PIDC celebrates 25 years of The Navy Yard

by Lashay Smith
October 2, 2025

Explore Categories

On September 25, PIDC, joined by government officials, business leaders, and development partners, celebrated a major milestone nearly three decades after the closure of the historic Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

Today, The Navy Yard is home to more than 16,000 jobs at 150 companies and has attracted $2.8 billion in investment, surpassing its employment levels at the time of closure. It now stands as one of the most successful military base redevelopments in the nation.

The celebration took place at URBN’s headquarters, where attendees gathered to mark this transformation and to launch Legacy & Horizon: 25 Years of Transformation—a new documentary chronicling The Navy Yard’s extraordinary comeback.

Now home to over 150 companies across industries such as biotechnology, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and professional services, The Navy Yard continues to evolve. With the next phase of development underway, the 1,200-acre campus at full build out is projected to support upwards of 30,000 jobs, $6 billion in total investment, and up to 8,000 residents, solidifying its future as Philadelphia’s newest neighborhood.

The evening began with opening remarks from PIDC President Jodie Harris, who welcomed guests and reaffirmed PIDC’s ongoing mission to bring more investment and economic opportunity to the Navy Yard 

She was followed by the chair of PIDC’s Board of Directors, Salvatore Patti, who highlighted the growing number of businesses choosing to locate at The Navy Yard and their role in its continued success.

Former PIDC President John Grady spoke about The Navy Yard’s history and legacy for Philadelphians and also highlighted its next chapter—led by development partners Ensemble/Mosaic —as the transformation continues as we work to create a dynamic “live, work, and play” community.

Guests also viewed a preview of an exciting new documentary chronicling the Navy Yard’s transformation, Legacy & Horizon, the first episode of which is available online. Four more episodes will be released throughout the end of the year.

The celebration concluded on a high note with a toast from Kate McNamara, EVP of The Navy Yard at PIDC, Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, COO and Co-founder of Mosaic Development Partners, and Brian Cohen, Managing Director of Ensemble Investments.

Through a bold public-private partnership with the City and Commonwealth, PIDC has created a dynamic hub where global companies thrive alongside local businesses and where opportunities are accessible to people of every background and skill level. 

And we’re just getting started. The Navy Yard’s next chapter will bring thousands of new jobs, housing, and vibrant public spaces, continuing to set a national example for successful redevelopment. Cheers to 25 years and what’s next to come!

Happy 25 years of The Navy Yard!

Check out the first episode of The Navy Yard Documentary: Legacy & Horizon: 25 Years of Transformation. 

Explore Categories