Meet Fast Forward Presenter >> Stephen Gibson

What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?

Pencoyd Bridge : Binding Industrial Spans to the Schuylkill

In 1850, the site of the former Righters Ferry across the Schuylkill became the headquarters for Pencoyd Iron Works, a steel manufacturing center spanning both sides of the river.  This operation evolved over the decades as the technology of the industrial revolution constantly changed into a manufacturing center employing over 1500 people, with a specialty in Iron Bridge construction.  The newly renovated Pencoyd Bridge now spans this point on the Schuylkill, linking nascent trail systems in both Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd, presenting new and active pedestrian and public transportation connections between the City and the suburbs.  On each shore, new development plans present a major opportunity to link communities together in both real and symbolic ways. Creating riverfront destinations on each bank will connect people to the river in new ways and bring populations to witness the natural beauty of the river in the context of significant and awe-inspiring industrial heritage artifacts. This presentation will focus on how all of these elements and more, present a future which sees strength in Philadelphia building bonds with its surrounding region, at a place where the two come together at unique threshold.

Stephen, an architect with The Penn Group of Companies of Bala Cynwyd, has practiced architecture in the Philadelphia region for over 25 years.  One of the founding members of the Community Design Collaborative, he served on its Board, and as Co-Chair, and also served two terms on the Board of the Miquon School.   Stephen is a long time resident of Mt. Airy, and is proud to call Philadelphia his home along with amazing wife Erin Elman, and magical child Izzy.  He is a 1989 graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s Bachelor of Architecture program.

stephen(at)pennrealestategroup.com
www.pennenergyrenewables.com/penn-group-of-companies.html
Instagram: pencoydlanding