U of R: Gambles Mill Eco-Corridor
U of R: Gambles Mill Eco-Corridor
Since 2012 the University of Richmond has aimed to convert an abandoned service road and mill site to a vibrant trail corridor connecting its students and faculty to nearby neighborhoods, retail centers, and the James River Parks System.
Leveraging relationships with local authorities, mitigation specialists, and engineers, Waterstreet Studio has catalyzed the project by designing and securing funding for the multi-modal trail and comprehensive restoration of the adjacent Little Westham Creek. Site amenities include outdoor classrooms and fitness stations, a student memorial, native plantings, stormwater facilities, and campus gateways to adjacent neighborhoods.
Key objectives included:
Restore Little Westham Creek to manage storm events
Decrease flooding of the trail
Create a healthy ecosystem for flora/fauna
Reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river system
Reduce and manage invasive species
Create a multi-use, accessible pedestrian trail
Waterstreet spearheaded the project by bringing together a team of diverse stakeholders to achieve multi-faceted results. The landscape architect led the master planning effort with students, professors, administrators, and the community to develop a multi-phased and enduring framework for the Eco-Corridor. Attending and facilitating discussions with neighbors and students, the landscape architect offered design solutions to a variety of voices. Working closely with the stream restoration team, the landscape architect helped develop a symbiotic relationship between the trail system and the stream system. Following the project through construction, the landscape architect continues their involvement through participation in a university task force to develop and fund phase 2 projects.
CLIENT/PROJECT TEAM:
University of Richmond
RES
Draper Aden Associates (Now TRC)
LOCATION:
Richmond, VA
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Jake Fox
Ansel Olson
