[Swinefeld]

W Hotel Philadelphia

Website: W Hotels (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html)

Location: 1200 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Usage: Condominium, hotel, and retail space
Height: 417' (127 meters) Floors: 32
Architects: Handel Architects
Developers:
• Starwood Hotels
• Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
• Urban Residential
• Parkway Corporaton
Estimated Cost: $150,000,000
Units/Condominium: 139 units
Units/Hotel: 273 rooms
Groundbreaking: Stay tuned
Completion: 2009
Amenities/Features:
• Wine storage
• Private club
• Entertaining lounge
• Screening room
• Outdoor lounge
• Elevated outdoor zen garden

Images

Satellite map by Google Maps. Lot highlighted in yellow.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/WHotelarea.jpg

Ground level shot of 12th and Arch, southeast corner. Now a surface parking lot.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/WHotel22.jpg

Renderings by Urban Residential
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/WHotel.jpg

Rendering of proposed W Hotel with Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion by bryson662001 (with consent)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/WHotel_Bryson-revised.jpg

[LittleMike]

This should be a great addition to the area.

Ill take anything to cover up the garage and the side of the other building, it always feels kinda open and bare walking down arch next to the convention center

[Ninjawho]

please God let it start......


I walk by here almost everyday and wish that parking lot was gone...

[theWatusi]

Cant wait. This is one of my least favorite surface lots.

Not to mention I like the design. The height is just about the right proportion for the area.

[Plompy Lfeata]

finally something going up on the other side of city hall! looks the expansion is having its desired effects this should be pretty visible on the skyline at its location. cant wait till it goes up! ....if only it were green...

[Rufus]

This will be about the same height as the Aramark tower, for reference. The footprint looks about the same, too, judging by Google maps. Good height for east of Broad.

[BigDan35]

Looks nice

[BayRidgeFever]

Nice, and on a parking lot no less. Great news.

[sharkfood]

Cant wait. This is one of my least favorite surface lots.

Not to mention I like the design. The height is just about the right proportion for the area.

I'm happy to see the new tower, but for those of you with short memories, this has only been a surface lot for about 10 years. There were rowhouses with storefronts here until maybe 1999.

[PhillyRising]

When did they change the location? I thought this was slated for 12th and Race?

[SJPhillyBoy]

When did they change the location? I thought this was slated for 12th and Race?
It was never slated for 12th and Race, always 12th and Arch.

[Swinefeld]

When did they change the location? I thought this was slated for 12th and Race?
There is a building on 12th and Race that's being converted into a hotel, but it's not the W.

[phillyskyline]

I'm happy that we're getting this project however I feel the design is too wide, hopefully the color of the glass will be somethign different than light blue.

[bryson662001]

I'm happy that we're getting this project however I feel the design is too wide, hopefully the color of the glass will be somethign different than light blue.

We still don't have a clear idea of the design. It isn't a cube, there are all kinds of angles going on with the portions we can't see. I am waiting for more information before I correct my illustration. The fact that they are keeping it secret makes me think the design isn't finalized yet.

[CondoGuru]

Knowing W Hotels, this one will be a beauty, both inside and out.

[Parkway]

I just realized that it will be mostly obscuered to the south by the PSFS building. Its a shame but still looking forward to this project.

[donybrx]

I just realized that it will be mostly obscuered to the south by the PSFS building. Its a shame but still looking forward to this project.

It's a matter of perspective; and from my own, the new "W" hotel will have more than a little impact on the view to the north from the Loew's....a view I love and never get tired of........especially at night when I get in from an evening out and the city is stretched out for miles from my corner room.....the best.....

[Parkway]

It will have the biggest impact looking west from camden

[skellergroup]

Knowing W Hotels, this one will be a beauty, both inside and out.


Agreed. I've stayed in many W hotels and they all look incredible. (though they are a little "too cool for school" for my tastes.

That said, this building will provide some much needed glam on that side of town.

If this design is the real deal, the wide, glass facade will be a welcome addition. Not sure we have anything like that anywhere around here.

