Ground Reconsidered

Ground Reconsidered is honored to be part of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) Bethel Burying Ground memorial design team, documenting for construction “Her Luxuriant Soil” by Karyn Olivier. In celebration of Black History Month, GR’s Tom Mahone shares a thought about the importance of the project. Q: As a designer, how do you honor the legacy of the African American citizens buried here? “Understanding that the people buried here are family and ancestors to members of our community has been a vital part of the design process. I’m inspired by their stories, many of whom were former slaves, conductors on the Underground Railroad, mothers, fathers, children – all were courageous, foundational members of the African American community in Philadelphia. Honoring these individuals means paying special attention to the fine details that will create a memorial worthy of their legacy.” Find more about Bethel Burying Ground at OACCE's website and https://lnkd.in/eXS65aNw Photo 1: Courtesy of Karyn Olivier

We’re thrilled that GR’s design for Thomas Paine Plaza received final approval from the Philadelphia Art Commission this week! Drawing on the site’s history as Philadelphia’s civic stage and on robust feedback from stakeholders, the design envisions a plaza which is more accessible, vibrant, occupiable, and verdant - while maintaining its identity as a platform for free speech activities and skateboarding. Congratulations to the City and to the rest of the consultant team; we are looking forward to bringing this vision to life.

Please join us in congratulating Tom Mahone on his promotion to Associate at Ground Reconsidered. Tom has been with GR for nearly five years, and at this point, we don’t know how we could go on without the sweet treats he creates and shares with us! Tom is a talented designer who is always asking questions to further his understanding of site and context. He loves to uncover historical narratives hidden in the landscape to create a sense of place that reaches through time. He’s currently exploring  the rich history of Bethel Burying Ground Memorial, which will celebrate a historically significant cemetery forgotten for nearly a century. Tom is also passionate about designing spaces that foster positive connections between people and Nature. It's something that he considers in every project, but for William Penn Charter Lower School it was a driving focus even down to the fine details. Tom gives credit to the small towns and rolling Piedmont landscape in South Central PA, where he grew up, that influenced his choice to become a landscape architect. He currently resides in Media with his wife and cat and loves spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, and fishing. He also enjoys playing music, cooking, and spending time with his family. Congratulations, Tom!

Please join us in congratulating Lindsay High Stanislaw, ASLA, on her promotion to Senior Associate at Ground Reconsidered. Lindsay celebrates her 15th year at the firm this year. Her work spans a wide array of project types, but Lindsay holds a special place for roof top and amenity deck design; noting that environmental benefits are motivating factors, but ultimately, she hopes each one invites people to spend more time outside. The FMC Tower amenity deck, along with recently completed rooftop spaces at The Ryland and Schuylkill Yards, bring together Lindsay’s highly attuned skill set for dealing with complex landscapes over structure. Lindsay grew up in North Carolina and the landscapes there continue to inspire her: coastal state parks, the NCMA sculpture park, longleaf pines, the music. The outdoors inspire her daily and seasonally; gardening is a favorite hobby. She is quite a talented grower and gardener, frequently sharing seasonal arrangements that highlight her gardens’ offerings. She also loves hiking and biking with her family on the weekends. Her recent travels include wonderfully inspiring Maine, Barbados, and Poland. Please join us in a warm congratulations for Lindsay. Thank you for all of your continued contributions to the firm and profession!

This past November, Ground Reconsidered’s SORA West project, located in the heart of Conshohocken, was awarded a Montgomery County Award. This award ‘recognizes the best in planning and design in Montgomery County and acknowledges the high quality of work and commitment of communities, organizations, and professionals in contributing to exceptional development projects.’   GR’s central plaza knits together a new office tower, multi-level parking garage, boutique hotel, and the restored historic Washington Fire Company fire house. The central gathering space has been referenced as the ‘new town square’ and currently hosts the Conshohocken farmers’ market on the weekends. Terraced amphitheater seating, an integrated stage, and the large open lawn provide flexibility for a multitude of events. Large rain gardens flank the site, and streetscape improvements add to the vibrancy of downtown.   We are proud to have been part of such an ambitious community and team, including our client, Keystone and the great design team at Gensler. We send our thanks and congratulations to all involved.

Ground Reconsidered’s conceptual design for Thomas Paine Plaza was approved by the Philadelphia Art Commission this week! The design results from careful attention to the feedback received from stakeholders and will transform a barren, underutilized plaza into an accessible, vibrant, occupiable, and verdant place. The plaza will continue to offer space for free speech and skateboarding, as well as new places to sit, relax, observe, and gather in the heart of Philadelphia.