Paseo Verde, Transit-Oriented Development, Philadelphia, PA

Next to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)'s Temple University regional rail station is Paseo Verde — America's first LEED Platinum Certified Neighborhood Development and Philadephia's first transit-oriented development. This multi-level residential complex, constructed on a former parking lot, provides student housing for Temple, which continues to expand its North Philadelphia campus.

Features of Paseo Verde Complex

• 145 residential units (179,000 GSF)  composed of townhomes, apartments, and condominiums 
• Ground-level parking garage with 67 spaces
• Ground-floor and second-story commercial and retail space (31,000 GSF)

Urban provided site/land development engineering design services, including stormwater management systems that meet local green stormwater infrastructure design guidelines and zoning requirements for decreased stormwater runoff. Green stormwater management elements include tree pit infiltration systems to water trees, manage runoff, and reduce flooding; blue and green rooftops; and an underground infiltration basin.

Public outreach for the development, intermodal coordination with SEPTA, and compliance with City oversight and regulatory agencies were among the project's challenges.

An Awarded Effort 

• U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes Project of the Year Award
• 2014 Urban Land Institute Willard G. “Bill” Rouse Award of Excellence
• Best Project, Engineering News-Record 

Highlights 

• Green stormwater infrasructure reduces runoff
• Transit-oriented residential community wit hparking and retail space
• Site layout, grading, utility coordination, pre-bid, and construction support services