Urban is pleased to announce that the Rail Park was recognized as the Community Awardee by Green Building United at the 2018 Groundbreaker Awards. The event, which was held at the National Museum of American Jewish History, celebrates green building leadership, commitment, innovation, and impact in the greater Philadelphia region.

“We are proud to share the recognition for this work with Center City District, Studio Bryan Hanes, A.P. Construction, and the firms involved in the successful completion of this new urban park,” said Angelo Waters, PE, LEED AP, Urban’s project manager for the Rail Park. “This important new public space will lead to growth and economic development for the city. We are very proud of our staff and all who contributed to this project for their diligent work.”

The Rail Park is a $10.8 million project that has transformed a blighted section of the former Reading Railroad Viaduct in Philadelphia into an elevated park with walking paths, landscaping, lighting, swinging benches, and expansive city views. The park is a much needed green amenity to Center City’s northern edge and is the result of a successful collaboration between Urban Engineers, Center City District, the Friends of the Rail Park, the City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Studio Bryan Hanes, A.P. Construction, and many others. The park’s design was chosen to reflect the neighborhood’s industrial roots and repurpose the historic elements of the rail structure wherever possible.

A wide path through the park is edged with native canopy trees and plantings designed to provide air quality benefits and manage stormwater runoff. It is interspersed with a variety of public spaces, benches, wooden swings, and walkways. The Rail Park’s Phase 1 is a proof-of-concept that will be used to advance the next phase of the project.

Founded in 2002, Green Building United (formerly Delaware Valley Green Building Council) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an aligned chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The organization aims to achieve its mission through the generous support of sustaining partners, individual members, donors, and funders.

Watch video from the Rail Park's ribbon cutting below: