Philadelphia's New River City Realized.

What was once a run-down tract of industrial land is now a hot, new urban waterfront destination. And it’s changing the way visitors experience the once un-glamorous lower Schuylkill River.Maybe it’s the stuff of legend, but the story goes something like this: After watching Gene Kelly dance with Leslie Caron along a waterfront promenade in the movie, “An American in Paris,” an energized resident called the Fairmount Park Commission and asked, “Why couldn’t we have something like that here in Philadelphia?” He was talking about the lower banks of the Schuylkill River—the three-mile stretch of waterfront from the Fairmount Water Works to historic Bartram’s Gardens. Historically used for industrial purposes and an eyesore to residents, the Schuylkill, which means “Hidden River” in Dutch, is clandestine no more. Instead, it is a shining example of the power of partnership and the collective vision of Philadelphians who believe that by working together they can alter the landscape of the city’s major waterfronts.
 

“When SRDC first started its master plan for the river nearly five years ago, we knew we wanted to be more than just a trail,” he said. “Our vision was to fully realize the potential of the eight miles from just below the Water Works, all the way south to the Delaware River. If we can create a space that could improve the quality of life for people, and give them an enjoyable, new way to experience the river, then we will have realized our dream.”

The part of the Schuylkill River which winds its way through Philadelphia is actually a section of the Schuylkill River Watershed, covering nearly 1,900 square miles and originating in the headwaters of Schuylkill County. It travels 130 miles before it meets the Delaware River. The tidal portion encompasses the last eight miles of the waterway. According to the Philadelphia Water Department, the lower river includes only two percent of the Schuylkill Watershed land area, but represents the single largest population. Even though that seems like such a small parcel of land to develop, it was a mammoth undertaking, or as Syrnick described, “A quality of life project with no clear blueprint to follow.”

It Takes a Village

Philadelphians know how to get things done. From the Pennsylvania Convention Center to the National Constitution Center, economic development projects usually get to see the light of day and contribute to the overall economic vitality in the region. For the city’s riverfronts, physical improvements are expected to generate more than $2.5 billion in private, public and institutional investments during the next 10 to 15 years, and transform the way residents and visitors experience the Schuylkill. Jerry Sweeney ought to know. As CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, the developer of the gleaming, new office complex, Cira Centre, and chairman of Schuylkill River Development Corporation, “The goal is to focus our attention back to the river.”

“Years ago, no one thought of the banks of the lower Schuylkill as an asset. It was a non-event,” Sweeney said. “We now have the ability to do something unique, and create a regional asset that people talk about. It’s also a place where people can create memories, a physical space that fosters an emotional attachment. That’s why we’ve been able to bring so many people with diverse backgrounds to the table, and they are collaborating with us on this very significant project.”

The SRDC board, under Sweeney’s leadership, established five guiding principles: improving riverfront access and connections, creating new riverfront destinations, leveraging market driven development, improving physical conditions, and building strong communities. And yes, raising public and private dollars to finance their ambitious, long-range goals. “I think we have such strong support from our stakeholders because we’re different from other non-profits. While they’re all good causes, we can see the dramatic results of our efforts every day, and can roll up our sleeves and enjoy this wonderful space,” Sweeney continued.

Among the priority projects is the landscaping, trail design and construction of Schuylkill River Park, which is complete from the Water Works through Locust Street and is branded as “Schuylkill Banks.” The next section to be developed will extend to South Street and include the construction of a boardwalk from Locust to South Street, with a ramp connecting the South Street Bridge and the trail. Syrnick expects that phase of the project to be completed by 2008. Other work includes creating a pedestrian and bicycle access ramp at the southern end of the trail; docks at Walnut Street and Bartram’s Gardens, which are now installed; the improvement of the bridges along the Schuylkill, including the Market, Chestnut, Walnut and JFK bridges to better connect the eastern and western parts of the city and increase pedestrian access; the extension of the Schuylkill Trail to Bartram’s Gardens; the beautification and creation of “Station Square on the Schuylkill,” a public square on Market Street between Schuylkill Avenue and 30th Street, which will serve as the front door to the city’s academic, commercial and transportation hubs; and a program to green and beautify targeted neighborhoods around the Tidal Schuylkill River.

Among the organizations that have helped SRDC and Sweeney transform the river is the Fairmount Park Commission. Under the direction of Mark Focht, executive director, the park is an “operating and programming partner,” to Schuylkill Banks, one of the 63 parks that comprise the largest urban park system in the nation. “It’s all about partnership,” said Focht. “We have been very involved in this important project because it provides residents a way to reconnect to the river, and this idea of reclaiming the waterfront keeps it in all of our collective consciousness which translates into dollars and other support,” he said.

Focht also said that the development along the lower part of the river creates what he calls a “green backbone,” which connects communities, and exposes more and more of the city’s population to the joys of the river. “We’re literally opening the front door to huge parcels of land that will eventually become new neighborhoods and communities,” Focht added.

Boats, Pets and Flicks, Oh My!

Now that Schuylkill Banks is entering its third season of programming, the venue is lush and ready for the estimated 16,000 visitors who now use the park and trail each week. Last year SRDC launched its popular Riverboat Tours, with a generous grant from the Sweden-based company, SCA Americas, which has based its American operations in Philadelphia. For the first time in history, recreational riverboat tours travel the Schuylkill on a regular basis, giving passengers a birds-eye look at the flora and fauna along the six mile loop.

Boats, Pets and Flicks, Oh My! Now that Schuylkill Banks is entering its third season of programming, the venue is lush and ready for the estimated 16,000 visitors who now use the park and trail each week. Last year SRDC launched its popular Riverboat Tours, with a generous grant from the Sweden-based company, SCA Americas, which has based its American operations in Philadelphia. For the first time in history, recreational riverboat tours travel the Schuylkill on a regular basis, giving passengers a birds-eye look at the flora and fauna along the six mile loop.

For the past two years, the river has also been the spot where regattas have been held for amateur rowers of all ages. The funds for these efforts have come from Toll Brothers at Naval Square, which has developed condominiums and luxury townhouses in the historic former U.S. Naval Hospital and Home along the lower banks of the river.

For Syrnick, a passionate dog enthusiast, the idea of using the venue to bring people and their pets together was a labor of love. “When we look to create programming on the Banks, we try to appeal to a wide range of people, and so many of our constituents said they would like an event for their ‘best friends’ as well. So we came up with our annual ‘Pet Fest’ event which we do each year in partnership with Town and Country Kennel.”

Other programming includes a special movie series called “Suspense on the Banks” featuring the films of the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, and music and dance events throughout the summer.

But when all is said and done, and the bricks and mortar attach themselves for perpetuity, it’s really what’s inside that counts. “I can’t tell you what a good feeling it is to hear from the people who use the Banks regularly, that it has literally changed their lives,” Syrnick said, with great pride. “It makes me feel terrific. It’s such a warm feeling; even better than writing a check.”

You can take that to the Banks!