When the
Spectrum met its final match last November--a bright orange wrecking ball that transformed the storied South Philadelphia sports and entertainment arena into a sad pile of brick and ash--public reactions were understandably mixed. The Spectrum, after all, is one of Philly's most beloved and historic attractions; performers and athletes who've plied their trade at the arena range from Michael Jackson to Michael Jordan.
But there will be a second act on the land on which the Spectrum stood: In a matter of months,
The Cordish Company, a Baltimore-based developer, will begin the construction phase of new retail, dining and entertainment complex. The name of the soon-to-be-built complex, Philly Live!, is intended to evoke its purpose of being "an inviting center of community for Philadelphia sports fans, where enthusiasts (can) share their common experiences in supporting the home team," according to the Cordish Company's Megan Slattery.
And although
Comcast-Spectator--the firm that also owns the
Wells Fargo Center--hasn't yet finalized every detail of the complex, it's probably safe to say that the 350,000-square-foot Philly Live! will likely prove to be nearly as popular as the live entertainment on offer at the Stadium Complex's other facilities.
According to Slattery, Philly Live! will be constructed in phases. Groundbreaking for phase one, during which a 42,000-square-foot building will be constructed at the southwest corner of Pattison Avenue and South 11th Street, is anticipated to happen this summer. The building will be home to "multiple dining and entertainment venues," Slattery says, as well as "at least one private dining area and an outdoor event space." Slattery didn't comment on whether or not a rumored ice skating rink project will be going forward at the site.
Source: Megan Slattery, The Cordish Company
Writer: Dan Eldridge
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