Navy Yard Supports Diversity in Business Development through MED Week Workshop
The Navy Yard hosted to members of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) community for a Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week workshop on October 7.
The workshop at the Navy Yard was part of more than 40 other events in the region during the 38th annual Philadelphia MED Week, which was organized by the City’s Department of Commerce Office of Economic Opportunity and recognized the outstanding achievements of MBEs and equipped them with resources and connections to help them grow. This year’s theme was Forging the Future: Growing Generational Wealth – “This is How We Do It!”
Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson spearheaded the event at the Navy Yard with the goal of expanding MBE opportunities at the Navy Yard and said coming to events such as MED Week are valuable because these events can lead to new contracts and contracts are key to growing business. MED Week helps small businesses gain capital and opportunity.
During the event, PIDC and Navy Yard leadership along with executives from Ensemble/Mosaic (the exclusive developer of a 109-acre mixed-use development at the Navy Yard) spoke and provided resources to the participants and discussed how they could play a role in the future development of the Navy Yard.
As part of the 20-year, $6-billion-dollar development of the Navy Yard, PIDC and Ensemble/Mosaic are committed to a robust and holistic equity strategy that will deliver meaningful economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and traditionally under-represented individuals.
This commitment established a new standard at the Navy Yard and in development projects across the City. The agreement stipulates minimum obligations to promote equity and inclusion in the residential and retail development, including:
- 15% of all residential units (representing approximately 450 units) will be made affordable to individuals or families at incomes ranging from 60% to 120% of AMI, with affordability covenant ensured for 40 years.
- 25% of retail space will be made available for lease to local minority- and women-owned companies.
- In addition, Ensemble/Mosaic has created The Navy Yard Empowerment Foundation, funded by ongoing contributions from each individual Ensemble/Mosaic project at the Navy Yard.
The Foundation is dedicated to providing education, job training, access to capital, mentorship, and wealth creation opportunities.
Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Sam Rhoads (PIDC Executive Vice President), Brian Cohen (Ensemble Real Estate, SVP, Regional Director East), and Greg Reaves (Founder & Co-Owner, Mosaic Development Partners) speak address attendees of a Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week workshop at the Navy Yard.
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Ceremony
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction at Philadelphia Navy Yard from Urban Video Productions® on Vimeo.
We were excited to finally be able to hold a ceremony to kick off the Broad Street infrastructure improvement project on September 14. Reconstruction of a critical 734-foot section of Broad Street (referred to as the Quay Wall) officially started at the end of July, but the ceremony was held later to welcome distinguished guests and partners to the event, including Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, along with representatives from PennDOT and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The reconstruction of the Quay Wall is imperative to ensure safety and to increase accessibility for the public and the 150 businesses and 15,000 employees at the Navy Yard. The Quay Wall overlooks the Navy Yard River Basin and sits on top of a more than 120-year-old timber-bridge structure that has largely been submerged in the Delaware River and subject to the elements.
734-foot section of Broad St (known as the Quay Wall)
The project is the result of a $19M+ joint-venture project between PennDOT, the U.S. EDA, City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.
From left to right: Sam Rhoads (PIDC Executive Vice President), Lou Belmonte (PennnDOT Regional Executive), Linda Cruz-Carnall (U.S. EDA Regional Director), Kate McNamara (PIDC Senior Vice President, Navy Yard), Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson
“Without these partnerships, none of this would be possible,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “This has been a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for several years.”
This project is also important for the future of the Navy Yard and Philadelphia.
In his remarks to the crowd, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, the will create safer transit for pedestrians and bicyclists which can also boost the economy for local businesses, and it was just one of the many innovative and exciting developments coming to the Navy Yard thanks to the Navy Yard Plan.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who represents Philadelphia’s Second District where the Navy Yard is located, stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure for the future and that the $19 million dollar project was a needed investment.
The theme of long-term vision into the future and partnerships prevailed with the other special guests from PennDOT and U.S. EDA.
“This project started with a vision and PennDOT is proud to be part of that vision,” said Lou Belmonte, PennDOT District Executive. “The Navy Yard a truly unique place and there is tremendous work happening here as it continues as a thriving center for businesses, innovation, investment, talent, and jobs.”
“The U.S. EDA is proud to make these investments in regional growth and prosperity,” said Linda Cruz-Carnall, U.S. EDA Regional Director. “We appreciate the spirit and history and continued resiliency at this site and of all of its stakeholders. Together we are united in pride and hope.”
