Monday, May 16, 2011
Mike Rowe Speaks To Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Mike Rowe, the infamous host of Dirty Jobs and now the face of Ford, went in front of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and called for a national campaign that promotes the skilled workforce.
This couldn't be any more timely since my thesis discussion has shifted from just a Shop class trying to highlight the benefits of manual work, to a hands-on math and science course that exposes students to skilled manual professions. While I lack the clarity that Mike possesses, the point that he is trying to convey rings true in a national narrative that is getting louder every day: our educational system has created a gap in the workforce. One that is promoted by all levels of society, your parents, teachers, and friends. He discusses the need for change in the work force of USA's citizens to promote skilled trades as a desired job, rather than that being exclusive to jobs that requires a 4 year degree or more.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Development Project: East Falls 'Rivage' Site
Here's a look at a sustainable development project put together by Mamta Borker, Alex DeNadai, and myself for a vacant lot in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. This was for our Sustainable Development class within the MSSD program at Philadelphia University and was taught by Nancy Cleveland from Resonate.
At the corner of Ridge Ave and Calemut St in East Falls, theres a large 73,000sf lot that has been an eyesore for quite a few years and is known as the 'Rivage' site. Gina Snyder, Executive Director of the East Falls Development Corporation, came in for a day to talk about what their expectations are for development of the site which include a gateway for people entering the neighborhood, a grocers market, setbacks for extra parking and green buffers, and most importantly, a community friendly project. The goal is to bring in a project that can help propel the neighborhood forward as a place to work, live, and shop. Being located minutes downriver of Manayunk, EFDC looks to fashion itself after the revitalized and exciting neighborhood upstream. Much like the well-noted Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties, we wanted to create an iconic space that defines the neighborhood.
Our team was well-balanced, with Mamta being an architect who has worked professionally in India, Alex a project manager for Weston Solutions, an infrastructure re-development firm, and myself, with no specific specialty but a rounded understanding of building construction. We focused on how to integrate the site with the community and how to tie it to the riverfront.
OUR DESIGN:
Our design intent for the Rivage property is to provide a river front center point for the East Falls community to come together to socialize, shop, enjoy green space, and connect with the Schuylkill River. The space consists of (1) a Market serving fresh, local foods, (2) an outdoor Plaza with walkways, tents for seasonal events, and a view of the riverfront, (3) a sub-level parking garage, (4) ground level retail along Ridge, (5) residential units of varying size, and lastly, (6) a restaurant space located on the third floor above the Market. We will be seeking LEED Gold for this project.
The drawing above was our initial sketch and stayed pretty true through completion. The greatest element we feel was the flow of the space and how it all overlooks the river. We ran the financial calculations and were coming in at an 11-year payback on a project that costs nearly 30 million dollars. Generally, the rule of thumb for developers is to get a 5-7 year payback. Because we were focusing on optimizing the community integration and public spaces, as well as our sustainability initiatives like daylighting, stormwater management, high-performance buildings, and more - our payback was less than optimal. Still, it shows what's possible with the right ownership and vision.
I would like to thank Elizabeth Lankenau at KSK architects for taking time to look at our plans to see how it would integrate with East Falls. I saw her team present the Conshohocken Revitalization Plan and it served as the blueprint for our market study research. Her husband, Chris, also worked with Alex to develop or construction schedule and budget.
At the corner of Ridge Ave and Calemut St in East Falls, theres a large 73,000sf lot that has been an eyesore for quite a few years and is known as the 'Rivage' site. Gina Snyder, Executive Director of the East Falls Development Corporation, came in for a day to talk about what their expectations are for development of the site which include a gateway for people entering the neighborhood, a grocers market, setbacks for extra parking and green buffers, and most importantly, a community friendly project. The goal is to bring in a project that can help propel the neighborhood forward as a place to work, live, and shop. Being located minutes downriver of Manayunk, EFDC looks to fashion itself after the revitalized and exciting neighborhood upstream. Much like the well-noted Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties, we wanted to create an iconic space that defines the neighborhood.
Our team was well-balanced, with Mamta being an architect who has worked professionally in India, Alex a project manager for Weston Solutions, an infrastructure re-development firm, and myself, with no specific specialty but a rounded understanding of building construction. We focused on how to integrate the site with the community and how to tie it to the riverfront.
OUR DESIGN:
Our design intent for the Rivage property is to provide a river front center point for the East Falls community to come together to socialize, shop, enjoy green space, and connect with the Schuylkill River. The space consists of (1) a Market serving fresh, local foods, (2) an outdoor Plaza with walkways, tents for seasonal events, and a view of the riverfront, (3) a sub-level parking garage, (4) ground level retail along Ridge, (5) residential units of varying size, and lastly, (6) a restaurant space located on the third floor above the Market. We will be seeking LEED Gold for this project.The drawing above was our initial sketch and stayed pretty true through completion. The greatest element we feel was the flow of the space and how it all overlooks the river. We ran the financial calculations and were coming in at an 11-year payback on a project that costs nearly 30 million dollars. Generally, the rule of thumb for developers is to get a 5-7 year payback. Because we were focusing on optimizing the community integration and public spaces, as well as our sustainability initiatives like daylighting, stormwater management, high-performance buildings, and more - our payback was less than optimal. Still, it shows what's possible with the right ownership and vision.
I would like to thank Elizabeth Lankenau at KSK architects for taking time to look at our plans to see how it would integrate with East Falls. I saw her team present the Conshohocken Revitalization Plan and it served as the blueprint for our market study research. Her husband, Chris, also worked with Alex to develop or construction schedule and budget.
Executive Summary Draft (PDF)
Final Proposal Document (PDF)
Supporting Documentation: Owner's Project Requirements, LEED Scorecard, Project Schedule (ZIP)
I know these documents are HUGE and may be burdensome to look through, but if you want to see an extensive market analysis, technical review of Philadelphia Zoning codes, LEED Scorecard, Financial Analysis, and much more - then take a few moments to check it out. If anything, it will make for some good reference material for future projects. Thanks for reading!
I know these documents are HUGE and may be burdensome to look through, but if you want to see an extensive market analysis, technical review of Philadelphia Zoning codes, LEED Scorecard, Financial Analysis, and much more - then take a few moments to check it out. If anything, it will make for some good reference material for future projects. Thanks for reading!
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