Resilient Communities WRT
Planning + Design
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WRT is an integrated practice of planners, urban designers, architects, and landscape architects committed to engaging, elevating, and empowering communities through planning + design.
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Table of Contents 1Introduction 03 2 Empowering Communities
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3 Elements of Resilience
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Social Equity Ecological Systems Green Infrastructure Public Health + Open Space Economic Vitality
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4 Partners and Implementation
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Dutch Kills Green, Queens, NY
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INTRODUCTION
WRT views resilience as central to community health and well-being. This is part of a more timeless challenge: to create environments that help communities survive and thrive in the context of change.
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INTRODUCTION
The human environment—our towns, cities, and regions—is shaped by the interaction of diverse parts and processes. We see resilient places not as those that can withstand change but as those that can absorb and respond to change while maintaining their essential qualities.
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Paseo Verde, Philadelphia, PA
WRT explores the Bothin Marsh—a nature-based adaptation of the marsh and trail.
9th District Commercial Corridor and Neighborhood Plan, Philadelphia, PA 12
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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Community input is essential to creating a plan that is feasible and a true reflection of the culture of the community. We believe empowered and engaged citizens are critical to building a resilient community. Engagement is not just a feature of the planning and design process, but an outcome that carries ideas forward.
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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Community engagement is integral to planning and design processes, but it is even more so in creating successful, resilient communities over time. Successful engagement involves communication among facilitators and community members who share their experiences and speak to specific needs. The educational aspect of the process helps communities become more aware of challenges ahead and provides the necessary knowledge to make smart choices and investments in the context of environmental change. Planning and design processes can help to strengthen community bonds and partnerships and empower organizations that will do the work over time.
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Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, Austin, TX
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Elements of Resilience
Our practice helps protect communities from a wide range of impacts whether they are related to severe weather, longterm sea level rise, changing economies, or are social in their root causes. The following projects highlight our approach to each of the five elements of resilience, including Social Equity, Ecological Systems, Green Infrastructure, Public Health + Open Space, and Economic Vitality.
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Social Equity
Ecological Systems
Green Infrastructure
Public Health + Open Space
Economic Vitality
El Corazรณn Cultural Center, Philadelphia, PA
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ELEMENTS OF RESILIENCE
1. Social Equity Equitable communities are fundamentally more successful across a range of economic, social, and cultural indicators. Thriving communities have access to education, healthy food, clean air and water, parks and open space. From this foundation, communities are ultimately more resilient to a wide range of impacts, both socio-economic and natural.
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SOCIAL EQUITY
Meriden Choice Neighborhood Plan FPO Caption lorem ipsumMus caudem sentesit audaciis. Quis Ad re teatu in sedius; C. macturnulius factaribus, C.
A bold vision for affordable housing and a new public park and train station lay the groundwork for a sustainable future.
For decades, downtown Meriden struggled to recover from a declining manufacturing economy, seismic shifts in shopping preferences, catastrophic flooding, demographic changes, and underutilized or obsolete buildings—including a distressed public housing site in the heart of downtown.
SF Bay Trail: RAAPPing it up
Incremental investments made by the City and its stakeholders were capped by a twoWRT is leading an interdisciplinary year, bilingual HUDthe Choice Neighborhoods team to develop San Francisco Planning during which Bay Trailprocess Risk Assessment anddisparate community rallied behind a Adaptationmembers Prioritization Plan (SF Bay singular vision—a that bequeaths Trail RAAPP) for vision the East Bay Regional a sustainable future for theThis nextstudy generation of Park District (EBRPD). residents. evaluates the vulnerabilties facing the East Bay’sofshoreline Today, 14 acres concreteand andassists asphalt have EBRPD in prioritizing nature-based been transformed into a signature park, adaptation projects to redeveloped provide multiple public housing is being into a benefits for the region. At a high level, mixed-income community, and a new train the plan is enhanced focused onservice balancing our station with is fulfilling a goals in the Bay related to advancing transit-oriented tomorrow. ecological restoration, recreation, critical mobility, and building important interpretive educational opportunities. The plan also narrows
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++Project Type Neighborhood Plan ++Client Pennrose Properties ++Funding source HUD Choice Grant ++Key Issues Affordable Housing; Transit Orientation; Community Character
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Project Spotlight
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SOCIAL EQUITY
Elm Avenue Brownfields Revitalization Plan Turning brownfields into vibrant community places.
The EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning grant program assists communities in responding to local challenges where multiple brownfield sites limit the economic, environmental, and social prosperity of their surroundings. WRT is leading a team to craft a Brownfields Area-Wide Plan, for Fresno’s Elm Avenue corridor, where development over the years has resulted in industry, residential neighborhoods, and remnants of agricultural land in close proximity. For one of the Elm Avenue catalyst sites, owned by St. Rest Baptist Church, WRT developed a three-phase concept plan that builds on the Church’s green space proposal and adds mixed-use development embracing Elm Avenue as well as family housing and a new street connection. WRT also designed and helped build a plaza on the Church-owned vacant site along Elm. This community event space can have an immediate, positive impact.
