On October 29 at Union Trust in Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley Green Building Council will honor six finalists in the annual Groundbreaker Awards, including the Venice Island Revitalization, and will announce three winners. The Groundbreaker Awards celebrate transformative leadership in the green building community and industry. DVGBC recognizes projects that are moving the market, impacting the region, and influencing others to do the same around the corner or around the world.
The comprehensive Venice Island Revitalization project was named as a finalist, including the performing arts center designed by BKP, the sewer basin reconstruction and infrastructure improvements by Hazen and Sawyer, and site master planning and high performing landscape design by Andropogon. The project revitalized an abandoned, flood-prone site into a vibrant community space. Venice Island represents a shining example of design and construction teammates and city agencies working together for the benefit of the environment and community. From the green-roofed pumping station to the solar-powered site lighting to the high-tech glazing on the arts center, Venice Island is greater than the sum of its parts. The project is emblematic of the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Water’s commitment to sustainable design and to making places that balance functional and environmental goals.