ULI Philadelphia’s 2021 Awards for Excellence finalists represent superior development projects in the greater Philadelphia region that embody the ULI mission of shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

Joseph Syrnick, President & CEO, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, non-profit partner of Schuylkill River Trail: South to Christian, joins us for “Five Minutes with a Finalist”. Here’s what he had to say:

Can you share your favorite story behind this project?

This project constructed a dead end trail (until we can extend it). We wondered if people would use it. Boy, do they! It’s a bit less hectic than other sections and this season it will host a Parks on Tap installation. The Parks on Tap folks liked the laid back nature of the trail and the industrial views from it.

How have you had to respond or shift your project over the past year due to COVID-19?

COVID has resulted in folks looking for outdoor venues where they feel safer. Schuylkill Banks has seen new visitors, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation has provided appropriate social distancing signage to make it all work.

What inspires you the most about Philadelphia and the region right now?

There is a lot of development going on and planned, especially along the waterfronts. And, most of the developers have begun to recognize the benefits of the water and have adapted their building layout to take advantage of being on the river. This was not always the case, and it is exciting to see the new thinking.

Winners will be announced live at a virtual celebration on June 16. For more information and to register, click here.