I've been dying for a W hotel here. It makes a statement that this city has arrived as a destination to a younger, wealthy audience. Which this city can use.

[PhillyRising]

There is a building on 12th and Race that's being converted into a hotel, but it's not the W.

I thought the parking lot across from that building (Where Pollyanna's used to be) was the site for the "W".

[newboldphilly]

Sweet!

I'm in SP west of Broad so i'll probably be able to see the top of it.

[Complex01]

Oh Kewl, not to bad. I remember walking by that spot the last time i was in philly.

[tower]

the view coming from the north (think 95) is going to be outrageously splendid with this addition, especially with ratr.

[Swinefeld]

Bryson's rendering at the top of the page has been updated.

[LittleMike]

the view coming from the north (think 95) is going to be outrageously splendid with this addition, especially with ratr.

I live in Fishtown, and I think I will see this building clearly.

[Parkway]

Bryson's rendering at the top of the page has been updated.
I don't see anything new?

[bryson662001]

I don't see anything new?
Lots of little details changed and refined. Thanks Swinefeld

[blorkishdork]

The new detail makes it look strangely a lot better, not just a sheet of glass. Can't wait for it to break ground.

[Swinefeld]

I don't see anything new?
Here'a a little before and after.

Before.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/WHotel_Bryson.jpg

After.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/WHotel_Bryson-revised.jpg

[Parkway]

Ok now I see them, some curvature on the right front, reflections and RATR is blacked out
Thanks for the renderings

[tower]

this buiding looks like it would complement aramark and loew's hotel perfectly

[bryson662001]

Ok now I see them, some curvature on the right front, reflections and RATR is blacked out
Thanks for the renderings

We might as well accept it. RATR is going to be black.
The W building obviously isn't square, There are some angles going on there behind the dark facade that I still don't understand but I tried to make it truer to their rendering. As far as I know we still don't even have an official height except for what they requested in the zoning hearing. That part of town is still a little dreary (too much brick and stone) so all the reflective glass should help to brighten things up IMO.

[bryson662001]

From inside the convention center across the street. (dog show) I guess that ramp from Arch St to the back of the garage will stay?

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/bryson662001/IMG_1208.jpg

[Parkway]

I always thought that it was a shame to have a parking lot so close to the convention center and to a major SEPTA hub.

[CondoGuru]

Urban also has Aria in its portfolio, which has been a complete and utter failure. Not that that has anything to do with this proposal, but it's possible things are moving very slowly here until they figure out how to get Aria out of the way.

[apetrella802]

see last entry

BidClerk's daily update of Pennsylvania construction projects coming up for bid and starting construction within the next 90 days.

(PRWEB) November 20, 2007 — BidClerk, the Construction Industry Search Engine, reported today that the following commercial construction projects are planning to go out for bid or start construction in the next 90 days in the Philadelphia, PA area. Businesses interested in providing services relative to these projects should visit BidClerk.com and reference the Project ID listed below to obtain direct contact information for each job:


Philadelphia, PA - CVS Pharmacy / Philadelphia, Broad Street, 15,000-square-foot retail store, January 2008, $1.5 million. Project ID: 675786

Philadelphia, PA - Stephen Girard Elementary School Window Replacement and Wall Restoration, 1800 Snyder Ave., educational facility renovation, December 2007, $2.2 million. Project ID: 691439

Philadelphia, PA - The Church of the Holy Trinity Sanctuary Renovation, 1904 Walnut St., church sanctuary renovations, January 2008, $300,000. Project ID: 694998

Philadelphia, PA - The Zoological Society of Philadelphia - The McNeil Avian Center, 3400 Girard Ave., 10,000-square-foot bird house, December 2007, $1 million. Project ID: 693529

Philadelphia, PA - W Hotel & Residences / Philadelphia, 1200 Arch St., 250-room luxury hotel, February 2008, $150 million. Project ID: 459034

[SJPhillyBoy]

see last entry

Philadelphia, PA - W Hotel & Residences / Philadelphia, 1200 Arch St., 250-room luxury hotel, February 2008, $150 million. Project ID: 459034
apetrella802, Are you the Arthur Petrella that has donated his photography of the construction of One Liberty Place on www.phillyskyline.com ?