The Quay Wall project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. When complete, it will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.
Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave
View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street
Broad Street Quay Wall now
Infrastructure Project to Bring Added Trees to Navy Yard
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
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 Central Green
Current treescape at Crescent Park
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
Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave
View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street
Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Announcement
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
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
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!
Ensemble/Mosaic Announces Plans for Chapel Block, the First Residential Development at the Navy Yard Since the 1996 Base Closure
Ensemble/Mosaic today announced plans to develop the first residential complex to be built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as part of its agreement with PIDC. The company plans to break ground on the project in 2022 and open the complex in 2024.
“Ensemble/Mosaic is on the cusp of reaching a longstanding, identity-shifting objective – to evolve the Navy Yard into a fully functioning Philadelphia neighborhood,” said Brian Cohen, Senior Vice President, Ensemble. “We are incredibly excited at the prospect of creating a vibrant and diverse residential community so people may further enjoy this unique location and all it has to offer.”
Located at 1200 Normandy Place, the complex, called Chapel Block, will include a seven-story building and two connected six-story buildings. In total, it will offer 611 luxury and mixed-income apartments offering 40 different unit sizes and bedroom configurations, and options for furnished and unfurnished units.
It will also include 75,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor resident amenity space and 26,000 square feet of space for restaurants and retail. All three buildings are designed to meet a minimum of LEED® Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council, providing for a sustainable and healthy living experience.
Design Informed by the Pandemic
“The pandemic was foremost in our thinking as we developed this project, keeping in mind the new realities of how people work, value outdoor access and are concerned about indoor ventilation,” said Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, Founder and Owner, Mosaic. “Home should be every resident’s ‘safe place,’ and our goal has been to incorporate as much as we can of what we have learned in the last 18 months so that residents will be comfortable and secure in their homes here.”
Some of the steps the team has taken include:
- A significant number of units will include areas to accommodate working from home, with separate offices or built-in work areas.
- Proximity to three parks: five-acre Central Green with a running track, outdoor table tennis, bocce, cross-fit station, amphitheater, and picnic areas; three-acre League Island Park, a natural and serene park for lounging and working; and eight-acre Marine Parade Grounds, a historic public space that provides fields for sport leagues, food trucks, and large outdoor events.
- LEED certification with an emphasis on a healthy living environment with high indoor air quality.
- Expanded building amenity offerings and areas to work from outside of apartments.
Chapel Block: A Community of Three Buildings, Dozens of Options
Chapel Block takes its name from the historic Chapel constructed by the Navy in 1942 on the southeast corner of the block to be developed. The chapel is now occupied by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and Memorial Foundation, dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation and selfless service of individuals and organizations. It honors the moving story of four chaplains who died while saving many lives when The Dorchester, a U.S. Army transport ship (USAT), was sunk in the waters of Newfoundland during World War Two.
“One of the most interesting aspects of developing in the Navy Yard is that we are surrounded by critical U.S. history on a daily basis,” said Cohen. “This is a place filled with stories of bravery and heroism. It is an inspiring location and one we love to share with residents, employees and visitors.”
The seven-story building will be developed on the north end of the Chapel Block site in partnership with Korman Communities under their exciting residential real estate brand, “AVE.”
AVE Navy Yard will feature 265 luxury units, a portion of which will be reserved as flexible-stay, fully furnished apartments offered on a monthly basis for individuals who need a temporary living option. On-demand amenities will include a resort pool, media theatre, fire pit lounge, grilling stations, executive meeting spaces, a golf simulator, music studio, and pet spa.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ensemble/Mosaic on this exciting project,” said Bradley J. Korman, co-CEO of Korman Communities. “Philadelphia is our home, and we are honored to be a part of this incredible opportunity to develop what will become one of the most desirable locations to live, work, and play in the region.”
On the south end of Chapel Block, the two six-story buildings will form a mixed-income project containing 346 market rate and affordable units. It is designed as two separate structures and will be connected on the ground floor by shared amenities including a fitness center, business center, lounge areas, a game area, a party room with gourmet kitchen, pet spa, and bike storage. The connected buildings are situated around a private courtyard with lounge seating fire pits and grill stations.
“Chapel Block will change the Navy Yard in many exciting ways. This addition of new mixed-income residential for the first time since the naval base was closed over two decades ago will serve not only the employees and visitors of the Navy Yard, but everyone who lives on site, too,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard.
