Rethinking Ridge Avenue

The initial East Falls Reconnects project was led by the East Falls Development Corporation (EEDC). Recommendations are documented in two booklets, one describing public actions and the other providing guidelines for private investment. Mark Keener AIA AICP assisted EEDC with implementing infrastructure studies and funding initiatives.

Ave Design

Mark facilitated detailed discussions with EEDC City agencies, and key developers about the design and cross section of what is becoming a new district in the “village” of East Falls. The public space design guide, created In collaboration with landscape architects, Ground Reconsidered, informs decisions about lighting, pavements, landscape, and the dimensional qualities of the emerging public realm.

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/445ed1_366e3f616c8b49438692b15847731691.pdf

Gateway

The Upper Schuylkill Masterplan and Ridge Gateway projects proposed design solutions to: gaps in the trail system, lack of access to the river and a lack of visual continuity along the river; programming including underutilization of public spaces and recreational and educational opportunities; and management, such as maintenance of public spaces and the management of vegetation on the river banks. A proposal

EF Connects

This early initiative set the stage for landmark EEDC projects: Wayfinding and district branding, East River Drive /Midvale neighborhood gateway Art, public art and parking under-the-Rosevelt overpass, Trolly Car Café at the Bathey, streetscape and crossing improvements, as well as shopfront design guide and numerous façade projects.

Project Team

EF Connects: Mark Keener, Robert Brown, Neil Desai | with KSK: John Gibbons, Shawn Rairigh | REM Gateway: Mark Keener, Kristen Ford Haaf | with Bob Wright PE and Peta Raabe ASLA | Avenue Design: Mark Keener, with Julie Bush of Ground Reconsidered

Outcomes

Mark's team completed the Ridge Avenue Gateway Plan in 2008. This first plan detailed recommendations for: 1) expansion of the Wissahickon Transportation Center to improve transit service, 2) creation of safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists through the area, 3) improvement of traffic flow and safety, 5) new development opportunities, and 6) aesthetic improvements. However, since its release was accompanied by a worldwide financial crises, implementation had to wait.

In 2014 the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) released the Lower Northwest District Plan, a component of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. PCPC identified the Wissahickon Gateway as a location where additional investment could benefit the entire City. Recommendations focused on public transit and trail improvements that connect the City and region, new commercial and residential buildings to relieve nearby residential neighborhoods of development pressure, and providing access to the riverfront. In total, these recommendations present a vision of the Wissahickon Gateway as a new neighborhood center that connects East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough, and Wissahickon.

In 2018 the City Planning Commission, with Baker International and Toole Design, advanced implementation, refining development scenarios and creating a consensus approach to landscape palette and critical path schedule.