Exploring Suburban Riverfront Transit-Oriented Development

The areas around SEPTA’s Conshohocken and Spring Mill regional rail stations have undergone significant redevelopment. View the large-scale, transit-oriented redevelopment of a formerly industrial riverfront into a vibrant, mixed-use center. Highlights include the integration of development around public gathering spaces, trails, and historic properties.

Fayette Street in Conshohocken Borough is home to many small commercial establishments that are supported by the office workers, hotel patrons, and residents in the transit-oriented developments. Neighborhoods of row homes and other types of missing-middle housing that date back to the communities’ early days are popular locations for context-sensitive infill development.

These transformations have come with challenges that include gentrification and traffic. Whitemarsh Township took steps to address transportation concerns around the Spring Mill station with a recent multimodal study of transit access, connections with the Schuylkill River Trail, and walkability. In addition, communities have responded to development interest with ordinance changes requiring public amenities such as gathering spaces and a riverfront trail that benefits everyone. Overall, the suburban communities of Conshohocken Borough and Whitemarsh Township have embraced their riverfront locations and transit access to maximize the economic and community benefits of transit-oriented development.

TOD has a beneficial impact on the overall transit system and its users. Developing housing and employment-supportive uses near transit increases equitable opportunities to live and work.

Attendees walk during this workshop.