The Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions (also known as the Wexford Drexel Academic Tower) at 3601 Filbert Street has joined the West Philadelphia skyline as the structure of the tower has been recently topped out. The steel frame now reaches its final height of 185 feet and 12 stories. Designed by Ballinger and developed by Wexford Science & Technology LLC, and adds significant bulk to the 14-acre uCity Square project. The structure is one of many new developments to recently rise in University City.
Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions from a nearby parking garage. Photo by Thomas Koloski
In the previous updates, the tower was observed as it was rapidly constructed throughout 2021. The structure rose above ground in December 2020 and workers quickly assembled the superstructure. By January, tower cranes were erected at the site. In March, the building already stood seven stories tall, with the sixth floor completed and beams stretching up to the eighth and ninth floor. By that point, the cranes have been jumped a few times already, and were visible in the skyline from certain views.
Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions from North 37th Street and Filbert Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
As the building is now topped out, we can already see that the building will look as it appears in the renderings. Cladding installation has started, mostly on the south side, with multiple floors already covered in glass, which shows its different shades as they change throughout varying daylight conditions. The sheer mass of the building gives a vivid sense of the other future structures that are planned around the area.
Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions from near 38th Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Completion is expected in May 2023.
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You will need sunglasses during the morning commute as it will reflect the rising sunshine that will cause excessive glare.
Around noon, when the sun is mid-sky, the blue sky will make this design an attraction for photography/videography.
The reflective glass will look amazing in the evening sunset as it reflects the colors of the evening sky.