What was once a lifeless stretch of parking lot beneath an elevated rail line is now Highline Park—a half-acre urban oasis at the heart of Schuylkill Yards, an emerging 14-acre innovation district in West Philadelphia. Developed by Brandywine Realty Trust in partnership with Drexel University, Highline Park is one of several green spaces within Schuylkill Yards, a master-planned neighborhood designed to foster connection, innovation, and economic growth. The space could have been a private amenity for nearby residents and office tenants. Instead, Brandywine intentionally designed it as a welcoming public park, integrating nature, art, and recreation into the city’s fabric.

Highline Park exemplifies Innovative Development by reclaiming overlooked urban space and transforming it into a dynamic, multi-purpose destination. The park balances functionality, beauty, and environmental consciousness, creating a welcoming retreat for students, professionals, commuters, residents, and their canine companions.

By making the most of its compact footprint, Highline Park delivers a layered, high-impact design that introduces a natural, restorative element to an industrial landscape. Nearly all plantings are native species, complemented by 5,000 bulbs that bloom in succession, creating a seasonal cascade of color. Pollinator-friendly plants such as asters and coneflowers support Brandywine’s on-site bee colony atop The Bulletin Building, reinforcing a commitment to urban ecology, sustainability, and resilience. The park’s hardscape elements are equally intentional. Natural boulders serve as sculptural focal points, anchoring the landscape while visually connecting to the stone piers of the elevated rail. Recognizing the need for pet-friendly spaces, Brandywine incorporated a dedicated dog park, providing a much-needed amenity for city residents. In the dog park, these boulders—combined with repurposed steel beams—offer an innovative twist on agility equipment, while a seasonal splash pad mimics a natural spring, providing a cooling respite. As part of the project, the rail line above received a fresh coat of paint, improving aesthetics and pedestrian experience.

At the heart of the park’s viewing garden is Galaxyscape Zone, a striking sculpture by West Philadelphia artist Anthony Bayne, Sr. After years of watching the piece evolve outside a garage on 51st and Chestnut, Brandywine saw an opportunity to support a local artist and bring his work to a larger audience. By acquiring the sculpture for permanent public display, Brandywine not only preserved a unique piece of neighborhood art but also gave the community an inspiring focal point within Highline Park.

Brandywine’s commitment to equitable development extends beyond just creating public green space—it also includes investing in the people who bring it to life. To install the park’s landscaping, Brandywine partnered with University City District’s Green City Works, a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment opportunities for local residents, including those facing barriers to traditional job markets. This collaboration not only beautifies the park but also strengthens the surrounding community by creating pathways to long-term employment.

With its thoughtful design, deep community engagement, and sustainable approach, Highline Park is more than just a green space—it’s a testament to how urban spaces can be reimagined to serve, connect, and inspire.

Project Partners:

• Owner/Developer – Brandywine Realty Trust
• Landscape Architect – Viridian Landscape Studio
• Landscaper – Green City Works (University City District)