PA: Parsons Brinckerhoff on Team Selected to Develop Master Plan for Philadelphia 30th Street Station

Parsons Brinckerhoff is part of a team led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) that will develop a comprehensive master plan for the area around Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.

The 30th Street Station Precinct Joint Master Plan represents an unmatched opportunity to create a compelling, modern civic vision for the area around the 30th Street Station, which serves Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ Transit. With the monumental 81-year-old rail station at its core, the master plan will support the station’s role as an intermodal transportation hub and community center.

The SOM team, which also includes OLIN and HR&A Advisors, was selected by Amtrak, Drexel University, and Brandywine Realty Trust The goal is to develop a future where the station is at the epicenter of a dynamic, urban neighborhood full of opportunities for community development, economic development, and improved transportation connections. A wide range of commercial opportunities, including a new vision for retail spaces within the station and the potential development of air rights above approximately 85 acres of rail yards adjacent to the station, will also be considered.

As part of the SOM team, Parsons Brinckerhoff will be responsible for leading the multi-faceted transportation elements of the master plan and will also provide project management support.

The master plan is being guided by a coordinating committee comprised of Amtrak, Drexel University, Brandywine Realty Trust, SEPTA, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, city of Philadelphia, NJ Transit, CSX Corp., University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, and University City District. The effort is being funded by Drexel University and its partners.

Development of the master plan will begin immediately and is expected to take approximately two years.