Many of the iconic points for observing the Philadelphia skyline are located in the city, though several are situated in New Jersey across the Delaware River and on the multiple bridges that connect New Jersey and Pennsylvania. One of these is the Commodore Barry Bridge, which was completed in 1974. Today, Philadelphia YIMBY observes the rising Philadelphia skyline from the bridge.
Recently published permits reveal that another height change is possible for 113-121 South 19th Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City. The permit states that the building will now stand 52 stories, meaning it will likely have a height above 600 feet. Designed by DAS Architecture and Partners, the 267,874 square-foot tower will have 215 residential units and 30,180 square feet of commercial space. The design will feature slender profile and will be clad in light and dark and light shades. The building was developed by Pearl Properties, which was also behind The Harper located nearby.
The Independence Blue Cross Tower was Philadelphia’s third skyscraper to breech the former 548-foot height limit of the Gentleman’s Agreement. The tower stands at 1901 Market Street, on the north side of the street, and features a slightly darker shade of glass than One Liberty Place and an interesting design that included lighting highlighting the structure. Designed by WZMH Architects, which also designed the CN Tower in Canada, he tower rises 45 stories above the ground with a total height of 625 feet. In over the first ten years after the building’s completion, the tower was lit up in the night time skyline with blue and gold strips of light.
On September 28th, a topping out ceremony was held on the 47th floor of The Laurel Rittenhouse at 1911 Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City. Designed by Solomon Cornwell Buenz and developed by the Southern Land Company, with the Harman Group as the structural engineer, the tower now stands at its final height of 599 feet and 48 stories. The building stands prominently in the Philadelphia skyline over the course of this year and is now clearly visible from the southern direction. The building will include 185 rental units and 64 luxury condominiums, as well as amenity space, retail, and an Equinox gym for residents.
In Philadelphia, new development continues to constantly change the cityscape. Buildings with dominant height and/or great mass are being built on a regular basis, drawing the public’s attention. The neighborhoods that are seeing the most change are Center City (particularly Center City West) and University City, and now Market East has recently joined that list with its rising number of new high-rises proposed and under construction. Both office towers and residential buildings are in the works in the area, which are all expected to be built within the next several years. Today YIMBY presents massing renderings that show the developments’ impact on the future skyline.