[apetrella802]

yes, i am that person

[apetrella802]

we all want to know when construction is going to start on a project, a very good source for this info is the following, when contractors are ask to start bidding, you pretty much know it;s real then.

for the w hotel this info indicates a feb 08 construction start date:




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Project Type: Building Use: Reported: Status: Private / Public: Location:
New Construction
Site Work Hotel
Multi-Residential
Swimming Pools 11/16/2007 Pre-Construction Private Philadelphia, PA

Project Address: Available to subscribers only. Sign Up Now! Bid Date: Est. Start Date:
February 2008


Description: Project Documents (0):
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Site work and new construction of a national chain hotel in Philadelphia. Design plans are calling for a 29-story 250-room complex a 6,500-square-foot health spa, a restaurant and bar area, 11,000 square feet of meeting space and 95 one- and two-bedroom condominiums.

Subcontractor bidding is expected to begin in January of 2008 with construction starting February 2008. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the general contractor. Map: Aerial Photo:



Divisions of Work:
General Requirements, Site Work -- Excavation, Paving, Grading, Fences, Landscaping, Concrete -- Cast-In-Place Concrete, Concrete Formwork, Concrete Reinforcement, Masonry / Stone -- CMU, Metals -- Structural Steel, Metal Decking, Metal Fabrications, Metal Framing, Railings, Wood / Plastics -- Carpentry, Architectural Woodwork, Wood Trusses, Millwork, Thermal / Moisture -- Roofing, Insulation, Caulking & Sealants, Flashing & Sheet Metal, Firestopping, Waterproofing, Doors / Windows -- Metal Doors & Frames, Wood Doors, Glazing, Storefronts, Automatic Doors, Access Doors, Finishes -- Drywall, Plaster, Paint, Tile, Carpet, ACT, Resilient Floor ,Wall Coverings, Specialties -- Signage, Toilet & Bath Accessories, Fire Extinguishers, Louvers & Vents, Safe Deposit Boxes, Equipment -- Security Entrance Systems, Furnishings -- Floor Mats, Blinds, Special Construction -- Pools, Conveying Systems -- Elevators, Mechanical -- HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Building Controls, Electrical -- Wiring, Lighting, Telephone/Data Systems, Alarm Systems, Grounding

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[SJPhillyBoy]

yes, i am that person
The pictures are wonderful. Thanks for allowing Bradley R. to post them. You were an SSP photographer way before the internet was around.

[Chrisb130]

Well just because the job is out for bid does not necessarily mean that construction is just around the corner. I am an estimator / project manager for a large sub contracting company that does commercial buildings, and many times jobs go out for bid and the customer realizes they are grossly under budget and certain aspects are sent to the drawing board again. I personally have also bid jobs that don't start construction until 8+ months after bid. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I would take that announcement on bid clerk with a grain of salt, but as with everyone else I am wishing for the best as far as when this job starts up.

[Parkway]

Its been almost a month since the last post, anything new?

[BigDan35]

There probably haven't been any posts since December 2nd because there hasn't been any new information on this project. I hope it gets built though.

[Jasonhouse]

Well just because the job is out for bid does not necessarily mean that construction is just around the corner. I am an estimator / project manager for a large sub contracting company that does commercial buildings, and many times jobs go out for bid and the customer realizes they are grossly under budget and certain aspects are sent to the drawing board again. I personally have also bid jobs that don't start construction until 8+ months after bid. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I would take that announcement on bid clerk with a grain of salt, but as with everyone else I am wishing for the best as far as when this job starts up.
Right... People also put shit up on Bidclerk simply to prospect...

Don't count on info from there for the reporting of anything here folks. It's not that kind of source of information.

