Louis & Pru Ryan Resilience Lab

We’re Building a More Resilient Future. For All – Including River Life.

As communities everywhere wrestle with the growing impacts of climate change, The Louis & Pru Ryan Resilience Lab of the Elizabeth River Project will serve as a global model for urban coastal living that protects both the ecosystem and humans as sea levels rise. Now being built along Knitting Mill Creek on one of Norfolk’s fastest growing commercial corridors, this $8 million living laboratory is funded through the future-minded philanthropy of its namesakes, Louis and Pru Ryan of Norfolk, and many generous donors to our Next Wave Campaign.

Follow along with the Resilience Lab construction updates

Engineered To Withstand Flooding And Respond To Sea Level Rise
Environmentally Sustainable Design & Construction Techniques
For Residents, Businesses And Developers
Solar Equipped/Net-Zero Energy Consumption Goal
Toilets Flushed With 100% Harvested Rainwater
Goode Family Entry Pavilion Floats During Flooding
Brock River Room for Workshops, Events
Northern Cornerstone: Norfolk Innovation Corridor
Anchor for Planned Eco-District
“Living Shoreline” of Restored Wetlands, Oysters, Native Plants
HRSD Research Dock For Higher-Education Partners
Changing Research Displays
Perry Family Boardwalk Observatory
Continuous Rain Gardens

Welcome to the Future.

$8 million

cost of build

2023  

opening date

zero

net energy use

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“Developing on-land solutions to rising tides and rising sea level is not just a case of trying to make it more inhabitable for human beings. It’s also a case of making the land more friendly to the river.”

LOUIS RYAN

OFFICER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Elizabeth River Project

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