One Montgomery Plaza, Exterior Renovations & Courthouse Plaza

Kimmel Bogrette worked with Montgomery County administrators to study and design solutions for enlivening existing concrete rooftop plaza areas and convert them to green roofs as well as a renovated exterior facade. The project included an investigative analysis of structural deficiencies in the Courthouse parking garage located underneath the plazas. One of the goals of the project was to create a public green roof that can be accessed and viewed by residents and visitors of Norristown. The visibility of the green roof itself will act as an educational component, aided by informational signage in public areas, describing environmental benefits such as water quality and quantity, absorbing air pollution, reducing urban heat island effects, reducing noise transfer, and providing habitat for birds and other small animals. To enhance the aesthetics and usability of the plaza, seating, tables and shade structures will be incorporated into hardscaped areas. An irrigation system is included as part of the green roof to help establish the vegetation in the first few years and ensure its continued health and function.