Glen Foerd Historic Property

Glen Foerd Historic Property
Philadelphia, PA

Partnering Lesson:

  • Close coordination and constant communication are the keys to success.
  • Listen to the stakeholders.
  • Find the "common ground".
  • Find ways to exceed the customers' expectations.

Project Description
The project consisted of repairing and rehabilitating a 100+ year-old riverwall protecting the historic Glen Foerd property from the erosive forces of the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek.

Project Challenges:

  • Project funds were added by Congress for construction without the traditional Corps of Engineers' study/authorization process.
  • Limited available funding.
  • Property on the National Register of Historic places - construction with modern technology and equipment had to be compatible with the historic nature of the property and could not interfere with the daily operations of this historic site.
  • Limited access for equipment.
  • Environmental constraints.

Issue:
Constant coordination and communications were the keys to success. Frequent on-site meetings of all the stakeholders were invaluable to quickly identify problems, issues, and constraints, formulate mutually agreeable solutions, and follow-up action items.

Benefits of Partnering:

  • Project completed on-time and within limited budget.
  • Contractor fully participated in finding innovative solutions to challenges and constraints.
  • No accidents.
  • Excellent quality control achieved.
  • Historic character of the riverwall preserved.
  • Uninterrupted use of historic property during construction.

Stakeholders:
City of Philadelphia, Fairmount Park Commission; Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation; Robert Charles, Enterprises; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District.