A recent site visit by Philadelphia YIMBY has documented the rising concrete frame at a 307-foot-tall, 23-story mixed-use high-rise underway at 2301 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Center City West. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and developed by the PMC Property Group (which also serves as the contractor), the curvy tower will rise on a narrow, wedge-shaped lot sited by the Schuylkill River waterfront and will contain 334,201 square feet of interior space. The development will feature 287 residential units as well as office space and parking for 44 cars and 96 bicycles. Permits specify a construction cost of $105 million.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
The development rises from an complicated lot. The site’s primary access point sits at its east side at North 23rd Street, which also happens to sit at its the narrowest point. Although the west side is considerably wider and faces the river, it also does not offer street access and faces the railroad tracks. To the north and south the site is hemmed in by the viaducts of the JFK Boulevard and the regional rail, which both rise over 20 feet above grade.
Since YIMBY’s last visit to the site in April 2023, when piling was underway, foundation work has been completed and the tower is now rising into the skyline. The concrete frame currently stands three stories tall, and the building’s signature curvy shape is already discernible.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F Kennedy Boulevard. Photo by Jamie Meller. January 2024.
2301 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Credit: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
2301 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Credit: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
2301 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Credit: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
2301 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Credit: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
The building will likely be the most dramatic addition to the Philadelphia skyline this year. While not particularly tall, the building will nevertheless make an impact on the skyline, particularly from the Schuylkill River, where it will fill a glaring gap between Center City West and the recently completed, similarly-sized Riverwalk towers to the north. Its glassy, curved form, one of the most sophisticated new skyscraper designs the city has seen in years, will make for a prominent appearance both from the Schuylkill River waterfront to the west and from Center City to the east, where it will flank the iconic view of the 30th Street Station along JFK Boulevard.
From a programmatic standpoint, the tower will make for excellent use of a river-facing yet complicated and currently marginal lot, helping bridge the gap between Center City and University City and bringing vibrancy to a currently forlorn section of the boulevard.
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Looks amazing!
An excellent Building in an excellent location! Helps smooth out the contures of the skyline and the drama of JFK boulevard.
Excellent pics. Nice work Jamie Meller.
What a fantastic addition to that part of the city.
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for multiple photos from different perspectives Jamie Meller. The structure already makes a mark.
Thank you for the many photos from different perspectives Jamie Meller. The structure already makes a mark.
There was confusion in previous alternate descriptions about the above mentioned building being not under construction. Now it is crystal clear that the building and its blueprints are the one and only being built.
I hope they have tripe-glassed windows given the noise in the area. A friend lives in one of the new towers nearby and the noise is unbearable – for a luxury condo! He regrets the purchase.