Weekly Update (January 24th – January 30th)

In early January, PennDOT contractors began to dismantle the Cramps Shipyard building.  PennDOT is removing the Cramp Building to make way for two new ramps that will connect I-95 to Richmond Street.

The building was built in 1913 and was part of the once-thriving William Cramp & Sons ship-building complex.  Prior to and during World War II, steam turbine engines and naval gun turrets were produced in the building.  PennDOT has been working with archaeologists to conserve and document many of the treasures that have been found in the area that was once the shipyard. Additionally, PennDOT has been working with local industrial artists to identify items to salvage for potential future public art installations in the project area.  Those items will be removed and put into storage prior taking the building down.

Click here for a video tour of the building.

Read more about the Cramp family and the shipyard.

Click here and here to learn more about the I-95 project and the building removal.

Weekly Update (January 17th – January 23rd)

CDAG is excited about recent waterfront related news.  In early January, the city announced that a $5 million grant from the William Penn Foundation will help the city complete several key projects to advance the goals of the civic vision and master plan.  As a first project, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announced that $650,000 will be spent to complete the Race Street Connector project.  This streetscape project will help to make the walk between Old City and Race Street Pier more friendly and safe to pedestrians.  Read more about the grant on Philly.com and PlanPhilly.

CDAG is thrilled that the Race Street Pier is underway and slated to be opened this spring.  Construction crews are on the pier (when it is not snowing!) and PHS has started to organize a friends group to “adopt” the pier. PHS and the DRWC hosted a happy hour event to (re)introduce people to the Race Street Pier project and to build excitement about its impending arrival. Here are some photos from the event:

Weekly Update (January 10th – January 16th)

Last night CDAG elected its new board members.  Congratulations to:

Steve Weixler, Chair

Matt Ruben and Laura Lanza, Vice Chairs

Joe Schiavo, Secretary

Dave Hammond, Treasurer

Congratulations to all members that have served — past and present!

CDAG is looking forward to another great year!

Weekly Update (January 3rd – January 9th)

More good news for the waterfront….yesterday the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announced that is has received a $5 million grant from the William Penn Foundation.  The grant will enable the DRWC to implement lighting, design and safety improvements that will help bring more people to the riverfront. The first initiative will be to complete the Race Street Connector — a project that will provide for improved connections between Old City and the new Race Street Pier.  Click here to read PlanPhilly’s reporting of the announcement.

Weekly Update (December 27th – January 2nd)

Happy New Year!

Lower Merion, PA has some exciting news about the Cynwyd Heritage Trail – On Wednesday, December 15th, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners voted 8 to 5 in favor of awarding a contract for the construction of the main paths of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail.  Construction should start in the coming months.

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is a 350-acre linear park and rail-to-trail comprised of public, private, and institutional lands that will offer recreational, economic, community-building and educational opportunities to Lower Merion Township and the region. Click here to read more about the trail.

Congratulations Lower Merion! This trail will be a great addition to the region!