SORA West is a multi-faceted project in downtown Conshohocken, PA. The project includes an office building with ground floor retail, a boutique hotel, parking structure, and the restored historic Conshohocken Firehouse which is a popular restaurant. This was a collective vision of community leadership, local government and a local developer to create a cutting-edge mixed-use development reestablishing the town center, fostering community growth, gathering, and connection through placemaking.
The focus of the site is a vibrant plaza which becomes an outdoor extension of the surrounding buildings. In addition to spill-out seating from the fire house restaurant, outdoor workspace, and café seating, the central plaza is used for community events and public gatherings including the weekly farmers’ market and live-music performances throughout the summer. The central lawn is flanked by an amphitheater with stepped seating. Negotiating the existing topography was challenging; grade drops 43 feet across the site. Designing spaces that feel like an extension of the buildings while maintaining full accessibility from entries and exits was a goal that is ultimately met in a subtle, integrated manner. The adjacent streetscapes establish connections to Conshohocken’s main commercial corridor and the adjacent neighborhood.
A large grade drop across the site naturally meant integration of walls and terraces. Working closely with fabricators, blackened steel, a subtle yet elegant steel finish that nods to Conshohocken’s industrial past, was utilized to create custom, fully integrated planter walls.
Stormwater management for such a large undertaking was met with creative ideas on how to integrate, showcase, and ultimately meet stringent code requirements. This resulted in two lush rain gardens that the public and building employees pass through as they enter the plaza. Native trees line the streetscapes, while densely planted grasses and perennials flank all sides of the plaza and rain gardens.
 

Team members:

Owner: Keystone Property Group
Architect: Gensler
Civil Engineer: Pennoni
Lighting: Beam
MEP: Bala

Date: 2021

https://www.groundreconsidered.com/projects/sora-west/