Two Hotels Slated For Skyscraper At Former One Meridian Site

December 12, 2012 | by Steve Currall | Morning Blend | Chestnut Street, Germantown Aveune, homelessness, hotels, Lovett Park, PACDC, Project Home, skyscrapers

Don Tarver | philly.com

According to the Inquirer, the southern part of the site of One Meridian Plaza—a parking lot since the fire-destroyed skyscraper was demolished in 1999—will finally be redeveloped, with a dual branded hotel building to be announced soon by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. The upscale W Hotel and the Element by Westin Hotel will both fill the $280 million LEED-certified project, “enabling the project to maximize its marketability and operational efficiency.” It also will mean the former office building’s footprint will be filled by three hotels, including the Residences at the Ritz Carlton.

The most recent community input meeting concerning the proposed redesign of the Lovett Library Park on Germantown Avenue saw a generally supportive group of attendees (yet a few stressed the need for public bathrooms in the space). David T. Moore, former president of the Friends of the Lovett Memorial Library, worries that any Free Library capital funds would not be best spent on the park, and urges for more public meetings to be held. Work is expected to begin late next year.

Plan Philly summarizes the findings of a report prepared by EConsult Corportation on the financial impact of the 44 CDCs affiliated with the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC). In the past two decades, these bodies have directly infused some $2.2 billion into the city’s economy. “One of the ways in which the city was able to weather the recession is that we have strong CDCs and strong institutions—academic and medical, Eds and Meds—[which] continued to build new buildings and renovate,” argues EConsult’s Lee Huang.

NewsWorks highlights the work of Philadelphia University architecture students commissioned to design and construct “transitional living booths” for The Women of Change Safe Haven shelter at 2042 Arch Street.

About the author

Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.