by Navy Yard
September 12, 2025
Categories: 25th Anniversary,
For 25 years, the Philadelphia Navy Yard has been a story of resilience, vision, and partnership. Once a shuttered naval base facing an uncertain future, it has become one of the most ambitious urban redevelopments in the nation.Through this anniversary documentary series, we’ll trace the Navy Yard’s journey, from the despair of its closure to its rebirth as a thriving hub of business, innovation, and opportunity. Each episode highlights a different chapter of the story, featuring the voices of leaders, partners, and community members who have helped shape its past and future.
Watch the full documentary
From its rebirth after closure to its evolution as a thriving hub for business, innovation, and community impact, this five‑chapter film brings the Navy Yard’s story to life. Featuring voices from leaders, partners, and local stakeholders, each episode explores a key chapter—from transformation and innovation to community, workforce development, and what’s next in the Yard’s future. Dive into the full series and experience the journey that helped shape one of the nation’s most resilient redevelopment stories.
Episode 1: The Transformation
The Transformation, tells the story of how the Navy Yard evolved from a symbol of loss into a model of resilience. Featuring voices from across its history and present, this episode captures the pivotal decisions, milestones, and partnerships that turned an abandoned base into a thriving campus of 150+ companies, 16,000 employees, and more than $2.8 billion in investment.
Episode 2: The Innovation Ecosystem
Episode 3: The Human Heartbeat
The Navy Yard is more than a business campus; it’s part of Philadelphia’s culture and community. From public spaces and events to personal connections and local businesses, its impact reaches far beyond the gates.
This episode highlights the voices and stories that show how the Navy Yard fosters belonging, vibrancy, and pride.
Episode 4: Workforce Development: Opportunities for All Philadelphians
With 16,000 employees and counting, the Navy Yard is creating pathways to careers for people from every background. From apprenticeships to the Skills Initiative, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity.
Episode 4, Workforce Development, shines a light on the programs, partnerships, and people making economic mobility possible.
Episode 5: The Next Chapter
The transformation of the past 25 years is only the beginning. With $6 billion in new development planned and 12,000 jobs on the horizon, the Navy Yard is shaping Philadelphia’s future for generations to come.
Episode 5, The Next Chapter, looks ahead to the vision, projects, and possibilities that will define the next era of the Navy Yard.
Watch the Trailer
Every transformation has a beginning. The trailer sets the stage for the Navy Yard’s journey, from loss to renewal, from vision to reality. It’s a preview of the voices, milestones, and energy that define this 25-year story.