Urban is pleased to announce that the Rail Park will be recognized at the 2020 Annual Preservation Achievement Awards. The competition is hosted by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

“We would like to congratulate our clients and partners on the successful completion of this project, as well as this recognition from the Preservation Alliance,” said Angelo Waters, PE, LEED AP, an Urban vice president and project manager for the Rail Park. “This important new public space – completed in partnership with Center City District, Studio Bryan Hanes, A.P. Construction – has already led to growth and economic development for the city. This award is evidence of the success and technical expertise of our firm, and that our work is worthy of recognition.”

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.

Established in 1996, the Preservation Alliance promotes the appreciation, protection, and appropriate use of Philadelphia’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes. The annual Preservation Achievement Awards honor outstanding contributions to the preservation of their architectural and cultural heritage. Each year, the Preservation Alliance presents the Preservation Achievement Awards to recognize projects in the Philadelphia region that exemplify outstanding achievement in historic preservation.