Excavation is nearly complete for the first Schuylkill Yards tower at 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in University City, West Philadelphia. The 361-foot tall high-rise is also known as Schuylkill Yards West. Located to the northwest of the Bulletin Building, the 28-story tower will soon join Evo and the FMC Tower on the local skyline. The building is designed by the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism, which had also designed 3001 John F. Kennedy Boulevard (aka Schuylkill Yards East) and the Bulletin Building renovation. Brandywine Realty Trust is the developer behind both the building and the entire 14-acre complex.
3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard site. Photo by Thomas Koloski
In the previous update from April, excavation was underway. Soil was piling up as the ground was being dug out, making a large pit in the ground. Since Schuylkill Yards East is temporarily on hold, soil is constantly being transferred to the site of the future red-clad tower to the east. Crews of workers and machines were at the site at the time as the work commenced at a steady pace.
3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard site looking northwest. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Our recent visit showed that the pit that has been working its way down, becoming increasingly hidden from view due to the new fence that was erected around the site, which sports blue banners. The foundation of the building has almost been finished. Retaining walls have been put up around the perimeter of the pit, to hold soil from getting in the foundation before concrete is poured. In the next few months, foundation work should be completed, the foundation walls should poured, and the structure would start rising shortly after.
3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard site. Photo by Thomas Koloski
An on-site sign states that the building will be completed by September 2023.
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We should be seeing cranes sometime later this year I hope. 🙂
I wonder about the affect of the tower on the over all city skyline; its slightly taller than the tower at Chestnut at University City; so I wonder how much it will stand out. At the same time the location of the tower may allow this tower to stand out more that usual with respect to its height.
From the various master plan renders that I have seen, this tower WILL be noticeable, even among the various soaring skyscrapers planned.
Im curious to know, is there a plan for what to do with the red east tower if it doesnt find a tenant? Im sure at some point it will but i have seen no updates on it and wonder what would happen if it were unable to locate one. Perhaps it could turn into condos and office? Maybe a hotel?