SoPhi: A Downtown Plan for Washington Avenue, South Philadelphia

PROJECT SUMMARY
Washington Avenue is a major east-west thoroughfare that is lined with an eclectic mix of uses, ranging from warehouses to ethnic retail. Development, however, is occurring on the Avenue with little consistency. New construction includes high density luxury condominiums and low density retail. Broad swaths of empty land and other underutilized parcels signal opportunities for future development. The Avenue's width, traffic, and lack of pedestrian friendly amenities are also perceived by neighborhood residents as a barrier to the cohesion of the neighborhoods to the north and south.

As a result, the Team began the process of analyzing and designing a new vision for Washington Avenue. The Team started by collecting information about the study area, including the area's history, demographics, retail market, parking and transportation, and land use and zoning. After analyzing the research, the Team prepared and presented to the client two alternative visions for Washington Avenue: Downtown South Philly and SoPhi Village. Based on client feedback, the Team prepared a final vision that ultimately blended features of both alternatives.

This plan, "Sophi: A Downtown Plan for Washington Avenue, South Philadelphia," recommends dense building massing on the west side of Washington Avenue with a gradual transition to a lower neighborhood scale in the approach to 6th Street. Additionally, the plan suggests the greening of Washington Avenue, including streetscape redesign and a raised median. Other areas addressed by the plan include streetscape design, key site designs, general design guidelines, and zoning proposals. The Team also recommends implementation strategies, including a three-pronged phasing of development, the creation of a community development organization, and funding. The plan aims to provide a launching point for area residents and businesses to reflect on the current conditions of the neighborhood and collaborate in guiding the area's future.

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SoPhi_Plan.pdf