16 Local and National Architecture and Engineering Firms Collaborate with Elizabeth River Trail Foundation to Develop new Trailheads
NORFOLK, Va. – (February 2020) The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation welcomed 16 architecture, engineering and landscape architecture firms to its first master planning session of 2020. The main topic was to explore ways to design and construct trail enhancements more efficiently.
The solution? Develop conceptual designs to better visualize plans, gather community input and assess each project’s scope and budget. These preliminary designs will allow the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation to engage citizen stakeholders and align trail projects to available funding sources and grants.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. All of the local and national firms stepped up to donate professional skills and services. Whether designing a conceptual rendering for one of the 12 planned trailheads or providing much-needed civil engineering and surveying, nearly every project in the Foundation’s five-year master plan was adopted by one of the firms in attendance.
Contributing firms include: Andre Marquez Architects; Ann P. Stokes Landscape Architect; Clark Nexsen; Dills Architects; GARC; Hanbury; Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers P.C.; Moseley Architects; Stromberg/Garrison & Associates, Inc.; Speight, Marshall, Francis P.C.; Timmons Group; Tymoff + Moss; VIA Design; WPL; Work Program Architects and WRT.
“The ERT Master Planning Committee is thrilled to have 16 firms contributing pro bono work to make the Elizabeth River Trail the most iconic urban riverfront trail in the country,” said Mel Price, ERT board member and Master Planning Committee chair. “We are so very fortunate to have these architecture, landscape architecture, civil and structural engineering firms see the value that the ERT will provide in connecting our communities and businesses, protecting the environment, and attracting and retaining talent to the region.”
“This level of collaboration is a first, and it is humbling to bring this talent and creativity together to enhance the Elizabeth River Trail,” commented ERT Executive Director Cheryl White. “Many of these designers and engineers understand the nuances of the 28 unique neighborhoods along the trail. They live or work on the trail and join us for community cleanups and events. Their perspectives, both personally and professionally, are truly invaluable resources for the ERT and the future of Norfolk.”
In 2018, the ERT Foundation launched a $4 million comprehensive capital campaign to raise funds to activate and enhance the current 10.5-mile trail. It has raised $3.93 million - 98% of its Phase 1 campaign goal. In addition to these new gift-in-kind donors, other major sponsors include Sentara Healthcare, City of Norfolk, PRA Group, TowneBank Foundation, Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Landmark Foundation, The Patricia and Douglas Perry Foundation, Virginia Maritime Association and Hampton Roads Shipping Association.
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to promote, enhance and transform the Elizabeth River Trail into the most iconic urban riverfront trail in the country. The ERT runs 10.5 miles and connects businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running and biking. It comprises 11 sections and 11 trailheads from Norfolk State University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. Highlights include Harbor Park, Downtown Norfolk, Freemason Historic District, Sentara campus, Fort Norfolk, Chelsea, West Ghent, Lambert’s Point, Old Dominion University, Larchmont and Lochhaven. For more information, visit www.elizabethrivertrail.org.
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