West Parkside – 52nd Street Gateway Project

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, West Philadelphia’s 52nd Street is a cultural and transportation gateway connecting several communities to west Fairmount Park and its businesses and recreational amenities. Adjacent to what was a thriving entertainment and retail district in the 1950’s, the underpass is currently a dark and uninviting barrier and has been described as potentially unsafe.

CG along with JMT, TLP and Ground Reconsidered, was retained to transform the aging vehicular thoroughfare into a positive landmark. Overhead gateway signage will reflect the renewed community energy, pride and investment. Illuminated sculptural structures, made of perforated weathered steel, will provide both an industrial beauty and light under the double trestle structure. The improvements will enhance the experience for thousands of pedestrians, bikes and vehicles that pass through the underpass daily.