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++Project Type Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
++Funding source EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grant
++Client City of Fresno, CA
++Key Issues Neighborhood Revitalization; Brownfields Reuse
The Preserve at Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
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ELEMENTS OF RESILIENCE
2. Ecological Systems Ecological systems are the backbone networks of our earth’s vital functions. Clean air, clean water, carbon sequestration, and the biodiversity that supports all living organisms—including humans—are all served by healthy, functioning ecosystems. To the extent that our communities can promote and optimize these ecological functions – they will benefit from them in regard to health, safety, and well-being.
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Robust ecological networks integrated within the fabric of our cities help make us more resilient to unforeseen impacts.
Predevelopment, natural ecosystems
Car-oriented, distributed development / fragmented green space
Transit-oriented, concentrated development / integrated natural systems WRT
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Ecosystem Services Provisioning Services Food
Fresh water
Habitat/Supporting Services Habitats for species
Regulating Services Temperature
Pollination
Waste-water treatment Carbon sequestration and storage
Erosion prevention and maintenance of soil fertility Biological control Moderation of extreme events
Air quality regulation
Climate
Cultural Services Recreation and mental and physical health Aesthetic appreciation and inspiration for culture, art and design
Microsoft Silicon Valley Campus, Mountain View, CA
Spiritual experience and sense of place
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ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Bothin Marsh Adaptation Plan A cherished marsh provides naturebased adaptation to sea level rise.
The Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve located along Coyote Creek in Marin County is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Cherished for its immersive open views across the tidal marsh and for its active, carbon-free trail that provides residents with direct access to the shoreline, the Preserve is seen by the community as an important ecological and cultural asset and a symbol of the community’s resilience to sea level rise. In order to provide nature-based adaptation solutions to protect the marsh and the trails in the Preserve, the conceptual design aims to reconnect Coyote Creek to the marsh allowing the natural flows of sediment from the watershed to support accretion and help the marsh keep pace with rising sea levels. The Preserve is also seen as an opportunity to test adaptation methods that have not yet been implemented in the Bay Area like thinlift sediment placement and the formation of artificial marsh mounds. WRT and ESA are working closely to plan for an integrated approach that weighs the costs and benefits of potential near-term habitat disturbance and long-term resilience for the Preserve and the community. WRT
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++Project Type Nature-Based Adaptation Trail Design ++Client One Tam (Marin County Parks & GGNPC Partnership)
++Funding Source Measure A, Coastal Conservancy Nature-based Adaptation Grant ++Key Issues Sea Level Rise Resilient Mobility Ecological Restoration
Adapting the marsh and the trail The future resilience of Marin’s shoreline is focused on nature-based adaptation solutions.
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ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
MID-CENTURY SLR
END OF CENTURY SLR
Evaluating Alternatives Trail alignment alternatives shape the sea level rise adaptation strategies and align with ecological restoration and regional planning goals.
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Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve, Mill Valley, CA
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ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Natural systems provide a strong framework for future growth. Located in central Texas, Austin is partly situated over the Edwards Aquifer, one of the most important and sensitive watersheds in the state. As a city known for its biodiversity in creeks, rivers, lakes, and springs, water resources are central to Austin’s culture and viability – in fact, water supply and water quality are two critical issues Austin grapples with as rapid population and economic growth occur. WRT led Imagine Austin, the city’s first comprehensive plan in three decades, involving over 15,000 residents from all backgrounds through interactive community meetings, pop-up events, surveys, and small group conversations. The community’s vision called for a more compact and connected future, protecting sensitive areas and reducing impervious surfaces while encouraging density in mixed-use centers. Today, as growth continues, Imagine Austin’s priorities are being implemented through a series of interconnected programs and indicators. Continuing our work with Austin, WRT recently completed a citywide park system plan, which, in the spirit of Imagine Austin, is focused on creating a more equitable future and strengthening communities through a robust open space system. WRT
++Project Type Comprehensive Plan ++Client City of Austin ++Funding source: City General Fund ++Key Issues Smart Growth Transit Orientation Open Space Preservation Community Character
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GreenPlan, Philadelphia, PA 34
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ELEMENTS OF RESILIENCE
3. Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure solutions seek to narrow the gap between engineered infrastructure and natural eco-systems using low energy strategies, people powered functions, and biologically based solutions. Infrastructure networks are the lifelines of humancreated settlements delivering water, food, energy, transportation for people and goods, and the processing and management of our waste products. To the extent that these networks can work as extensions of the underlying ecological systems that serve us – they can be more sustainable and more resilient to unexpected impacts.
