DRWC seeks Central Delaware Waterfront Master Plan consultant

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is seeking a consultant to develop a master plan for the Central Delaware waterfront – from Oregon to Allegheny avenues, from the river to I-95.

In case you’re wondering how big a job this will be, here’s an excerpt from the request for proposal: “The master plan will address land use; utilities and infrastructure investment; street plans and platting; the provision of public transit; pedestrian and bicycle trail alignment, connections, and related facilities; public access to the river’s edge; and urban design guidelines along the length of the Central Delaware Riverfront. The master plan should also address legal issues related to riparian rights and the development of the master plan.”

There’s a lot riding on this plan, as it will be the long-term guide for redeveloping the waterfront in a way that reconnects the city to the river. Among the things the DRWC wants the plan to address: land use, transportation – including public transit, automotive traffic, and a pedestrian/bicycle trail, public streets and public art.

“The Master Plan should serve as an exemplar of a 21st century, world-class, ecologically-responsible public and private development plan. It should include state-of-the-art  thinking in ecology, sustainable infrastructure, transportation, landscape and urban design, and historic preservation,” the document says. “With this plan, the City will establish a firm foundation for future public and private investment in this area.”

For help, the RFP says, the winning consultant should look to the Civic Vision For the Central Delaware Waterfront and related Action Plan. These documents were put together by PennPraxis, the practical arm of the University of Pennsylvania’s design school, based on more than a year of public meetings and feedback. The RFP lists a host of other documents as well.

Proposals are due by 5 pm June 19. An informational meeting will be held at 2 pm June 4 at the DRWC offices, 121 North Columbus Boulevard. The DRWC will accept all questions in writing until June 5, and will post written responses on its website sometime around June 9. Questions should be sent via email to JF@DelawareWaterfrontCorp.com.

To see the full text of the RFP and other relevant information, click here.

-Posted by Kellie Patrick Gates