Among the multiple structures that make up the Liberty Place complex, Two Liberty Place is the second tallest, rising 848 feet and 58 stories, yet it is the largest by area, with 1.2 million square feet. As such, the building is one of the most largest skyscrapers in Philadelphia, as the Comcast Center measures nearly 1.4 million square feet and the Comcast Technology Center holds 1.5 million square feet. Two Liberty Place is located near the heart of Center City at 50 South 16th Street. Just like the rest of Liberty Place, the tower was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn, who had unfortunately passed away in a bicycle crash in Chicago in May. The project was developed by Willard Rouse of Rouse and Associates, which eventually became Liberty Property Trust.
Two Liberty Place groundbreaking. Image via Philadelphia Inquirer
The Westin, Shops at Liberty Place and Two Liberty Place under construction. Photo by Philadelphia Daily News
Demolition began at the site of Two Liberty Place in the beginning of the same year One Liberty Place topped out. Multiple businesses would meet their fate as a shopping mall, hotel, and a massive skyscraper was on the way. The site was cleared by the end of 1987, and the official ground breaking took place on February 16, 1988 as One Liberty Place stood proudly next door. By August of the same year, the crane for the concrete core was erected on the site, starting the ascent of the tower.
Two Liberty Place under construction from One Liberty Place. Photo by The Philadelphia Inquirer
Two Liberty Place under construction from 1818 Market Street. Photo by The Philadelphia Inquirer
The concrete core was above ground by the beginning of 1989, with the structure popping into views by May. The concrete had grown over 500 feet in height over the next few months, as the steel rose over 10 floors below the top of the core. The core got slimmer at the top, and was completed just after mid-August. The steel followed and rose up quicker due to the floor plates shrinking, with the stubby spire placed on top by October. The stone and glass cladding seems to have started installation just after the topping. The exterior was completed at the very end of 1990, with the building opening after the Ritz Carlton and Shops at Liberty Place opened in mid-November.
Two Liberty Place nearly finished without crown lights. Image via Philadelphia Inquirer
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Where did you manage to dig up the old Inquirer articles?
That is a fascinating find.
I would consider those papers a valuable historic collection that will rise in value.
The cash value will be worth allot by 2096. 😉
Newspapers.com offers great excerpts from the past. All you have to do is start a membership, which is pretty cheap!
I thought you owned a physical copy.
Sorry, but digital copies are worthless for collectors.
It’s very interesting to see that the Westin was previously the Ritz Carlton. The current location of the Ritz is much better.