Construction is nearly complete at the W/Element Hotel, a 617-foot-tall, 52-story skyscraper that stands at 1439 Chestnut Street (alternately 1441 Chestnut Street) in Center City. Designed by Cope-Linder Architects and developed by Chestlen Development, the dual-branded tower holds a total of 755 hotel rooms. Tutor Perini is the general contractor, and The Lighting Practice is responsible for the vertical strips of that light up at night.
Philadelphia skyline from South Philadelphia (W/Element Hotel on the right). Photo by Thomas Koloski
By the time of the last update, the Element Hotel, situated within the lower 32 floors of the skyscraper, had already held its opening, which took place on May 14th, after seven years of construction. Lighting testing had been observed earlier and more frequently than before, now with a more advanced cycle that changes colors from white, blue, green, and red. The decorative lighting was rarely seen in the following two months, though illumination at the W logos on the top of the crown on the north and south side have extensively been tested.
W/Element Hotel at night. Photo by Thomas Koloski
A few days ago, the lighting was visible again as the vertical strips and the W logos were lit up together. The display changed colors from red and white, with the cycle starting as small dots interrupting one color and changing seemingly at random to the next color. The strips of light appear bright from both street level and in panoramic skyline views. The W logos are bright beacons at the top as they also have the ability to change color.
W/Element Hotel lighting display (×4 speed). Animation by Thomas Koloski
The W Hotel is currently finalizing the construction work inside. A recent post on the official Instagram account of the W Hotel revealed that the tower is scheduled for opening this fall.
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This looks straight out of Times Square! 😉
I just noticed the “E” if I turned my head sideways. Is that right? If so, very clever. If not, I promise I will stop doing those drugs! 🙂
This construction project dragged along like the medieval cathedrals. I was beginning to think it would take centuries!