by Paige Braunlich
October 28, 2026
Categories: Innovation,
On October 21, members of the Philadelphia chapter of Urban Land Institute (ULI) NEXT Cohort visited the Navy Yard to learn more about its redevelopment, meet the teams shaping its future, and see the campus firsthand. Hosted at AVE Normandy, the first residential community at the Navy Yard, the morning featured presentations from PIDC, the master developer and operator of the Navy Yard, and Ensemble, the developer of a 109-acre mixed-use district at the Navy Yard, followed by a walking tour of the campus and AVE.
The visit offered an inside look at how the Navy Yard has evolved into a major center for business, with a mix of advanced manufacturing, commercial development, and new residential uses.
A Former Naval Shipyard to Economic Engine
Alex Smith, Vice President of Navy Yard Strategic Initiatives at PIDC, opened with an overview of the Navy Yard’s history and PIDC’s role in its redevelopment.
The Navy Yard served as an active U.S. Navy installation and major regional employer until its closure in 1996. In 2000, PIDC took ownership of the site, with the Navy retaining land for ongoing operations. Since then, PIDC has worked with public and private partners to attract investment, support job creation, and bring new uses to the campus.
Today, the Navy Yard is home to approximately 150 companies and more than 16,000 employees. Its business community spans industries ranging from life sciences and advanced manufacturing to professional services.
Planning for the Navy Yard’s Next Chapter
In 2022, PIDC announced the Navy Yard’s 20-year Master Plan, establishing a framework for the campus’s continued development. PIDC partnered with Ensemble/Mosaic to advance new development across a 109-acre mixed-use district.
During the presentation, the team discussed progress on new development and the broader vision for the Navy Yard, which includes additional commercial space and residential uses alongside its established shipbuilding operations.
The presentations also highlighted the infrastructure and transportation investments needed to support the campus’s continued growth. These include PIDC’s work to improve the electrical substation and transit access, including the extension of SEPTA’s Route 45 service to the Navy Yard.
Supporting Philadelphia’s Workforce
The Navy Yard is also an important employment center, offering career opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and educational backgrounds.
Workforce development initiatives, including The Navy Yard Skills Initiative and the Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline, help connect employers with talent and support pathways into employment. The campus is also home to union headquarters and training facilities that provide opportunities for skills development and apprenticeships. These efforts support the needs of Navy Yard businesses while creating opportunities for Philadelphia residents and workers throughout the region.
A Growing Industrial & Maritime Campus
While the Navy Yard continues to welcome new commercial and mixed-use development, its industrial and maritime operations remain an important part of its identity.
The presentation highlighted continued investment in shipbuilding and ship repair, as well as advanced manufacturing. Companies such as Hanwha and Rhoads Industries contribute to the campus’s role in manufacturing and defense-related industries.
Exploring the Navy Yard
Following the presentations, the ULI Next Cohort toured the area around Central Green, one of the Navy Yard’s seven parks, and visited AVE’s residential buildings, offering an opportunity to experience the campus beyond the conference room.
The visit highlighted the different elements shaping the Navy Yard’s future, from its established businesses and industrial operations to new residential development and public spaces.
Explorethe Navy Yard’s history & redevelopment
Want to learn more about the history behind the Navy Yard? Visit our About page to explore the people, places, and milestones that have shaped the campus for more than 200 years.