Category waterfront

Architecture, apartments, and a power plant … really?

All images courtesy of Fast Company

 
I’m a big proponent of smart development. Call it green … sustainable … sensible.

And why not?

If you can build something that is eco-friendly, costs less to maintain, lasts longer, and can survive on its own (instead of being connected to the power grid), I’m sure most of you would be all for it; as I would be myself. The problem is, most of these kinds of projects cost more to build than traditional building styles.

In other words, upfront costs are typically higher.

 
Here’s what I find cool about this project:

1. It’s located in a great spot (on the ever-changing Delaware River Waterfront)
2. It has a unique design (probably more unique than anything Philadelphia currently has, or is proposed to have)
3. It has 2 important purposes (provide housing to Philadelphians, and establish a waste-to-energy trash incineration plant).

Here’s what I don’t find cool about this project:

1. No one has agreed to develop it yet (most likely, because it looks complicated)
2. Who knows how long it would take to build (again … because it looks complicated)
3. My guess is that it would be super-expensive, to construct and to live in (last time, I promise … because it looks complicated)

What I will say after reading about the project, and browsing through the well-done graphics, is that a project like this would attract global attention. Not because of the cool factor, or because of its proposed location, but because it is a forward-thinking concept for a large US city that will save energy, save money, and save the environment.

 
What are your thoughts?

Philadelphia is setting the precedent for mega-developments along the Delaware River Waterfront

The Delaware River Waterfront is on fire … figuratively speaking.

Check out all of these upcoming and/or in-process developments I’ve posted about before; here, here, here, here … oh, and here. Developments range from smaller, neighborhoody projects, to large scale projects (such as this one, which prompted this post).

I think this post is particularly important because it’s starting to show a trend for new development proposals along the Delaware River Waterfront. The Central Delaware Plan is taking precedence, and it’s telling developers what they can and cannot build; instead of vice-versa, which used to happen often in Philadelphia. The best part is, developers are getting rewarded for working within the strengths/rules of the plan, and are adding neighborhood friendly features.

To me, this is a win-win.

On the one hand, you have real estate developers that focus more on the bottom line and ROI than anything else; understood, as this is the main reason why new projects even happen. On the other hand, you have the City of Philadelphia (and especially, the local neighbors) that want smart development to enhance their quality of life; also understood, as they don’t want developers coming in and ruining their neighborhood with closed off, one-sided projects.

Hence, the Central Delaware Waterfront Master Plan.

Feel free to read more about this upcoming project (estimated to start Spring 2014), and see why the DWR is where it’s at.

FringeArts is making an economic impact through reuse

 
What a cool project, and it’s coming Fall 2013.

An abandoned pumping station, where Columbus Blvd and Race St meet, is about to undergo a $7M renovation. The goal is to transform the existing property from a vacant, historic, industrial building, to a thriving, music/arts destination.

Here are some of the details:

    • 800 sq ft of rehearsal space

 

    • 240 seat theater

 

    • 125 seat restaurant/bar

 

    • Offices for FringeArts’ staff

 

  • Available space for art shows, and the like

Not bad at all.

Philadelphia is already highly regarded as one of the Top Cities in the US for art and art culture. FringeArts’ new HQ will only add more value to that distinctive brand.

I can’t help but think that Philadelphia’s solid investment in the Race Street Pier is really helping spur additional development along this section of the Delaware River Waterfront.

FA HQ is just one more example, and I’m sure others will follow suit.