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GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Brisbane Baylands Specific Plan Balancing transit-oriented development with public open space.
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Working with a developer-led consultant team, WRT prepared a Specific Plan for this 548-acre brownfield site adjoining San Francisco’s southern border. As a former landfill and rail yard, the site poses significant challenges in terms of geotechnical and contamination issues, while unique features such as regional transportation facilities, wetlands, bay views, a tidal channel and lagoon, and historic structures shaped the community design.
++Project Type Specific Plan Urban Design Guidelines
Envisioned as a high density, transit-oriented mixed-use neighborhood, a key challenge was the balancing of land uses and the effective integration of regional transit systems to minimize increases of vehicle trips on already constrained regional roadways to optimize transit, bicycle, and pedestrian travel. Altogether, the plan provides for 4,000 new residential units, a million square feet of retail, hotel and conference facilities, and 6 million square feet of office and R&D uses. It retains nearly a third of the area in parks and open space providing not only recreational opportunities, but also a significant ecological restoration component.
++Key Issues Transit Orientation Open Space Preservation Brownfields Reuse
++Client Universal Paragon Corporation (UPC) ++Funding source Private investors
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GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
FDR Park Master Plan Bringing a historic city park into a resilient future.
WRT is currently working with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a historic Olmsted Park to serve 21st century Philadelphians. The master plan for the 348-acre FDR Park in South Philadelphia creates a sustainable vision for FDR Park that inspires investment, meets the needs of Philadelphians today and tomorrow, and focuses on resilience in the face of a changing climate. The master plan creates a shared vision for reinvestment among park managers, adjacent institutions, stewards, non-profits and general park users. This plan is mindful of and responsive to: changing recreational patterns and land uses, historic landscapes and structures, climate change and sea level rise, current and future park operations and facility utilizations as well as a growing need for expanded amenities, programming and concessions. The master plan positions FDR Park as a critical piece of civic, heath, and ecological infrastructure that sustains and serves all Philadelphians.
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++Project Type Park Master Plan
++Client Fairmount Park Conservancy with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
++Funding source ++Key Issues William Penn Foundation Stormwater Management Friends of FDR Historic Preservation Fairmount Park Conservancy Community Engagement Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
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KIlls Green | WRT reimagined the existing site infrastructure at as an urban green machine with two new parks. Integrating water, wind, solar, and other environmental systems within the layered structures of bridges, roadways, elevated trains, and subways, the project humanizes the massive infrastructure.
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Dutch Kills Green , Long Island City, NY
WRT FPO Caption location
Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco, CA
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ELEMENTS OF RESILIENCE
4. Public Health + Open Space A firm foundation of public health supports social and economic vitality and will increase a community’s resilience to change and unexpected impacts. Creating environments where people can be assured of clean air, clean water, access to healthy food, access to open space and exercise and access to vital support services will ensure socially and economically vital communities.
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PUBLIC HEALTH + OPEN SPACE
Lake Merritt Park Master Plan A park is restored as the jewel of the community. WRT led the master plan to restore the grandeur of Lake Merritt and elevate its value to the City’s residents and wildlife. Working with specialized consultants in traffic engineering, landscape architecture, water quality, and historic architecture, WRT made broad recommendations for the park. The master plan provides guidelines for park improvements such as pedestrian access, transit efficiency, pathways, botanical displays, restored lawns, irrigation, furnishings, public art, storm filters, and signage. The process involved extensive participation of City staff, community stakeholders, and the larger public. Implementation guidelines address park management, project prioritization and funding strategies. WRT has been heavily involved in the ongoing implementation projects for the city, including the renovation of the historic Municipal Boathouse and grounds, reconfiguration of lakeside circulation routes, and improvement of park wide landscaping.
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++Project Type Master Planning Landscape Architecture Urban Design Community Engagement ++Client: City of Oakland ++Funding source General Fund Implementation Projects Oakland Measure DD Funds ++Key Issues Park Enhancement Stormwater Management
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PUBLIC HEALTH + OPEN SPACE
Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan Resurrecting a neglected riverfront to connect and empower communities. WRT’s team prepared a comprehensive master plan for the Anacostia River and adjoining urban lands within the District of Columbia—an area totaling over 1,500 acres in combined private and public ownership. The team was responsible for three of the five “target areas” in the Plan: Poplar Point, the Capitol Hill East/RFK Stadium Area, and Anacostia Park. WRT worked directly with interest groups and stakeholders in an extensive public involvement campaign aimed at achieving a design consensus on neighborhood-specific recreation needs, national civic interests, watershed health, and District and federal mandates. Supported by an unprecedented Memorandum of Understanding among 20 Federal and District agencies of jurisdiction, the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative intends to unite the District economically, physically, environmentally, and socially around a vital and historic waterfront. The scope of the plan addresses transportation infrastructure, new transit corridors and signature rivers, public access, parking, and new recreation and commuter trails.
