PHS Plans for Next Generation Civic Landscapes

The Philadelphia Horticulture Society is currently investigating seven potential sites  to serve as canvases to its next generation of civic landscapes initiative.  In recent decades PHS had developed landscape approaches to improve high-profile places like the Azalea Garden and Logan Square, as well as less show-stopping locations like the medians along Columbus Boulevard.

PlanPhilly reports that the organization also seeks to design impressive Welcome Gateways to the city at the International Airport and in the Northeast Corridor along the Amtrak/Septa rail line running through North Philadelphia. For the last year and a half, PHS worked with PennPraxis and more than 100 key stakeholders to zero in on which sites in Philadelphia are most worthy of their focused attention alongside community and civic partners.

Here are the seven sites currently at the top of their list:

1. North Broad (Diamond St. to Spring Garden St.)
2. Central Broad (Spring Garden St. to South St)
3. South Broad (South St. to Passyunk Ave)
4. Vine street (Benjamin Franklin Bridge/ 5th St. to 20th St.)
5. Northeast Corridor (Amtrak/SEPTA rail corridor through North Philadelphia)
6. West Girard Avenue (29th St. to 41st St)
7. Airport (PHL/I-95)

Each project could include multiple projects at a variety of scales; may focus mor on making a positive impression ("image-makers"), fostering a sense of place ("place-makers"), or improving neighborhood connections and quality of life ("partner-makers").

PHS has several tools in mind to help improve these spaces, including signage, surface textures, land or aquatic forms, furniture, landscape screening techniques, vertical or horizontal plantings, lighting, and artistic installations.