Credit: Comcast
A massive skyscraper project that is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the entire region was announced Wednesday in Philadelphia.
British architect Norman Foster will design a $1.2 billion 59-story, 1,121-foot tower for Comcast in Center City, Philadelphia. The Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, which is expected to be constructed in the 1800 block of Arch Street, will be the tallest building in Philadelphia and one of the tallest in the nation.
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The construction phase of the building, which is to be completed in 2017, will add more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, state officials said. In the end, more than 1,500 new Comcast positions will be added with the new building. That figure is not counting other companies and vendors that will use or service the massive tower.
“The transformative investment Comcast has chosen to make with this project will have a strong impact throughout the region,” Gov. Tom Corbett said.
The skyscraper will be home to a relocated Philadelphia Four Seasons hotel in the upper floors, a top-level restaurant with a 360 degree view of the city, offices and a block-long lobby. The building will also be home to Comcast-owned NBC 10 and Telemundo 62.
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Liberty Property Trust Chairman and CEO William P. Hankowsky said, “Liberty is thrilled to again have the opportunity to develop a transformative project for the city of Philadelphia, a project that will significantly contribute to the continuing renaissance of Center City as a forward-looking yet uniquely livable urban environment.”
The project will also incorporate a connection with the SEPTA regional commuter train hub, which connects much of Center City.
The Comcast Innovation and Technology Center is expected to bring billions in economic impact to the region, company officials said Wednesday. They also said the project will add many jobs with above medium salaries.
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The state has committed to $30 million in grants for the massive project.