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++Project Type Urban Waterfront Revitalization
++Funding source District of Colombia and Federal Government
++Client DC Office of Planning
++Key Issues Public Open Space Enhancement Neighborhood Revitalization Ecological Restoration Access and Mobility
Broadway-Valdez, Oakland, CA 50
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ELEMENTS OF RESILIENCE
5. Economic Vitality Creating a diverse economic ecosystem across the spectrum of small, local businesses to large, stable employers provides safeguards against the ups and downs of economic cycles. Fostering ties to universities helps promote innovation and encourage new start-ups. Creating a balance between jobs and housing to avoid long commutes will help ensure a more sustainable workforce. Promoting locally sourced materials and products will help create a strong business organism rooted in the community’s bio-region and help reduce its carbon footprint. All of these factors, kept in balance, will ensure a strong and ultimately more resilient economic foundation.
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ECONOMIC VITALITY
Pinellas Gateway Master Plan Strengthening the land use and transportation nexus to create economic and social vitality.
While being home to the county’s employment base and the center of a robust economic market, sustained economic growth in the Gateway mid-county area is hampered by disconnected, car-centric development patterns, a lack of a clear identity, and vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal storms. The Gateway Master Plan presents an opportunity to build on existing assets including the area’s central location, strong jobs base, and new transportation infrastructure while further integrating transportation and land use to direct the area’s growth towards a more socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable future. Through a multiyear planning and stakeholder engagement process, WRT worked with local partners to develop a shared vision for the area’s future that can go beyond the current sprawl towards a more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable future where multi-modal transit is well integrated with dense mixed-use redevelopment and complete streets in order to support residents’ quality of life and attract investment.
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++Project Type District Master Plan ++Client Forward Pinellas (Pinellas County Land Use and Transportation Planning Agency) ++Funding source Local Government Funds ++Key Issues Transit Orientation Sea Level Rise Economic Vitality
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ECONOMIC VITALITY
Castro Valley Redevelopment Strategic Plan Transforming from commercial strip to town center. WRT led a multi-disciplinary team to prepare Castro Valley’s Redevelopment Strategic Plan. The Plan aims to revitalize the Central Business District by (1) retrofitting the strip commercial development patterns that were established along the corridor when it was a State Highway, and (2) transforming the 1.7-mile Castro Valley Boulevard—a wide, automobile-dominated thoroughfare—into a safe and attractive retail main street, while still accommodating necessary traffic volumes. The Plan provides development concepts for several key sites that can serve as catalysts for future development and identifies strategic public investments that can be made to the public realm that will promote additional private investment in the area.
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The subsequent redesign of the Castro Valley Boulevard was the first step in implementing the Plan and jump-starting parallel initiatives to encourage new commercial uses, centralize public parking, and strengthen the district’s walkability and bikeability. WRT’s design, informed by extensive community engagement, combines pedestrian enhancements with highly crafted elements that convey the community’s unique identity. It creatively employs stormwater capture and filtration to prevent erosion of nearby creeks and pollutants from entering the bay.
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++Project Type ++Funding source Strategic Economic Development Plan Local sources Complete Street Design ++Client Alameda County Community Development Agency
++Key Issues Economic Development Complete Street Redesign Suburban Retrofit
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WRT egaged the Philadelphia community through our planning process, holding a series of workshops and community events to give citizens the opportunity to share their vision.
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FDR Park, Philadelphia, wrtdesign.com PA
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Planning + Design
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COMMUNITY RESILIENCE / Partnerships
Our partners are selected for their critical expertise in areas such as hydrology, engineering, and public finance. WRT helps communities become more resilient through a community-engaged process that combines a broad range of disciplines and works across scales. We apply an integrated understanding of the physical and human environment, reflected in our network of partners.
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Who We Are
90+ Employees
2 offices Philadelphia and San Francisco
4 areas of focus Community Design Housing + Neighborhoods Parks + Open Space Education
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What We’re Proud Of
WRT has received more than 400 local and national planning and design awards, including the ASLA National Firm Award and the inaugural APA Excellence Award.
First Platinum LEED ND project in the nation (second in the world) First Net-Zero Water campus in the nation AIA 2030 Commitment Participant
22 LEED-certified professionals on staff 35 LEED-certified projects (and counting) 1500+ Energy Star units 200+ Passive House units
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Engaging, empowering, and connecting people through planning and design. Philadelphia
San Francisco
1700 Market Street Suite 2800 Philadelphia, PA T: 215.732.5215
478 Tehama Street Suite 2B San Francisco, CA T: 415.575.4722
wrtdesign.com
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Dutch Kills Green, Queens, NY
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