Partnering Case Studies

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.