[sjs2017]

Walked by the lot today and it was closed with a few pickup trucks in there. The sign for parking rates was inside the little parking man house. Has it been like this for awhile? seems to me if they are going to close this lot and give up revenue they are serious about starting soon

[Swinefeld]

Walked by the lot today and it was closed with a few pickup trucks in there. The sign for parking rates was inside the little parking man house. Has it been like this for awhile? seems to me if they are going to close this lot and give up revenue they are serious about starting soon
Hmm...this seems like a new development. Last week the lot was open and full of cars.

[Ninjawho]

this might seem like a stupid question, but, is the lot open on sundays or so close to a holiday? I know that makes no sense but just wondering if there might not be a unrelated reason...

[manus]

I think this project was passed by the Zoning Board on December 13. That sounds like news to me ... Surprised no one else mentioned it ...

But I hear they're still not ready to put a shovel in the ground ...

[brenster]

i am sure they would like to time the opening with the convention center.. so i wont expect much till the end of this coming year

[CondoGuru]

I've heard that Urban had reached out recently to a number of New York area sales and marketing firms to do this project. They supposedly had wanted the same group selling the Murano to market and sell this, but there were no-compete contract issues with that developer that prevented that relationship from happening. They are now rumored to be using Marketing Directors, a New York based firm to open a sales center in the near future. This is very good news.

[Pennsgrant]

I've heard that Urban had reached out recently to a number of New York area sales and marketing firms to do this project. They supposedly had wanted the same group selling the Murano to market and sell this, but there were no-compete contract issues with that developer that prevented that relationship from happening. They are now rumored to be using Marketing Directors, a New York based firm to open a sales center in the near future. This is very good news.

This project is about year or so behind schedule. Great news should be topping out ceremonies will be in 6 months-Not- They are just now getting a sales team together?

[CondoGuru]

Better late than never IMO. Would you not be pleased to hear that perhaps Mandeville Place could get off the ground in the next year or so as well? Or would that be bad news because it's two years behind schedule???

[theWatusi]

1/12/08 - still a parking lot:

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/38597/2766734410099984227S600x600Q85.jpg

[tua21506]

still a parking lot...http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1000752.jpg

[StatenIslander237]

mmmmmmm parking lot.

[skellergroup]

Has anybody heard anything about this?

I really hope this doesn't die. This is important to the city.

[simpfan742]

But the views from the parking garage are so good! :-)

http://www.andrewrugge.com/blog/images/20080130194507_garage1web.jpg

[winxs]

Has anybody heard anything about this?

I really hope this doesn't die. This is important to the city.

Probably won't see any activity on this site until after they start actual construction on the Convention Center.
Oooof! If they are both u/c at the same time.....and the potential hotel across Broad St..... oy, the traffic and noise! :D

Starwood Hotels already has four other hotels currently under construction/renovation in Philly: Sheraton Four Points at Grant & The Boulevard which should have opened in January, Sheraton Four Points at 1201 Race scheduled to open in June, an aloft at the airport scheduled to open in August, and the Le Meridien at 1421 Arch which is scheduled to open Dec 08,

The W/Starwood Hotel's website still lists the W Philadelphia as opening in 2009.

[apetrella802]

the web site now at least lists a phone #( in area code 202) for the Philadelphia W hotel, maybe I'll call it on Monday and boldly ask about a construction start.

202 629 3587

[apetrella802]

http://www.bidclerk.com/project.459034.html

[bryson662001]

http://www.bidclerk.com/project.459034.html

According to the map this is the Girard block on Market St......not the W hotel, which actually makes it even more interesting. The description sounds like W though. Do they always get the map location wrong......maybe on purpose?

[Ninjawho]

What's there right now? I'm pretty sure where the marker isn't an empty lot or empty building. I think they probably just marked it wrong.

[NDPhilly]

anyone got news on Mandeville place

[theWatusi]

anyone got news on Mandeville place

here is the latest news: nothing is happening

[skellergroup]

It pains me to see the new ALOFT building going up by the airport and we can't get any news on this. I'm happy that we at least get one ALOFT building but really, can somebody tell me why the airport one when up first? Do they really expect to be able to fill that easier then the W for downtown?

Is it a cost issue perhaps? So frustrating.

