YIMBY recently published the long-awaited reveal of the plans for Two Cathedral Square at 227 North 18th Street in Logan Square, Center City. The new building that will join the north side of the Philadelphia skyline as part of the Cathedral Square development. Developed by EQT Exeter and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the tower will soon rise to a height of 470 feet and will feature a curvy, angled parapet, standing 34 stories above ground. The building was designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz, which has also designed Philadelphia buildings such as The Murano, The Laurel Rittenhouse, and 33 North 22nd Street. Today YIMBY shares exclusive massings that show the tower’s future impact on the skyline.
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline north elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline looking northeast. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Out of the unusual designs in Philadelphia, the building will soon stand out as one of the most original out of all of them. The shape of the building features many flat and curvy faces. The structure steps up to the crown in three sections, with the first section having the largest floors. The section section is smaller and the shape is slightly adjusted, while the top section is way smaller and features a curve on the east face.
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline looking southeast. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline looking northwest. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
Cathedral Square Phase 2 in the Philadelphia skyline looking southwest. Model and image by Thomas Koloski
When the tower is built, it will be the tallest building along the Vine Street Expressway. The Alexander is the current tallest building along the Expressway, standing at a height of 370 feet and 22 stories, but Two Cathedral Square will rise exactly 100 feet above The Alexander. Though the building was previously projected to stand 685 feet, the 470-foot-tall structure will still stand dominant over the area and will make an impact on the skyline when looking from Logan Square and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Slick.
How was the height reduced from 685 feet down to 470 feet? 🙁
The original idea was a very preliminary concept.
Pity. We need to have taller buildings in Philadelphia to rid ourselves of the leftover parochialism that stifiled creativity in our cities architecture until 1985
Cool building , when construction will start ?
I believe The Alexander is 32 stories tall, though I was told by one of the builders that it is 34 stories with mechanical levels included.
Is it a by right before going to CDR? I read the developers want to skate through CDR on one try vice having to go through be a second try in 2022.
Sweet! I wish it was still 685 but the design is really sweet and 470 isn’t bad.
Reminds me of the Schuylkill yards west tower. I’m glad its not all apartments.