Cooper Robertson’s master plan for the Delaware Riverfront in Philadelphia transforms a six mile-length of waterfront into an authentic extension of the thriving city and vibrant neighborhoods immediately to its west. The historical gateway to the city, the site is bounded at both the north and south ends by active port facilities. The Master Plan for the Central Delaware, informed by an extensive public engagement process, creates region-serving amenities while also reconnecting the city’s residents and visitors with the waterfront.

The integration of the waterfront with the existing city is a critical part of the urban design strategy; improvements to the streets connecting into the neighborhoods are essential to the success of the plan. The plan provides a practical implementation strategy for the phasing and funding of public enhancements to the waterfront, including locating parks, waterfront trails, and connections to existing neighborhoods and proposed transit routes.