By Jim Dolente Jr., President, Madison Concrete Construction
It’s no secret that Philadelphia has been in the midst of a construction boom for quite some time. And now, Curbed Philadelphia recently reported that the next wave of big changes is coming to the Delaware River waterfront in the form of planned projects aimed at redeveloping the area. Below are just a few projects coming down the pike this year, which promise to give the largely industrial area a long-overdue makeover.
Former Foxwoods Casino site
In early 2016, developer Bart Blatstein, CEO of Tower Developments, announced plans to build 670 apartments and townhouses fronted by a strip mall, convenience store and gas station on a 21-acre site along Columbus Boulevard. Once slated for a Foxwoods Casino, this parcel of land has sat vacant for years. In November 2016, the project secured a permit for a grocery store and 149 parking spaces.
Liberty on the River
This master-planned development by K4 Associates and architect Barton Partners will bring 10 residential high-rises, 100 townhouses and a 22-story hotel to an 18-acre site just east of Columbus Boulevard, between Washington Avenue and Reed Street. Shops and restaurants are planned for the ground floor of each residential tower, with several decks of parking on the floors immediately over the retail space.
Port of Philadelphia
In November 2016, the Port of Philadelphia received $300 million cash from the Governor Tom Wolf administration to upgrade ship berths, buy new (and bigger) cargo cranes and update and relocate warehouses. These improvements are expected to double cargo-handling space and create 2,000 waterfront jobs as well as nearly 7,000 jobs for truckers, rail workers, suppliers and port-related businesses. The improvements, combined with the Delaware River deepening project, will allow more and larger ships to pass through, positioning Philadelphia to attract new shippers that currently go to rival ports in New York and Baltimore.
Camden, N.J., waterfront
Across the Delaware River in New Jersey, Camden’s waterfront is also undergoing a transformation. In March 2016, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved an $800 million master plan submitted by developer Liberty Property Trust and architect Robert A.M. Stern. The plan includes bringing 1.5 million square feet of commercial space, 211 residential units, a 130-room hotel and 4,000 parking spaces to 26 acres of land along the river. Construction is already underway.
Contact us!
Madison Concrete is excited to see these and more projects launched to transform the Delaware River waterfront into a vibrant destination neighborhood for both residents and visitors. If you are planning a project along the waterfront, let us know how we can use our experience and expertise to assist you.