Urban Research & Development Corporation
Grant Writing, Design and Planning
Site Planning and Design
The firm also has extensive experience in site planning and design, mostly in the private sector. We have worked extensively with Lehigh Valley Industrial Park (LVIP), one of the largest nonprofit industrial development organizations in the country. LVIP has grown over the past 50 years to develop seven sites with several hundred occupants. Our site planning work involves close coordination with other organizations, including local, state, and federal agencies instead of latest work (for LVIP VII) involved the City of Bethlehem and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to prepare conceptual plans for the landscaped median subsequently incorporated into the design for widening PA Route 412.
We also work with private clients in developing housing projects of various types. In addition, URDC is the primary land design partner for both a major private developer in the City of Bethlehem and one of the largest planned residential developments (PRDs) and resort sites in the Pocono Mountains. Our land design staff is fluent with Trimble land development software.
COURTYARDS OF CARLISLE
This project is an attached condominium development of 24 - 4 & 6 plex buildings on a total of 15.16 acres, located in the Borough of Carlisle, Pa. This project was designed and constructed in 4 phases over several years. Urban Research & Development Corporation was retained to assist in the due diligence activities, evaluation of zoning, evaluation of development strategies and to undertake the completion of preliminary and final construction plans, including erosion and sedimentation control plans, DEP permitting, storm water management, cost estimates and construction oversight for the completion of the project. All four phases of this project were approved have been constructed. At this time all 142 units have been sold out.
DONALD R. MARUSHAK OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
Donald R. Marushak Outdoor Education Center is a conceptual design that is meant to engage students in environmental learning, provide flexible learning spaces and educate students on natural process. With a focus on ADA compliance, the spaces around the site are welcoming to all students, faculty members and staff.
Feedback from faculty members from the school include:
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"Wow! I personally think this looks incredible." - Principal
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"Incredible! This is beyond fabulous!" - Assistant Principal
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"This looks amazing and functional. It has all we asked for and more!" - Faculty Member
ENCLAVE AT KNOBHILL
Enclave At KnobHill is a residential townhome development located in Palmer Township, PA.
GRACEDALE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CENTER AND COMMON GREEN
The County of Northampton Parks Department retained URDC to eliminate a stagnant pond area adjacent to Gracedale, a nursing and retirement facility for the elderly. Before our design and construction in 1993, URDC creatively designed a plan that drained the pond and converted the inflow water to a waterfall stream in the former pond area. Within the existing pond bed a series of walkways, gazebos, seating areas, picnic tables and quiet visiting areas were designed to provide a recreational area while also visually appealing from the upper floors windows and rooms of the high rise tower.
LEHIGH VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARKS
URDC has played a large part in the development of multiple Lehigh Valley Industrial Parks throughout the Lehigh and Northampton Counties. The corridor is an important transition area from the I-78 access points through an urban highway commercial area to the pedestrian oriented urban core of Southside Bethlehem. We prepared multiple master plan alternatives for the tract, complete site engineering, and assistance in the development of individual lots. The assistance URDC provided allowed the LVIP sites to result in an attractive setting while also maximizing land sales.
LEHIGH VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARKS - CONCEPTUAL PLANTING DESIGN
URDC was tasked to come up with a conceptual planting design and perspectives for four future fast food restaurants along 412 on the Southside of Bethlehem. The purpose of the planting plan and illustrative drawings will help to create a "sense of space" through an attractive landcspae that is both unique and special. Types of plant material including color combinations, textures, sizes, deciduous versus evergreen areas and specimen plantings that survive in zone 7.
MATAPEAKE FEASIBILITY STUDY
The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of developing the 51. 249 acre Matapeake site located 2.2 miles south of the Route 8 interchange with Route 50. In summary, the site’s excellent accessibility, available water and sewer utilities, zoning designation and site conditions make it highly feasible for a moderate to extensive business park development. Expansion of water and sewer utility capability will be required as development progresses in stages to achieve the most intensive site development potential.
NOBLE'S POND
Noble’s Pond is an award winning premier active adult community located in Kent County Delaware. Located approximately five miles north of Dover, this community is being built on 293 acres and subdivided into over 800 parcels for both single family and carriage homes with an elaborate community center. URDC's objective was to design a master plan that allows for villages to be designed to preserve the natural resources of the property, which include wooded areas, ponds, and natural habitats.
POINTE WEST SUBDIVISION
URDC was retained to evaluate the site and local zoning ordinances develop a strategy plan for development that suited the location and the client on a large parcel located within multiple municipalities, Upper Macungie Township, Weisenberg Township and Lowhill Township, Lehigh County, PA . URDC, in cooperation with local engineering firms have created construction drawings for the residential community, phases A – N.
RIDGETOP VACATION RESORT
Ridgetop is a resort vacationing project of 42 units in the Pocono Mountains. URDC worked with Wyndham Vacation Ownership to develop a unique product that would set new standards for the industry. We worked with Wyndham from project concept through post construction reports. Building siting, balancing earthwork, and a dramatic landscape to enhance the architecture were some of the prominent concepts URDC was responsible for.
VILLAS CROSSING
This project consists of a mix of 192 townhomes and 88 flats on 87.32 acres within an existing public golf course. The site is located west of Villas Crossing Road and South of Golf Road in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County. Urban Research and Development Corporation was retained to assist Omega Homes in the due diligence activities, evaluation of current zoning, site design strategies and completion of preliminary and final plans and subsequent approvals. The project has received Final Plan approval from the municipality.
55 + MIXED USE COMMUNITY CONCEPT PLAN
A private developer approached URDC to assist in developing a concept plan of mixed uses of residential , commercial and medical and office. URDC prepared several concept plan ideas that would ultimately fit into the existing community.