The Element Hotel at the W/Element Hotel has opened for business at 1441 Chestnut Street in Center City, with the W Hotel scheduled to open in July. The 52-story skyscraper stands at a height of 617 feet, where the Element Hotel will have 460 rooms and the W Hotel will have 295 rooms, bringing the total to 755 units. Designed by Philadelphia-based Cope-Liner Architects and developed by Chestlen Development, the tower featuring a jagged top and scattered lighting. The latter was crafted by The Lighting Practice, which has lit up structures such as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, 2400 Market Street, the PECO Building, and the Empire State Building in New York City. Tutor Perini Corporation is the contractor for the skyscraper.
One Liberty Place and the W/Element Hotel lit up from New Jersey. Photo by Thomas Koloski
One Liberty Place and W/Element Hotel lighting. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel lighting. Animation by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel from New Jersey. Photo by Thomas Koloski
In the previous update, decorative nighttime lighting was switched on for the first time while displaying mostly white lights. The white lights started dim, then became more brighter and stayed on for a few seconds, then completely turning off to cycle again. Red and blue lights were also visible during the first viewing. But during the second viewing, more strips were lit up, each simultaneously changing colors between white, blue, green, and red.
Now, the programming of the lighting system appears even more sophisticated, as the lights seemingly randomly showcase all colors in a new cycle that makes the building pop even more with its updated display. The lights also change in a upwards and downwards motion to show the next color, where they also have the capability to become dim and display animations.
Philadelphia skyline from the Walt Whitman Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel (right) from the Walt Whitman Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel (right) in the Philadelphia skyline from I-95 South. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel south face. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The interior work is just about complete, with interior lighting for the W Hotel nearly finished with lights installed on the 52nd floor. The lighting also appears finished on the floors that are shared by both hotels.
Center City from South Philadelphia. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Philadelphia skyline from South Philadelphia. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel (left) from South Philadelphia. Photo by Thomas Koloski
W/Element Hotel lighting. Animation by Thomas Koloski
The Element Hotel opens today, while the W Hotel is planned to open in July.
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Might have to use some of my points here… Haven’t been to Philly in a few years.
Awful. This would’ve been at least twenty stories higher in New York