Flanked on both sides with Philly’s tallest skyscrapers, Market Street West is best known for its urban canyon qualities. Lately, these characteristics have reached new heights with the addition of a number of towers and institutional buildings along the corridor. This trend seems to be continuing further west, this time at the northeast corner of
38th and Market in University City. The development, an 11-story, 272,700 square foot tower is a joint venture between the
University City Science Center and
Wexford Science + Technology.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center will take up the bulk of the building, occupying approximately 155,700 square feet for orthopedics and outpatient medical facilities.
Good Shepherd Penn Partners will occupy an additional floor and a half. The Science Center and Wexford will control the remaining 88,000 square feet.
Currently, the Science Center is largely known as the largest urban research park in the United States. Adding Penn Presbyterian onto their campus strengthens this reputation, and according to James R. Berens, Chairman, Wexford Science + Technology, LLC, it also advances the idea of establishing University City as a world class Meds and Eds hub. “The project, as a mix of clinical, research and office uses, is a perfect match to the Science Center’s mission and Wexford’s capabilities -- and is a great opportunity to cultivate University City and Philadelphia’s innovation cluster,” says Berens in a press release statement.
Solidifying University City as a tech hub isn’t the only benefit from the project. Expect improved access to medical care for much of West Philly, says Michele Volpe, CEO of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in a press release statement. “This expansion will provide PPMC faculty and staff with the infrastructure necessary to better serve the Powelton Avenue, West Philadelphia, and even the Greater Philadelphia communities.”
Cranes should rise this September, with an expected completion date of June 2014. Once finished, the building is anticipated to receive
LEED Silver certification.
Source: James Berens, Wexford Science + Technology
Writer: Greg Meckstroth