About the Project
The viaduct features steel structures, elevated areas, and arched masonry bridges with spectacular city views. Abandoned after the last train ran in 1984, SEPTA acquired the quarter-mile, 26,000-square-foot spur from Callowhill to Noble Street in 1995.
Inspired by successful rail parks in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, Center City District saw potential to spur development in expanding Center City and Chinatown neighborhoods. With 32% of surrounding land vacant, the project offered an opportunity to create a unique mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood.
In 2010, Center City District partnered with Friends of the Rail Park and city departments to evaluate options for the viaduct’s two segments: Vine Street to 13th and Noble streets (west), and to the 800 block of Fairmount Avenue (east).
Project Timeline
2010
Local grants fund initial feasibility study
A study funded by the William Penn Foundation and Poor Richard’s Charitable Trust found that renovating the viaduct would cost less than $50 million demolition and better benefit area development.
Project Timeline
2011
Local firms commissioned for concept design studies
Additional grants funded concept and schematic design studies by Urban Engineers and Studio Bryan Hanes, prepared with community stakeholders and including a fall neighborhood meeting for feedback.
Project Timeline
2012
Enthusiastic community feedback leads to preferred design
Survey of 50+ participants showed strong preference for informal, leafy green space with grass, plants, and areas to walk and sit. Renderings incorporated feedback with entrances at North Broad and Noble, 13th and Noble, and Callowhill between 11th and 12th.
Project Timeline
2015
Construction documentation and fundraising continue
Construction documents and cost estimates completed through city grant. Major funders included William Penn Foundation, Knight Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and City of Philadelphia.
Project Timeline
2016
Construction begins on Phase 1
Construction began October 31, 2016, funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City of Philadelphia, William Penn Foundation, Knight Foundation, Poor Richard’s Charitable Trust, The McLean Contributionship, individual donors, and Friends of The Rail Park.
Project Timeline
2018
The Rail Park opens to the public
The park opened June 14, 2018, with a ribbon-cutting attended by officials, community leaders, philanthropic organizations, and hundreds of residents.
Project Timeline
Support Our Work
While the Rail Park’s first phase is complete, there’s more to come. To learn how you can support the Rail Park and its second phase, contact Paul R. Levy at plevy@centercityphila.org.
Rail Park Major Benefactors
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Tom Wolf, Governor
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority
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Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund
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City of Philadelphia
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Center City District
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Central Philadelphia Development Corporation
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A.P. Construction
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Forman Family Foundation
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John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Partnership with Reimagining the Civic Commons
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Poor Richard’s Charitable Trust
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SEPTA
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William Penn Foundation
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Anonymous
Rail Park Supporters
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Bank of America N.A.
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Ari Barkan
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Friends of the Rail Park Board of Directors
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Marino Family
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The McLean Contributionship
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Post Brothers
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Timberland