The complex is designed by a partnership of two architectural firms, Philadelphia-based DIGSAU, the design architect, which has designed several buildings in the Navy Yard, and Moody Nolan, the architect of record, headquartered in Columbus, OH. Moody Nolan is the 2021 AIA Firm of the Year and the largest minority owned architecture firm in the country.
“Two exceptional architectural firms have banded together to bring us a design that will change the Navy Yard for decades by creating residential opportunities for people from all walks of life,” said Smallwood-Lewis. “We are excited that they have brought opportunity to many smaller and specialty firms, as more than 50% of the design work is being done by 15 different MBE/WBE-certified firms in Philadelphia and around the country.”
Through its development agreement with PIDC, Ensemble/Mosaic will redevelop 109 acres of land through renovation and ground-up construction, including Chapel Block. The developer will invest $2.6B – with all funds fully committed to ESG (environmental, social and governance) – over the next two decades, of which $1B has been commitment to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion.)
After the naval base closure in 1996, the City of Philadelphia, PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation and master developer of the Navy Yard, and its partners envisioned the redevelopment of the space into a thriving mixed-use campus, restoring it as an economic engine for the city. Over the last two decades, the Navy Yard has attracted 170 businesses employing more than 15,000 personnel.
Ensemble/Mosaic is working with PIDC and the U.S. Navy to complete the technical steps necessary to lift the residential deed restriction on this parcel.
“We thank our partners at the Navy for working with us to on this new development, which will further the Navy Yard’s position as one of Philadelphia’s most unique business campuses and evolving neighborhoods,” added McNamara.
PIDC and Ensemble/Mosaic Execute Navy Yard Development Agreement, Launching $2.5 Billion Development Plan
Media Contacts: Robbie Tarpley Raffish, a.s.a.p.r. (for Ensemble/Mosaic) 410-430-9705; Jessica Calter, PIDC, 215-496-8161
PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation and master developer of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, in partnership with Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners, today announced the execution of an agreement which provides Ensemble/Mosaic with the exclusive development rights for 109 acres at the Navy Yard and launches a $2.5 billion development plan that will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.
The $400 million first phase includes development of two advanced life sciences buildings followed by significant residential and hospitality initiatives. Ensemble/Mosaic will construct a +/-100,000 square foot speculative laboratory and office development at 1201 Normandy Place with anticipated delivery by the close of 2022. The partners will concurrently market 333 Rouse Boulevard, which can accommodate a 120,000 square foot build-to-suit facility, for opportunities with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturers. Upon completion of these buildings the Navy Yard will eclipse one million square feet of life sciences space.
“Execution of the development agreement with Ensemble and Mosaic and commencement of their initial life sciences projects will launch the next exciting chapter of development at the Navy Yard. Expanding this vibrant life sciences hub will bring high quality jobs to the Navy Yard, support growing companies in the advanced life sciences sector, and contribute to development of this dynamic campus that is already home to 15,000 employees,” said Kate McNamara, Senior Vice President, PIDC. “Equally exciting, our agreement includes one of the most intentional and inclusive economic opportunity initiatives in the history of this city.”
Ensemble Owned and Ensemble Mosaic Development Rights at the Navy Yard
Mosaic Development Partners is a Philadelphia based firm which specializes in commercial and mixed-use development. Since 2012, Mosaic has secured and invested more than $120 million in Philadelphia neighborhoods, bringing quality retail, commercial, recreational, and residential space to communities of color, along with hundreds of construction and full-time jobs.
Smallwood-Lewis said, “For the last eight years, Mosaic has built profitably with community and cultural sensitivity in mind, and this project is in many ways a culmination of our experience to date. The next phase of development Navy Yard represents a unique opportunity to build community and add density, while making the most of the waterfront access and incredible open spaces that have already grown in use and importance during this past year. It is an exciting time, and we are pleased to partner with PIDC and Ensemble in this effort.”
The agreement, which was initially announced last July, will guide the growth and expansion of the former military base and will further establish the Navy Yard as a vibrant and inclusive mixed-use community. Ensemble/Mosaic ultimately envisions approximately 3,000 residential units and nearly three million square feet of life science manufacturing, R&D, office, hotels, makerspace and retail space when complete.
Phase One of Ensemble/Mosaic development at the Navy Yard
Expanding Life Science Capacity is a Top Priority
The building at 1201 Normandy Place is designed by DIGSAU, an award-winning contemporary architecture firm, in collaboration with CRB, a global architecture and engineering firm, which together aims to set a new standard for innovation. Philadelphia-based DIGSAU has designed five buildings in the Navy Yard. CRB is a preeminent designer for life science manufacturing and laboratory environments.
