Conrail announced today that it is working with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) to reactivate six acres of land surrounding and including Pier 18, known as “Graffiti Pier,” for the purpose of a public park and creative waterfront destination. An initial study will be conducted to confirm the structural stability of the pier, develop a conceptual design for a new park and public access strategy as well as engage a wide and diverse group of community stakeholders in the process. Final terms and structure of the agreement will be completed during the planning stage.
The transformation of Graffiti Pier enables DRWC to take another step forward in developing an active network of dynamic recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for Philadelphia residents and visitors and further extends public access to the Delaware River. Graffiti Pier is a key element in DRWC’s Master Plan, which envisions a public park every half mile along the Central Delaware.
Pier 18 operated as a coal-loading dock for the Reading Railroad in its Port Richmond Rail Yard, which was once the largest freshwater port facility in the world. The pier served as a transfer point for anthracite coal between Pennsylvania’s coal fields and the international market. By the time Conrail absorbed the Reading Company in 1976, the coal industry was on the decline. Conrail officially closed the pier in 1991. Despite the fact that the property has been closed to the public for decades, Graffiti Pier has become an iconic outdoor street art gallery and a top Philadelphia Instagram destination.
“For years we have explored a variety of opportunities to reactivate Pier 18 as a public space to preserve and expand the inherent cultural value of Graffiti Pier,” said Jonathan Broder, Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer at Conrail. “DRWC is the right partner with a proven track record of engaging residents to create vibrant public spaces and we are proud to be a part of the fabric of success.”
“This project sends a strong statement that we value the dynamic cultural impact of Graffiti Pier. It not only increases access to the Delaware River Waterfront for the Port Richmond community, but also for all Philadelphia residents and visitors," said Mayor Jim Kenney.
“DRWC is actively reclaiming the Delaware River Waterfront for the citizens of Philadelphia and the entire region,” said Joseph A. Forkin, President of DRWC. “Graffiti Pier is next in a series of high-quality public spaces to define Philadelphia’s waterfront, and we are excited to work with the community and other stakeholders to make this a reality.”
The William Penn Foundation has provided a grant to DRWC to complete the initial planning study with the goal of developing a community-supported vision that reflects the site’s unique artistic and civic value and presents a clear and realistic path forward for its transformation. DRWC expects the public outreach process, which will kick off later this summer, to include numerous occasions and methods for community input, including in-person conversations, online engagement, and more.
“We’re pleased to see the reimagining of the Delaware River Waterfront in Philadelphia now expanding beyond Center City and benefitting more people,” said Judilee Reed, Director of the Creative Communities Program at the William Penn Foundation. “For decades, the Port Richmond community was cut off from the waterfront, even as the river became cleaner and offered more opportunity for enjoyment. And now with exciting improvements on the horizon, it is critical that the new space reflects the surrounding community. William Penn Foundation support provides funding to ensure public spaces are designed by, and for, local residents—an essential first step.”
“I am happy to have supported Conrail and DRWC efforts to repurpose Graffiti Pier as a public space. This is a great example of how Philadelphia residents can benefit when private and public partners come together with a shared vision,” said City Councilmember Mark Squilla.
"Seeing this project move forward is a huge achievement and I am so proud to have played a part. I applaud Conrail and DRWC's efforts to create a public resource where diverse communities can come together and benefit from increased access to Graffiti Pier," said Representative Mary Isaacson.
"It is exciting to see this transformational project move towards becoming a welcoming public space where Philadelphia residents and tourists can gather at Graffiti Pier," said Representative Joseph Hohenstein.
“Graffiti Pier is a gritty example of Philadelphia’s street art culture and the city’s creative spirit to transform a forgotten space into a cultural amenity,” said State Senator Larry Farnese. “DRWC’s commitment to provide public access to the River and organized preservation of the pier will open up this underground landmark to residents and visitors of all backgrounds.”
About Conrail
Conrail is aterminal and switching service provider for its owners, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, and provides safe, efficient and competitive rail service for local rail freight customers in the Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. Conrail plays a critical role in serving shippers and receivers on behalf of its owners. Conrail was recently named 2017 Short Line and Regional Railroad of the Year by ASLRRA. Learn more about Conrail at Conrail.com.
About the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
DRWCis a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop, program and maintain public amenities such as permanent and seasonal parks, trails, and streetscape improvements to transform the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia as is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan for Central Delaware. Daily programming throughout the entire year is changing the way Philadelphians see and converse about the waterfront and is helping to create spaces and communities that connect residents and visitors to the waterfront. Visit delawareriverwaterfront.com for more information.
