The first phase of the Cathedral Square development is underway and rising at 222 North 17th Street in Logan Square, Center City. The building, at this time known as Cathedral Square Phase 1, will rise 245 feet and 23 stories tall. The tower is designed by Solomon Cornwell Buenz, which had also designed the Murano condominium and The Laurel Rittenhouse, which is currently under construction. The two-tower complex is being developed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Exeter Property Group, which will span much of the city block that is situated three blocks to the north of the Comcast Center.
Cathedral Place Phase 1 looking northeast. Photo by Thomas Koloski
In the previous update on the project, the building had reached a milestone as it was just beginning to rise above ground, after the completion of its single basement level. The first poured concrete floor has been constructed, with the ground floor slab topping the foundation. The beams for the first floor above ground were poured and the concrete forms were starting to rise on the south side of the site. The tower’s construction was in full swing now that the crane was in place.
Cathedral Place Phase 1 looking northwest. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The structure has grown more since the last update, as the building now stands three stories above ground. Workers are now seen all around the site. During YIMBY’s site visit, several concrete trucks were lined up on the south side of the site as concrete pours were inn progress. The tower crane can be seen from many blocks away, including from Arch Street just to the west of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. With the pace of the construction, it appears that the tower may be topped out by the end of the year.
Cathedral Place from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Completion of the structure is anticipated by 2024.
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I’d love to know if Philadelphia Yimby can host videos so we can see a visual tour with audio commentary.
This is a very important addition to the Philadelphia Skyline with two (different) towers in an exclusive package.
I’m sure I will like both buildings look when finished. But still have to keep asking WHY. Why are these two build complex making one decent size tower and one little building ( which we have to stop calling a tower) it’s a little building. And just make one real skyscraper.
I don’t think it would be a good idea to construct one giant tower immediately behind the Cathedral Basilica. Better to have two smaller towers which will allow the Cathedral to retain pride of place at this location. Check out the dark tower that looms over St. Patrick’s in New York. We don’t want that here.
What is the purpose of these towers other than to dwarf the Comcast Building?
These two towers add:
1. More skyscrapers to the skyline.
2. Much needed density.
3. Balance to the Art Museum skyline.
4. Luxury living inside those towers.
Having a 33 story tower and a 44 story tower will provide a complete skyscraper zone that will compliment the Comcast towers a few city blocks away.
If you are a skyscraper fan, this is for you! 😉