The first phase of the two-tower Cathedral Square project is well underway as it is nearing exterior completion. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and developed by Exeter Development Group and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, One Cathedral Square at 1701 Race Street rises near the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Logan Square, Center City. The glass and concrete tower stands 245 feet and 23 stories tall. Just to the north, the large parking lot will be transformed into a second tower, which will stand 470 feet tall.
One Cathedral Square looking northeast. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Work began in January 2021, when the parking lot was vacated and closed off. Signs were put up for Hunter Roberts Construction Group in March. By that time, excavation had just begun, with activity seen all over the small plot of land. As the excavation continued, the crane was installed on the site in May, and the structure began to take shape in June. The structure was well underway as the residential floors were going up by July, with most of the concrete frame assembled by the end of fall.
One Cathedral Square looking northwest. Photo by Thomas Koloski
In January, a series of window panels were installed at the top level reaching the roof. By now, the glass that was slowly climbing the tower floor by floor has reached the cladding at the top of the structure. The tower exterior dramatically reflects the surrounding buildings and the sky, and the shimmering building will easily be seen from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Also, noticeably the crane has come off the structure, presumably earlier in the month. Exterior work will likely wrap up in April as the external elevator still has to come off the tower, while interior work is also underway.
One Cathedral Square looking east. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Completion is anticipated by 2023.
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LOVE IT!
Looks like a very nice building. To go with Center City !!!!
They should have built it a couple stories higher to hide the ugly brutalist Sheraton behind it.