From Refinery to Renaissance: The Bellwether District’s Transit Vision for Philadelphia’s Future
Community and industry leaders gathered at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center for the Bellwether District Program: “From Refinery to Renaissance.” The event focused on how transportation planning is supporting the redevelopment of the former refinery site in South Philadelphia.
The Bellwether District, led by HRP, is transforming 1,300 acres into a mixed-use campus for logistics, life sciences, and e-commerce. The project includes a 700-acre Industrial Campus and a 250-acre Innovation Campus for research and development.
Moderated by Jen Waters, Vice President and Eastern PA Market Area Leader at Urban Engineers, the discussion featured:
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Stephanie Eggert, Executive Vice President of Operations, HRP
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Rich Montanez, Deputy Commissioner of Transportation, City of Philadelphia OTIS/Streets
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Colin Foley, Deputy Chief Planning Officer–Service & Schedules, SEPTA
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Blake Rowan, Senior Vice President, HRP Group
Speakers discussed how the project team, the City of Philadelphia, and SEPTA are working together to address transportation needs for the site. Topics included freight and transit access, road connections, and plans for bicycle and pedestrian routes. The conversation also placed the Bellwether District within the context of other transportation investments in South Philadelphia.
The program highlighted how coordinated infrastructure and transit planning are key to the Bellwether District’s redevelopment and its role in shaping the city’s future growth.
