The long-anticipated Hanover North Broad project, a mixed-use development at North Broad and Callow Hill streets, officially broke ground Wednesday in rainy weather. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney was on hand for the first such event of his administration.
The project, a joint venture by Parkway Corporation and Hanover Company, represents a key piece of the city's long-term goal to revitalize North Broad Street. It will serve as a "gateway" in and out of Center City.
Four years after the companies first met to discuss the plan and survey properties throughout the city, work is formally underway on the construction of two six-story towers that will face each other on opposite street corners north of City Hall, Curbed Philly reports. Unofficially, construction got off to a head start in December.
Both buildings will include residential and commercial space, though the bigger of the two, situated at the southwest corner of Broad and Callow Hill, will feature more apartments. According to Property, the larger building will have 229 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and 11,024 square feet of retail space. The second building will include 110 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and 6,122 square feet of retail space.
In terms of amenities, each building will feature a business center, an interior courtyard, a screening room, a fitness center and a clubhouse. Individual units will include hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Combined, the buildings will house 370 parking spaces, 188 of which are reserved for tenants.
Mayor Kenney hailed the Hanover North Broad as a "first-class project" at Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony while a Hanover spokesman called it a "transformative" opportunity. Robert Zuritsky, president of Parkway Corporation, said construction is expected to be complete in 18 months.