Philadelphia has had certain key years when skyscraper construction saw a notable surge, when many developments were underway at the same time. For instance, much of the current Center City skyline took form in and just after 1987. Another key year for construction took place in 2017, when various high-rise projects spanned multiple neighborhoods. Most of these developments stood under 500 feet, with some barely noticeable from afar, yet others added significant bulk to the skyline. The tallest skyscraper under construction was the Comcast Technology Center, the city’s first supertall tower and still the city’s tallest building. In this publication Philadelphia YIMBY looks back to when this collection of developments was underway four years ago.
Construction at the Comcast Technology Center was well underway at the time, though the building had not reached its full height yet. The glass was just about to reach the roof and the cooling towers and lantern were under construction, with interior work underway in the office floors. Another project underway, but finishing up construction was the FMC Tower. The tower is the first skyscraper to rise above 500 feet in University City, standing next to the 430 foot Evo. The building had its office space for FMC Corporation completed, but the ground work and residential portion of the building was still underway.
Comcast Technology Center. Photo by Thomas Koloski
FMC Tower. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Another major development taking place at the time was the W/Element Hotel. The tower stood only 13 stories above ground at the time. The core was at a wide point and was seen flush with the north face. No cladding was installed as it was still way too early, but the crane was in full operation, to soon bring the building to its final height.
W/Element Hotel under construction from Dilworth Park. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Lastly, the last major project featured is the Aramark Tower. At the time, the two central concrete cores were nearly topped then. The steel structure was also nearly topped, with just a few floors remaining until reaching the top.
2400 Market Street August 2017. Photo by Thomas Koloski
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Nothings under construction today?