East Norriton's Einstein Honored By Montco Planning Commission For Excellence

East Norriton's Einstein Medical Center is among five projects across Montgomery County that received special recognition from the Planning Commission for excellence at a recent awards ceremony, the county announced.

The Montgomery Awards annually recognizes the best in planning, design, and advocacy across Montgomery County.

The five projects receiving Montgomery Awards were The Courts at Spring Mill Station in Whitemarsh Township, Narberth Place in Narberth Borough, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in East Norriton Township, the Sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown Borough, and Reliance Crossing in Souderton Borough.

In addition to these projects, Paul W. Meyer, The F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, received a 2016 Planning Advocate Award, the county announced.

“This year’s award winners are examples of excellence in planning and design with important project characteristics such as transit-and trail-oriented development, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and sustainable site design," said Jody L. Holton, AICP, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission. "All of our winners, including our exceptional planning advocate award recipient, Paul Meyer, have a positive impact in our communities and show that Montgomery County is growing and adapting in valuable ways."

Here's what the county had to say about Einstein:

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, an outstanding twenty-first century healthcare facility, received a 2016 Montgomery Award for creative vision, sensitive site planning, and sustainable design. Built on a former golf course across from the scenic Norristown Farm Park, the vision for the design of this medical campus as a landscape for healing was inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The project involved a natural and sustainable design approach that included the sensitive placement of buildings near the center of the site, preserving much of the property as open space. This 82-acre campus includes a five-story hospital and an adjacent two-story medical arts building. Berms planted with native grasses, wildflower meadows, and many trees surround the site and naturally screen adjacent residences. The stunning architecture of the hospital adds a dramatic element to the natural landscape. An impressive five-story open atrium with a striking glass wall provides abundant natural light and pleasant views to the neighboring farm park. This project combined innovative site planning and green building practices to earn Silver LEED certification. Other sustainable design features include an exceptional green parking lot that uses stormwater best management practices. An inviting healing garden, with lush landscaping, a pergola, seating, and a unique fountain, creates a pleasant outdoor space. Installed sidewalks connect the campus to Germantown Pike and the neighboring Norristown Farm Park. The project also involved the creation of a walking trail in the farm park. Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, a result of successful collaboration, provides positive economic impacts and is an asset in the community.

___________________________________________________________________________Patch file photo.