“Currently under construction across the street from the new Pennsylvania Convention Center in center city Philadelphia (the largest convention center in the heart of any city) the new 540 car Convention Center Parking Facility will contain 16,000 square feet of street level retail. Sheathed in a scrim of architectural fabric, this uniquely designed facility will be the only one of its kind in Philadelphia having such sustainable features as green roofs, LED lighting and electric car charging stations,” (Realen Properties, LinkedIn).

Philadelphia has one of the most progressive green roof programs in the country. Their support for green roofs in based on an aggressive stormwater management plan to hold all run off on site. Beginning late fall, 2012 the Philadelphia Convention Center Parking Facility will open utilizing an architectural marvel featuring a combined blue roof and green roof system designed by Green Roof Technology and Realen Properties.

The revolutionary green roof on the Convention Center Parking Facility combines only the best of both these technologies. The green roof has an extra deep profile affording higher water storage capacity. In addition to the added growing media, a specially designed insert for the roof drains holds water up to a couple of inches within the lower layers of the growing media. When a 100 year storm event occurs this insert has an overflow mechanism allowing the roof to drain freely once the max saturation level has been reached.

Beauty and intelligence are key to the success of this project. Not only is the function of the green roof innovative and practical, the aesthetic will be just as exquisite. The green roof will be visible from the Philadelphia Convention Center and accordingly will feature an eye catching seasonal display of color through a mixture of native ever greens, grasses, and perennials. Crocus, and daffodils burst with color in the spring providing seasonal interest. In the fall and winter months scarlet mahonia and evergreen ferns add to the festive decor.