[apetrella802]

a couple of weeks ago i called the Starwood development office in Ny,

they said a contract is on the table with the developer but he has not secured all the necessary financing as yet.

[kraggman]

W Philadelphia - Opening December 1, 2009
1200 Arch Street · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 · United States
Phone: (202) 629-3587

Pre-Opening Office

The information listed above is for the hotel's physical address. The W Philadelphia is currently accepting inquiries at the pre-opening office. Individual hotel reservations are not being accepted at this time.

Pre-Opening Office:
2122 California Street, #454
Washington, D.C, 20008
United States

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3029

[hammersklavier]

According to the map this is the Girard block on Market St......not the W hotel, which actually makes it even more interesting. The description sounds like W though. Do they always get the map location wrong......maybe on purpose?
No, there is a proposal for the Girard block. Tower Investments bought out the whole property some time ago, and they're working on a proposal for a supertall skyscraper on a retail podium. That just sounds like bid floating to me, they want to see how much construction is likely to cost. Tower doesn't want to make another mundane megablock, so before they draw up the really serious proposal, they're touring other projects similar to theirs--to learn from their mistakes.
I hope that they can figure out a way to preserve the Stephen Girard building on 12th halfway down the block, not block the view of the PSFS sign from the Delaware, and do a better job on this than they did on the Edge at Avenue North (construction on that project was really, really shoddy, and maintenance is not much better, I hear.)

[Don098]

N and they're working on a proposal for a supertall skyscraper on a retail podium.

WHUUUAAAHHH????!!!

[skyscraper]

No, there is a proposal for the Girard block. Tower Investments bought out the whole property some time ago, and they're working on a proposal for a supertall skyscraper on a retail podium.

just as a point of information, tower did not buy the property, they took out a 75-year lease on it.
I think it is inevitable that there will be a supertall skyscraper on that site; it is zoned for 4 million sf. that doesn't mean that they will necessarily develop all 4 mil, but they could. the whole liberty place complex (1lib, 2lib, hotel, and mall) comes in at about 3 mil, so imagine the possibilities for the girard block.

[Don098]

just as a point of information, tower did not buy the property, they took out a 75-year lease on it.
I think it is inevitable that there will be a supertall skyscraper on that site; it is zoned for 4 million sf. that doesn't mean that they will necessarily develop all 4 mil, but they could. the whole liberty place complex (1lib, 2lib, hotel, and mall) comes in at about 3 mil, so imagine the possibilities for the girard block.

I'm sorry, where is this Girard block? What are the streets again? I was looking through this thread and I can't imagine where this is. Thanks.

[hammersklavier]

I'm sorry, where is this Girard block? What are the streets again? I was looking through this thread and I can't imagine where this is. Thanks. It's the block just east of the PSFS Build...err...Loew's Hotel. It's called the Girard Block because there's a 13-story skyscraper dating from 1899 (I believe) about halfway down 12th Street (12th-Mkt-11th-Chestnut). It's right across the street from the Reading headhouse and the Aramark Building too...

[Edit: Forgot to mention:] That skyscraper is called the Stephen Girard Building.
[Edit Edit:] This is a different skyscraper than the Girard Trust Tower (2 South Broad)...That's the Ritz.

[skyscraper]

It's the block just east of the PSFS Build...err...Loew's Hotel. It's called the Girard Block because there's a 13-story skyscraper dating from 1899 (I believe) about halfway down 12th Street (12th-Mkt-11th-Chestnut). It's right across the street from the Reading headhouse and the Aramark Building too...

[Edit: Forgot to mention:] That skyscraper is called the Stephen Girard Building.
[Edit Edit:] This is a different skyscraper than the Girard Trust Tower (2 South Broad)...That's the Ritz.

your location is correct, but your history is not. it is called the girard block because stephen girard owned the block, and his estate has controlled it since his death. all the funds generated by the property have gone to support girard college. this 75-year lease was a great windfall for them.

