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The Navy Yard Welcomes FKB Studios

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The Navy Yard is pleased to welcome FKB Studios who recently located to Building 990! FKB is a cutting edge and innovative design and fabrication company specializing in creating immersive spaces. It is the exciting result of the recent merger of two established Philadelphia-based design and fabrication companies: FK Productions and B Fabrication. Together, FKB are masters in the art of applied imagination, enjoying a reputation for developing industry-leading approaches to civic placemaking, retail and entertainment facility design/build, experiential marketing, museum exhibit design, installation, and large-scale artwork.

While fostering its capabilities in digital design for architecture, fabrication, and installation, it has extended these skills into the virtual realm to create hybrid events (a blend of VR/AR and real work entertainment) that blur the line between the virtual and physical worlds.

An FKB installment at New York City’s Pier 17. The piece is based on the NFT character Aku, which was created by Micah Johnson, a former MLB player turned artist, after he heard a young boy ask, “can astronauts be black.” Photo courtesy of FKB.

An FKB installment at New York City’s Pier 17. The piece is based on the NFT character Aku, which was created by Micah Johnson, a former MLB player turned artist, after he heard a young boy ask, “can astronauts be black.” Photo courtesy of FKB.

An FKB sculpture of a life-sized S-Class Mercedes, which was parametrically modeled and put through a crash-test simulation, is made entirely from mirror-polished and regular stainless steel, comprising of over 9,000 individual pieces. Photo courtesy of FKB.

An FKB sculpture of a life-sized S-Class Mercedes, which was parametrically modeled and put through a crash-test simulation, is made entirely from mirror-polished and regular stainless steel, comprising of over 9,000 individual pieces. Photo courtesy of FKB.

FKB prides itself on the ability to create what has not been created before; there everything is possible.

First located on Cambria Street in the West Kensington area of the city, FKB found that as the scope and scale of its business endeavors expanded, it became critical to find a new location in which to grow in terms of space and the impact it makes in the local community. FKB currently has about 50 employees, and the company is forecasted to double or even triple its staff size over the next several years in its new space.

The new studio in Building 990 at 2001 Kitty Hawk Avenue is nearly triple the size of its previous studio space and burgeoning community of businesses here at the Navy Yard allows FKB to align itself with likeminded leaders in various industries and further establish itself as an industry leader in fabrication, design, and installation. The FKB team is excited about the already growing network of businesses to call neighbors and looks forward to further integrating its team into the culture and community here.

A 40-foot FKB sculpture at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia. This is FKB’s largest installation to date. Photo courtesy of FKB.

A 40-foot FKB sculpture at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia. This is FKB’s largest installation to date. Photo courtesy of FKB.

For more information about FKB or learn about its work, please visit www.fkb.studio or email hello@fkb.studio.

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

Infrastructure Project to Bring Added Trees to Navy Yard

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With more than $40 million in infrastructure projects and approximately $500 million in new development for 2022, the recently released Navy Yard Plan is off to a fast start. In addition to new buildings and a rebuilt Broad Street, these projects will also bring new trees and greenery throughout the campus and thoughtful public amenities to the Navy Yard.

One of the projects we are most excited about is the long-awaited reconstruction of Broad Street, which begins July 25 and will restore four lanes of travel, as well as add a dedicated bike lane and pedestrian amenities. As part of the widening of this corridor, eight trees will need to be removed, but 90 new trees will be planted along Broad Street and throughout the campus to replace them.

The Navy Yard operations team will be working with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) to plant the new trees beginning this fall and throughout the duration of the project. PHS generously donated more than 20 trees and dozens of perennial plants that were featured in the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

The Navy Yard was certified as a Level-1 arboretum in 2018 by Arbnet and the addition of 90 trees to the 2,000 trees already established demonstrates the Navy Yard’s commitment to public greenspace, sustainable landscapes, and resiliency.

As one of only five arboretums in Philadelphia, it is especially important that the Navy Yard preserves and expands greenspaces at the Navy Yard. By building upon and sustaining green spaces, the Navy Yard can assure that future generations have a place to appreciate nature in an urban environment, while at the same time developing the Navy Yard to create equitable growth, jobs, and accessibility for decades to come.

Current treescape at the Central Green

Current treescape at Central Green

Current treescape at Crescent Park

Current treescape at Crescent Park

Current treescape at the Marine Parade Grounds

Current treescape at the Marine Parade Grounds

Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Project
As announced on July 1, 2022, the Navy Yard will begin the reconstruction of the section of Broad Street between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave, also known as the “quay wall” on July 25. It’s a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for many years, and once finished, will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.

This construction project will take approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave.

The $19 million+ total project cost is in part funded by PennDOT, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.

Learn more about the Broad Street quay wall reconstruction project on the Yard BLOG.

Broad Street Quay Wall now

Broad Street “quay wall” now

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

 

 

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Announcement

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BACKGROUND

Starting later this month, the Navy Yard will begin the reconstruction of the section of Broad Street between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave, also known as the “quay wall”. It’s a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for many years, and once finished, will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.

This construction project will take approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave.

The $19 million+ total project cost is in part funded by PennDOT, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

SCHEDULE

July 22, 2022 Broad Street between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave fully CLOSED; major construction activities begin
July 2023 4 lanes of Broad Street re-open with periodic closures anticipated
September 2023 Pedestrian Plaza open, all detours lifted

DETOURS

During the closure, traffic detours will be in place to direct people to use alternative routes including using the League Island Boulevard gate and over the Lift Bridge to the 26th Street gate.

Modified Navy Yard Transit bus schedules, stops, and detour routes will be issued the week of July 11, 2022.

Pedestrians will be able to use the sidewalk on the east side of Broad Street Quarters buildings (between the Quarters buildings and One Crescent Drive parking lot).

Cyclists will not be permitted to use Broad Street during the construction project and should use 13th Street.

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

CONTINUED UPDATES

We’ll continue to update everyone on our website at www.navyyard.org, via emails to Navy Yard businesses, and on our social media channels.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this important project. We are all looking forward to the finished product and celebrating this new section of Broad Street in 2023!