Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit has observed that construction continues and facade assembly is underway at 3151 Market Street in University City, West Philadelphia. The building rises on the north side of Market Street between North 30th and North 32nd streets, with John F. Kennedy Boulevard to the north. Designed by Gensler and developed by Brandywine Realty Trust, the building will rise 226 feet and 14 stories and will span 495,000 square feet. The structure will house office and laboratory space, as well as retail on the ground floor.
The tower at 3151 Market Street replaces several sprawling single-story structures, which, by the time of our visit, have been completely demolished aside from a few remnants of below-grade retaining walls. The site=s previous occupants made for a poor fit for such a centrally-located property sited right in the middle of University City, just across from the Drexel University campus and a block to the west of the 30th Street Station, which offers access to regional rail, subway, and trolley lines.
3151 Market Street via Brandywine Realty
3151 Market Street Rendering via Brandywine Realty
3151 Market rendering via Brandywine Realty
The development will be a significant positive contribution to the neighborhood as it will fill a glaring gap in central Center City, energizing formerly marginal space a block west of the 30th Street regional rail station. This immediate proximity to rail will grant office workers and researchers a direct commute option, allowing them to forgo an arduous drive. Furthermore, the development, in addition to the obvious benefit of adding nearly half a million of prime office and lab space, will help bridge the gap between the University City core and the rapidly developing area to the north, as well as long-established neighborhoods situated further north.
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Will they demolish the few remnants of below grade retaining walls if they don’t serve a purpose?
I love how this buidling looks, soon it will look like we have one long downtown walk from 38th Street/Market to 2nd/Market. Out of towners won’t distinguish University City. Love the development in the area!