August 28, 2025

District Digest: Physical Improvements

By Chris Basler, Director of Capital Projects & Planning
aerial view of first avenue linear park

The spaces between buildings and roadways shape the character of communities, whether suburban or metropolitan.

Known as streetscapes, these areas give life to mixed-use districts, keep offices and homes sustainable and make outdoor spaces more engaging. They may be quiet corners with lush plantings or lively gathering spaces that connect residents, employees and visitors. King of Prussia District’s Physical Improvement Program is focused on bringing these spaces to life in King of Prussia. Between the name-brand retailers and international companies that reside in our commercial corridors and business parks, King of Prussia District creates unique and inviting spaces filled with amenities for the public to enjoy. The projects we undertake include:

  • Designing, constructing and maintaining vibrant planting beds along high visibility roadways.
  • Planning and installing custom gateway and wayfinding signage.
  • Developing exciting, unique experiences and amenities, including beehives and public outdoor table tennis.
  • Creating multi-use parks and open spaces for the public to enjoy.
  • Improving and maintaining King of Prussia’s right-of-way to make lasting impressions with simple tasks like regularly picking up litter.

At King of Prussia District, we recognize the power of this connective space. When the business improvement district formed in 2010, one of the first priorities was to bring the vision of the Physical Improvement Program to life. Within a year, medians on Dekalb Pike and First Avenue transformed from stretches of asphalt, concrete and compacted dirt into vibrant landscapes. These early projects made an immediate impact on major transportation corridors and signaled to the community that King of Prussia District was ready to deliver on our ambitious five-point program plan.

Since 2010, King of Prussia District planted and continues to maintain over 7 acres of landscape installations spread across the community. With 44 island medians, community gateways, roadway shoulders and trailside borders throughout King of Prussia, these colorful landscapes bring beauty to everyday spaces. Filled with vibrant perennials, hardy shrubs and ornamental grasses, the plantings showcase a mix of knockout roses, variegated liriope, hibiscus, Amsonia, switch grass, dwarf fountain grass and Russian sage that thrive season after season.

Looking ahead, staff and stakeholders are developing plans to bring even more planting beds and recreational spaces to Moore Park, Renaissance Park and the roadways that connect these mixed-use districts. With these improvements, we will continue to shape vibrant public spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether driving through, walking along multimodal trails or simply pausing to take in the view.