The sixth-tallest project on Philly YIMBY’s December 2020 Development Countdown is the most visible development currently under construction in Philadelphia. Arthaus at 311 South Broad Street in Washington Square West, Center City, has already made a major impact on the skyline as it nears topping out at a height of 542 feet and 45 stories (though the marketing material describes the building as 47 stories tall). Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, which also designed the 792-foot-tall BNY Mellon Center, the city’s fifth-tallest building, and developed by Dranoff Properties, the building will feature 108 condominium apartments. Philly YIMBY’s recent site visit revealed busy activity, with workers installing cladding on the superstructure.
Arthaus (right) and the Philadelphia skyline from Girard Point Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus and the Philadelphia skyline from I-95 South. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from Girard Point Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus and the W/Element Hotel. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus and the Center City Towers. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from I-95 South. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from Symphony House. Photo by Timothy Moir
Dranoff Properties had originally planned the tower as a hotel run by SLS International Hotels. After SLS withdrew its plans, the project was redesigned into a residential building now known as Arthaus.
A significant amount of progress has been made on the tower since the last update, when the building had just reached the halfway point. Now the superstructure is nearing the 500-foot mark, approaching its concrete roof. Construction should proceed at an even faster pace now that the three main terraces have been poured, leaving the square crown to be completed. The structure is now 39 stories tall with five concrete floors remaining to be poured, with the core hugging the south face of the building above the terraces. Judging by the pace of construction, the last five floors could go up very rapidly as the floor plates measure an estimated 75 by 75 feet. The tower could possibly top out in mid-January to mid-February.
The façade is also rising rapidly, but not as quickly as the concrete structure, with the glass and white metal now reaching the 19th floor.
Work is also proceeding on the four-story annex to the north of the tower, which currently stands one floor above ground. The pace of construction on this section is rather slow, presumably due to the focus on the main tower.
The crane can now be seen from iconic spots like South Street Bridge, Spring Garden Street Bridge, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Cira Green.
Top of Arthaus. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus looking west. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from the corner of South Broad Street and Lombard Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Top of Arthaus from the south. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from the south. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from Delancey Place. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus and the rising podium. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from South Broad Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus cladding. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Philadelphia skyline and Arthaus (right) from South Street Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Arthaus from South Street Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Top of Arthaus from South Street Bridge. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Top of Arthaus from Walnut Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The tower’s anticipated completion is May 2022, as stated on an on-site sign.
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What a splendid way to ring in the new year; knowing that this tower should top off soon.
The location is perfect.
Thanks for the pictures. They give a wonderful, real perspective of the building’s height and in perspective of the other buildings around and a far.