[hammersklavier]

your location is correct, but your history is not. it is called the girard block because stephen girard owned the block, and his estate has controlled it since his death. all the funds generated by the property have gone to support girard college. this 75-year lease was a great windfall for them.
Thanks for the history lesson. It would appear, then, that a skyscraper on this site, once the lease expires, would be a great big windfall for the College.

I scoped it out last night. The Stephen Girard building is pretty much the only front entrance on that part of 12th Street. If Tower is serious about their proposal, they should put front entrances to their complex on all four sides and turn Clover Street into an access road a la Commerce Street.

The rumors flying around this site seem to suggest that Tower is so into reinventing the superblock that they'll even hire separate architects for each of the parts (and, presumably, another architect to make sure the parts'll fit together). When this project comes together--and I don't think we'll even see the finished plan until 2009 or 2010, because, by the sounds of it, Tower really wants this thing to be done right--it will be a windfall par excellence for Market East.

Now to get rid of the 8th Street hole and spruce up the Gallery's facade!

[Don098]

:previous: The Gallery needs to be blown up

[hammersklavier]

I forgot to check this weekend, but last Friday the W site was still a parking lot.

The Convention Center expansion's going to open next year and they're still doing demo work, but, as a tower, shouldn't the W have some steel rising into the air by now?

By the way, RIP beautiful old North Broad buildings, even if I don't remember any of their names.

[cjPhilly]

No, there is a proposal for the Girard block. Tower Investments bought out the whole property some time ago, and they're working on a proposal for a supertall skyscraper on a retail podium.

Let's get our facts straight people. Tower Investments has nothing to do with the Girard Block on Market St. Trinity Capital Advisors (http://www.trinityca.com/) are the ones with the long-term lease to the property. If you know something different, please share.

Otherwise, let's keep waiting for something to happen on this hotel.

[hammersklavier]

Well, that's good. I got the names mixed up. Sorry 'bout that.
This is a first... I need to check my own facts!

[blart]

By the way, RIP beautiful old North Broad buildings, even if I don't remember any of their names.


One which was lost to the expansion just off Broad was the Gilbert Building, a really nice industrial which had housed among other things, the Fabric Workshop gallery/museum and Vox Populi gallery.

[skellergroup]

I fear this is dead now. So sad. This would have been great for the city.

[highdensity32]

This project is confirmed dead. The lot is prime for development so something will most likely happen in the future. Another hotel may be interested after the convention center is completed.

[theWatusi]

and your source is...?

[winxs]

I sent an email to W Hotels yesterday and the response back was: "Information regarding the potential new hotel or resort in the location you have referred to (Philadelphia) is not yet available. When available, this information will be posted on our parent website."

I then went to the parent website and checked the New Hotels (http://starwoodhotels.com/corporate/new_star_props.html?regionName=north_america&brandCode=CORP) list. For Philly, they list:

aloft Philadelphia Airport - Opening August 8, 2008
4301 Island Avenue Philadelphia, PA , United States

aloft Philadelphia Gateway - Opening July 1, 2011
Intersection of 16th Street and Spring Street Philadelphia, PA , United States

Le Méridien Philadelphia - Opening May, 2009
1421 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA , United States

Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center - Opening July 31, 2008
1201 Race Street Philadelphia , PA , United States T: (215) 496-2700

No mention of the W, which was previously listed there.

[We Got Five]

Is there a chance that the W Hotel would/could be moved to the Sports Complex area? There will be at least 1 new hotel in the area...and it won't be another holiday inn.

[sciguy0504]

The Sports Complex (even with Philly Live) is not the crowd or atmosphere the W shoots for.

This is very disappointing but at least we are getting a Le Meridien. It ups the luxury quotient a little bit. I hope the Mandarin Oriental is going into 1441 Chestnut. That would be mind blowing.

[BuildItUp]

I fear this is dead now. So sad. This would have been great for the city.

It is truly sad and its hard to live up to the hype of America's next best city if we fail to attract a W hotel. We are the 5th largest metropolitan, but only with a less than a handful of luxury hotels (Ritz, 4 Seasons, Park Hyatt, and the LeMeridien).