Delaware River Trail. Image via Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Delaware River Trail Underway Near Penn’s Landing Redevelopment in Center City

The Delaware River Trail that sits just next to the site of the recently proposed Penn’s Landing redevelopment is underway in between the public space and the Interstate 95. The project is a part the Master Plan for the Central Delaware, which will extend and enhance the waterfront. Developed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the project will feature open space extending for six miles along the Delaware River from Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia to East Allegheny Avenue in Kensington, with the trail divided into four zones. The public space will feature new vegetation and planting, bi-directional bicycle lanes, solar lighting, and improved public access to the trail.

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Skylink Aerial Tramway. Image via Delaware River Port Authority

Looking at the Canceled Skylink Aerial Tramway across the Delaware River

While Philadelphia has seen many projects that were eventually never built, one of the most unique is the Skylink Aerial Tramway proposed to span across the Delaware River, featuring gondolas running on suspended cables. Developed by the Delaware River Port Authority, thus uncommon form of transportation was supposed to connect Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront to Camden, NJ on the east bank of the Delaware River. The trams were planned to move at 160 feet above the river, with both of the towers standing at a total height of 250 feet. The development was projected to complete construction in Spring 2002, but due to the continuous rising budget along with various other issues, including mounting criticism, the project was eventually canceled.

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Torresdale Manor Residences at 3600 Grant Avenue. Credit: Swimming World Magazine (left), Channel 6 ABC Action News (center left), Abitare Design Studio (right)

A Detailed Look at Torresdale Manor Residences Proposed at 3600 Grant Avenue in Torresdale, Northeast Philadelphia

Philly YIMBY recently shared new site plans and renderings for Torresdale Manor Residences, a townhouse development planned at 3600 Grant Avenue in the Academy Gardens section of Torresdale, Northeast Philadelphia. Designed by Abitare Design Studio, the project will rise at the former site of a once-renown aquatic center, shuttered after a devastating 2017 fire. The proposal includes 30 single-family residences, a new roadway, and a nature trail along the adjacent Byberry Creek. Today we take an in-depth look at the development and the insight it offers into incorporation of positive, pedestrian-friendly elements into otherwise car-oriented master plans.

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