on Nov 12, 2015

Four HR&A Projects Awarded by the American Society of Landscape Architects

 

We’re delighted to announce the American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA) selection of four HR&A projects for national and local awards in the last year. On the national level, ASLA recognized the Penn’s Landing Redevelopment Feasibility Study with an Award of Excellence in Analysis and Planning and the Lawn on D with an Honor Award in General Design. HR&A was also recognized by the Arizona Chapter of ASLA for the design concept of Mesa City Center and the Master Plan of Hance Park in Phoenix. These projects reflect the firm’s steadfast commitment to the continued development of the American city.

 

HR&A provided development advisory and market analysis for the Penn’s Landing Redevelopment Feasibility Study, this year’s recipient of the ASLA’s Award of Excellence in Analysis and Planning. The study explored the feasibility of constructing a signature park at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware Riverfront, anchoring new development at the water’s edge and strengthening links with adjacent Center City neighborhoods. Working with a multidisciplinary team led by Hargreaves Associates, HR&A evaluated the market potential of the 45-acre site; recommended a flexible, preferred development scenario to create the park as well as almost 2 million square feet of mixed-use, waterfront development. HR&A also supported creation of a phasing plan to leverage near term development opportunities and infrastructure improvements that would catalyze further private development. HR&A’s work built off of work supporting a master plan for seven miles of the Delaware River waterfront, which identified Penn’s Landing redevelopment as an essential first phase.

 

The Lawn On D, a highly programmed outdoor space and event venue located in Boston’s burgeoning Innovation District, was recognized with this year’s Honor Award in General Design. Since its 2014 debut, the 2.7-acre open space has generated excitement throughout Boston as a surprising and delightful hub of activity that provides free, public programming for children and adults. HR&A, with the support of Chris Wangro, managed the programming and implementation of this significant placemaking project, which is helping to brand a new neighborhood around D Street next to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Working with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), HR&A established a distinct vision to achieve a sense of place that is defined by flexible programming, interactive environments, and compelling design. Serving as a business planning advisor and program manager to the MCCA through the conclusion of its 2015 season earlier this month, HR&A oversaw the execution of a calendar packed with festivals, concerts, movie screenings, interactive art installations, and more.

As part of an interdisciplinary team led by West 8, Colwell Shelor, and Weddle Gilmore HR&A was selected to transform the Mesa City Center, 18-acres surrounding Mesa City Hall, into a unique civic space that will enhance Mesa’s downtown and catalyze real estate development. The resulting design received an Honor Award in Analysis and Planning from the Arizona Chapter of ASLA. HR&A worked with the design team, the City, and key stakeholders to identify preliminary economic development opportunities and investment priorities, and is now developing a refined capital funding and phasing plan, an O&M funding and management strategy and an economic impact narrative.

 

As part of an interdisciplinary team lead by Weddle Gilmore and !melk, HR&A was engaged by the City of Phoenix to develop a business plan for the revitalization of Hance Park, an underutilized 32-acre park at the heart of Phoenix’s downtown art and culture institutions. The team’s design was recognized with an Honor Award in Analysis & Planning by the Arizona Chapter of ASLA. Over a period of 8-months the Master Plan Team organized a 3 tiered analysis and planning process, encompassing a deep analysis and investigation that revealed undiscovered history, examined connectivity and circulation patterns, and studied adjacent economic development potential. The team incorporated the core values of economic growth, sustainability, programming, and identity to create a sustainable vision for a vibrant and connected downtown signature park. HR&A developed an approach to capital funding, operations and maintenance funding, governance, and phasing for the revitalized park. HR&A is currently assisting the design team in developing a refined capital and O&M funding strategy for the first phase of park development.

 

HR&A is committed to increasing the vibrancy and vitality of urban life, and continues design creative, successful development strategies for our public and private clients. We’d like to extend our sincere congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in these projects.