Description
The Ralston Center, located adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania at 3615 Chestnut Street, is a 100-year old, three-story stone facility providing services for the elderly. As landscape improvements were made in two phases, Ralston elected to design the landscape to include stormwater management including two retrofit bio-retention areas to capture an existing parking lot, paths, and lawn in a combined sewer area. The site previously discharged directly to the combined sewer.
The first phase included the vegetated swale and expansive bio-retention area designed to capture an existing parking lot. The second phase reduced the lawn area and included a bio-retention area underlain by a stone infiltration bed. The site serves as an example of a retrofitted high-performing stormwater systems that meets the aesthetic expectations of a traditional landscape in a formal setting. The improvements were not required by regulation.
Lessons Learned
The first phase included the vegetated swale and expansive bio-retention area designed to capture an existing parking lot. The second phase reduced the lawn area and included a bio-retention area underlain by a stone infiltration bed. The site serves as an example of a retrofitted high-performing stormwater systems that meets the aesthetic expectations of a traditional landscape in a formal setting. The improvements were not required by regulation.
Location
County: Philadelphia
Watershed: Schuylkill River
Partners
LRSLA Studio
Cora Olgey
Cost
$68,000
Contact
Michele Adams
Meliora Environmental Design, LLC, President/Water Resources Engineer
100 N. Bank Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone: 610-933-0123
michelea@melioradesign.com