On September 28th, a topping out ceremony was held on the 47th floor of The Laurel Rittenhouse at 1911 Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City. Designed by Solomon Cornwell Buenz and developed by the Southern Land Company, with the Harman Group as the structural engineer, the tower now stands at its final height of 599 feet and 48 stories. The building stands prominently in the Philadelphia skyline over the course of this year and is now clearly visible from the southern direction. The building will include 185 rental units and 64 luxury condominiums, as well as amenity space, retail, and an Equinox gym for residents.
The Laurel Rittenhouse from Rittenhouse Square. Photo by Thomas Koloski
At the launch of Philadelphia YIMBY just over a year ago, the tower stood only three stories above ground and was working on the slowest portion of the construction process as the cantilever was being formed. Construction eventually picked up its pace, as the building had reached the halfway point by February with the crane rising out of the skyline. By the next month, the shape of the building was thinning as planned, with the terrace formed on the 27th floor. By July the main roof of the tower was under construction, and the last floor that supports the steel structured crown was casted in August.
The Laurel Rittenhouse in the Philadelphia skyline from New Jersey. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Originally, the topping out ceremony was supposed to be held on September 23, but thunderstorms delayed the event. Five days later, the event commenced on the 47th floor, just under the main roof of the building. The attendee list included Southern Land Company Vice President Brian Emmons, who commemorated one of the company’s most visible developments. Guess were treated with beverages and an unforgettable skyline view. A beam was signed, which would go on top of the structure once steel construction commences, which should start shortly since scaffolding is currently coming off the core.
The Laurel Rittenhouse with Center City towers. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The Laurel Rittenhouse is scheduled for completion in August 2022.
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It looks so short compared to the trophy towers.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Thomas. 😉
It looks like Thomas really enjoyed writing these series of articles.
You’re right Brian but this is still the tallest residential tower in the city.