planning, materials, occupant use, location, and the long-term effect of buildings on the environment. Joining BD+C's John Caulfield to discuss this topic are two experts from the Boston-based CBT Architects: Kishore Varanasi, a Principal and director of urban design; and Devanshi Purohit, an Associate Principal.

Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Urban Planning | Apr 5, 2022

The art of master planning, with Mike Aziz of Cooper Robertson

Mike Aziz, AIA, LEED AP, Partner and Director of Urban Design with Cooper Robertson, discusses his firm's design for the redevelopment of a Connecticut town's riverfront.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 29, 2022

Here’s why the U.S. needs more ‘TOD’ housing

Transit-oriented developments help address the housing affordability issue that many cities and suburbs are facing.

Urban Planning | Feb 14, 2022

5 steps to remake suburbs into green communities where people want to live, work, and play

Stantec's John Bachmann offers proven tactic for retrofitting communities for success in the post-COVID era.

Urban Planning | Feb 11, 2022

6 ways to breathe life into mixed-use spaces

To activate mixed-use spaces and realize their fullest potential, project teams should aim to create a sense of community and pay homage to the local history.

Urban Planning | Jan 25, 2022

Retooling innovation districts for medium-sized cities

This type of development isn’t just about innovation or lab space; and it’s not just universities or research institutions that are driving this change.