A sustainable, vegetated roof has been retrofitted on top of the last remaining “trolley depot” preserved by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The green roof of the facility, which is now used as a bus loop, was designed to reduce storm water runoff. On September 25, 2013, at 10 am SEPTA will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the fully renovated loop located at the corner of 33rd and Dauphin in the Strawberry Mansion community. Members of the press are invited to view and photograph the ceremony, the bus loop and the green roof.
The approximately 4,000 square foot (57′ x 71′) facility roof has been planted with Creek Hill Sun Mix. This mix consists of 12 hearty and proven varieties, which will provide flowers from spring through fall and bloom colors that change curing the growing season. When dormant it will have foliage colors of green, burgundy and an orange/yellow combination. Every LiveRoof module, which are made from recycled materials, was brought to the job site with fully grown plants inside. The container is simply set in place on the rooftop. Because they are fully matured at the nursery, LiveRoof systems require minimal maintenance compared to site-built green roofs, which are time-consuming and costly to install and maintain.
In an effort to improve water use and pollutant discharge, SEPTA plans to retrofit or construct buildings to accommodate green roofs.
SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey says, “We are always looking for innovative ways to create a more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future for the entire region.”
