Philadelphia YIMBY: plans evolve, progress in City of Brotherly Love

Tower Redesigned as a Shorter Structure

Developer Brandywine Realty Trust has unveiled a new design for 21M, a 350-ft-tall mixed-use tower planned for 2100 Market Street in Philadelphia’s Center City West, the source reported in December 2020. Originally planned as a 500-ft-tall skyscraper, with a design from NBBJ described as “Jenga-like” because of its stacked-block appearance, the project later was reduced in height. The new design, by Erdy McHenry Architects, appears ready to move forward, though little information about the project, including a construction timeline, has been available.

Site Ready for Tower to Rise

Demolition and excavation have been completed at a site for a planned residential tower in Center City, but construction of the building has yet to begin, the source reported in December 2020. The building, known as 702 Sansom Street, would stand 315 ft on Jewelers’ Row (ELEVATOR WORLD, May 2018). The glass, 24-story tower, developed by Toll Brothers and designed by SLCE Architects, will feature several setbacks. Site demolition of two low-rise buildings completed earlier in 2020.

MESA Holds Virtual Holiday Meeting

The COVID-19 bug claimed another in-person holiday celebration as the Massachusetts Elevator Safety Association (MESA) held its Annual Holiday celebration virtually on December 8, 2020. MESA President Roland Locke opened the event with more than 34 attendees logged in, the highest-attended of MESA’s three virtual meetings.

This meeting’s guest speaker was Jake Tyler of Innovation Industries. His discussion was centered on Innovation’s touchless buttons and their adapted use in current and new elevators. Most questions centered on installation conditions and processes. The business meeting followed with the announcement that all directors had agreed to serve another year. Locke will again serve as president, and the current group of officers will return for another term. In addition, Jeff Kneuer of Innovation and Matthew Jackson of Diversified Elevator Products were appointed to the Membership Committee. After the business meeting, the sponsors (SCS, Wurtec, Innovation, Virginia Controls, The Peelle Co., Monitor and MEI — Total Elevator Soluctions) gifted seven door prizes. Prior to closing the meeting, Locke wished everyone happy holidays by quoting Dr. Suess’ Grinch, marking a fitting end to a crazy year. by Matthew Jackson, EW Correspondent