Join the Conversation on August 21, 2025 from 4pm-6pm at the Manayunk Welcome Center at 106 Grape St.

Resiliency Through Design: The “Venice Island Sanctuary” Exhibit

Featured in Grid Magazine, the “Venice Island Sanctuary” exhibit is a visionary landscape architecture capstone project by Thomas Jefferson University student Julia Jackson. It offers an ecologically-conscious and community-focused reimagining of the northern 30 acres of Venice Island in Manayunk—a flood-prone, historically industrial site with immense potential for transformation.

Reviving a Historic Landscape

Once home to a thriving paper mill established in 1825, the northern section of Venice Island has remained largely undeveloped in recent years. This project breathes new life into that land, re-envisioning it as an accessible, large-scale green space where the community can reconnect with both the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal.

The proposal carefully considers the rich heritage of Manayunk, telling the story of its industrial past while embracing the ecological needs of the present. “Venice Island Sanctuary” invites residents and visitors alike to explore a natural sanctuary rooted in history, resilience, and sustainability.

A Design for Flood Resilience

One of the most pressing challenges in this part of Philadelphia is frequent and damaging flash flooding—an issue exacerbated by climate change and upstream development. Located just steps from the bustling Manayunk business corridor, the site has become a flood risk that affects small businesses and homes.

The “Venice Island Sanctuary” addresses this with a bold solution: a Resiliency Park. Drawing on principles of environmental engineering and ecological restoration, the design slows down floodwater velocity, promotes on-site water management, and supports native ecosystems. It’s not just a park—it’s an investment in public safety, economic resilience, and environmental health.

A Community-Centered Vision

This proposal doesn’t just aim to manage water—it seeks to cultivate a space that improves lives. By increasing access to green and blue spaces, the sanctuary supports mental and physical well-being, while encouraging deeper connections between people and place.

Ultimately, the “Venice Island Sanctuary” offers Manayunk residents a revitalized landscape that honors the past while preparing for a sustainable, resilient future.

Join the Conversation!

You’re invited to a special presentation of the “Venice Island Sanctuary” on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Hear directly from designer Julia Jackson as she shares her process, research, and design strategies behind the project.

Following the presentation, stay for an engaging panel discussion on resiliency parks, featuring:

• • Megan Schmidt: Engineer at AKRF
  • Jeff Keller: Restoration Ecologist
  • John Hunter: Architect and Manayunk Neighborhood Committee Zoning Chair
  • Richard Newton: Moderator
  • Julia Jackson: Project Designer

This is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Philadelphia’s green infrastructure. There will also be refreshments provided. 

Meet the Designer: Julia Jackson

Julia Jackson hails from the Philadelphia region, specifically calling Manayunk home for the past nine years before recently relocating to East Mt. Airy. Forever inspired by our lush environment, she decided to pivot careers during the pandemic, from graphic to landscape designer. 

Through Thomas Jefferson University’s Landscape Architecture program, she connected with the science behind the positive impact an environment can have on our public health and now finds herself specializing in Environmental Psychology, utilizing research-based design tactics to create resilient and native landscapes in urban settings. Today, Julia teaches at Jefferson University, showing students the importance of curiosity through Landscape Ecology. When not working, you can find her paddling the waters of the Schuylkill, admiring neighborhood parks or enjoying a good meal with friends.

Questions for the Panel

If you have questions about the exhibit that you would like answered during the panel, please use the attached link- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSct_9dYWnthMKQAxLFLUB59gOSG7hohkq4sdS6bv-qepOJVIA/viewform