Planning begins for Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station

Philadelphia — Brandywine Realty Trust, Amtrak and Drexel University have selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in association with Parsons Brinckerhoff, OLIN, and HR&A Advisors to develop a comprehensive master plan for the area around Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.



Planning will begin immediately. The goal is to develop a vision that locates the station at the epicenter of a dynamic, urban neighborhood that provides opportunities for community development, economic development and improved transportation connections.



A coordinating committee will guide the master planning process. Committee members include representatives from Amtrak, Drexel University, Brandywine Realty Trust, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, City of Philadelphia, New Jersey Transit, CSX Corporation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Schuylkill River Development Corporation and University City District.



With master planning efforts currently being advanced in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, Chicago, and now Philadelphia, Amtrak aims to turn congested and tired rail stations and their surroundings into thriving urban neighborhoods that appeal to the millennial and baby boomer generations. As these populations continue to flock to cities to live, work and play, they are demanding walk-able communities with vibrant arts and cultural institutions and access to transportation hubs such as 30th Street Station.



Drexel University and its partners are funding the Joint Master Plan. Drexel is also developing its Innovation Neighborhood project on 12 acres of its campus adjacent to 30th Street Station to attract and launch high-tech businesses seeking a rich research and commercialization environment with unmatched transit access.



The study area also includes parcels already being developed by Brandywine Realty Trust, including the FMC Tower at Cira Centre South.



Development of the master plan is expected to take approximately two years. Opportunities for public comment and involvement will be announced and advertised.