Looking At The Future Of Lehigh’s Campus In Bethlehem, PA

In spring of 2021, Singleton, Hitch, and Maida Houses finished construction on the side of South Mountain, the latest of many new developments transforming the Lehigh University Campus in Bethlehem, PA. The development consists of three new residential college houses centered around a small park with outdoor seating and garden space. The development adds 720 beds to the campus, providing accommodations for student residences just steps away from the center of the campus. In recent years, Lehigh has embarked on large transformation development, filling in underused locations at the campus as well as expanding its overall footprint.

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Permits Issued for One Dock Street in Society Hill, Center City

Permits have been issued for One Dock Street, a 31-story, 272-unit residential high-rise in Society Hill, Center City. Designed by Bower Lewis Thrower Architects, he tower will rise 374 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in Society Hill. Amenities will include a roof deck and rooftop pool. The current four-story Marriott Hotel at the site will remain with the new, 288,997-square-foot tower being attached to the existing 63,200-square-foot building. The permit lists construction costs at $66,552,000.

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The Laurel Rittenhouse Square from Market Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski

The Laurel Rittenhouse Square Nearing Topping Out in Rittenhouse Square, Center City

In recent weeks, the Laurel Rittenhouse Square has been rising at a steady pace, and is now leaving an imposing presence on the Philadelphia skyline. The tower, located at 1911 Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Center City, is growing to reach a final height of 599 feet and 48 floors. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and developed by the Southern Land Company, the skyscraper will hold 160 rental apartment units and 85 luxury units.

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W/Element Hotel south face. Photo by Thomas Koloski

Looking Back at the W/Element Hotel Rising Into the Philadelphia Skyline

One of the most significant skyscrapers recently constructed in Philadelphia is the W/Element Hotel at 1441 Chestnut Street in Center City. Located at the former site of the demolished One Meridian Plaza, the tower went through several design changes and different architectural firms, with Cope-Linder Architects being the final choice. The site also went through different developers, with Chestlen Development Group ending up as the final developer. The proposal was revealed in 2013, and now the tower is finally nearing completion. Today Philly YIMBY looks at the tower’s construction progress over the years.

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