The four-story facility targeting LEED Gold certification is conceived with flexibility at the forefront. Its 30,000 square foot floor plates with 16’ floor-to-floor heights will provide lab and clinical manufacturing-ready environments for ATMP (advanced therapy medicinal products) and life science companies. Spaces between 5,000 to 100,000 square feet will be available, maximizing both efficiency and optionality for the company’s operations.
“Located minutes from University City, the home of cell and gene therapy research, the Navy Yard is a critical component in the growth of life science companies in the region. It will allow companies to incubate, commercialize and manufacture within 15 minutes of each other and an international airport,” said Seltzer. “Our new buildings will create much-needed inventory for the incredible demand for space in this sector.”
The preliminary concept for 333 Rouse Boulevard is a 120,000 square foot facility providing office, laboratory space, cGMP manufacturing, warehousing and conditioned indoor mechanical space for plant and critical utilities. The manufacturing area will support interior ceiling heights up to 16’ and provide floor heights designed to facilitate cGMP manufacturing with walkable cleanroom ceiling systems.
The project provides for a balance of short-term efficiency and long-term flexibility, making it an ideal home to life sciences companies seeking immediate functionality and the ability to grow in place. This project is being designed by DIGSAU and IPS-Integrated Projects Services, LLC, a locally founded company that ranks as one of the top biologics, cell and gene therapy design firms in the world solely dedicated to designing, constructing and qualifying cGMP facilities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy Drives Development
A key aspect of the vision of this dynamic and vibrant campus is that it provides opportunities for all Philadelphians. To that end, the partners are committed to deploying a robust and novel approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all elements of the 109 acres in the agreement.
“From the teams we assemble to design and build the buildings, to the projects and people who will occupy them, the Navy Yard will be a more inclusive place for all,” said Reaves. “Our collective goal is to create a national model that combines institutional development and inclusive strategies in new and exciting ways.”
This holistic inclusion strategy provides tremendous opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) participation. This will include diverse equity ownership with an innovative crowd-funding component, substantial M/WBE participation in construction and operations, inclusion of local and M/WBE small businesses in retail and makerspace opportunities, a paid internship program with Cheyney University, and the allocation of a share of net income to a charitable foundation that will create new opportunities for young people in Philadelphia. Additional details will be released at another time.
“These and other initiatives will attract female and minority students in high school and college from across the region and the country who are interested in pursuing a career in commercial real estate, construction, architecture and design. It’s not just about planning and building for now, it’s about doing so for the future, too,” Reaves added.
Background
In September 2019, PIDC put out a call for prospective partners through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). PIDC received more than 35 responses to the RFQ in December 2019. Based on the RFQ criteria, five highly experienced teams were shortlisted and invited to submit full proposals in response to a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP). After detailed review and evaluation of the proposals and virtual team interviews with an Advisory Panel, PIDC selected the Ensemble/Mosaic co-development team in July 2020.
In January 2021, PIDC and Ensemble/Mosaic released a Request for Proposals (RFP) opportunity for large-scale comprehensive master planning at the Navy Yard. The team sought proposals from qualified, experienced, diverse, and inclusive planning, design, and engineering firms to develop and deliver a comprehensive master plan. The 2021 Navy Yard Master Plan Update will establish a dynamic, cohesive, and achievable placemaking vision and development framework as the Navy Yard embarks on its next phase of expansion and growth. An announcement about the master plan firm will be made in the coming weeks.
PIDC retained JLL in early 2019 to advise in this selection of a development partner. JLL supported PIDC throughout the RFQ and RFP processes, and assisted PIDC with development agreement negotiations.
Click for additional information about PIDC, the Navy Yard, Ensemble, or Mosaic.
Construction Update: 400 Rouse Boulevard
The 95,000 square foot build-to-suit office and laboratory building for WuXi AppTec’s Advanced Therapies Business Unit (WuXi ATU), located at 400 Rouse Boulevard, is moving forward as expected.
4th Floor Now Open of Jefferson Health at the Navy Yard!
Spanning four floors when all renovations are complete in 2019, Jefferson Health at the Navy Yard currently offers specialties that include Otolaryngology, Cardiology, Gastrointestinal, Nephrology, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Sleep Medicine, and much more! Soon, the facility will feature a full-service retail pharmacy, lab station, coffee bar and café, and walk-in telemedicine appointments.