Second East Market tower tops out at 23 stories

Just 100 days after breaking ground on 1199 Ludlow at East Market, the last steel beam was placed on top of the second and taller tower Thursday, marking another major construction milestone at the $600 million redevelopment project.

The occasion was also marked by the announcement that Little Baby’s Ice Cream has signed on as the latest tenant at 1199 Ludlow. The lease comes just days after ROOST Apartment Hotel signed on to bring its extended-stay hotel suites to the 23-story building.

“Raising this steel beam is a milestone for East Market as it brings us closer to realizing our vision for this vibrant neighborhood,” said Daniel Killinger, managing director of National Development.

Little Baby’s Ice Cream will be located on the first floor of the tower at 12th and Ludlow. It now joins Wawa, City Fitness, and Iron Hill Brewery, who have all committed to the tower in the last year.

Rendering by BLT Architects/Morris Ajdmi Architects

The 217-foot-tall tower at 1199 Ludlow was designed by BLT Architects and Morris Adjmi Architects and is the taller of the two apartment buildings at East Market. Construction on the tower broke ground on July 5 of this year. It’s made up of 4,375 structural pieces, including 2,500 pieces of precast concrete panels, according to Steve Pouppirt, president of Clemens Construction Company.

Expect to see the installation of window panels starting as early as next week. The whole building is expected to be enclosed by April, Pouppirt added.

The tower will feature underground parking, a two-story retail podium, followed by 20 stories of residences and one amenity level. All of the tenants except ROOST will set up shop in the retail podium. The rest of the towers will include 180 luxury apartments and the ROOST suites.

1199 Ludlow is expected to finish wrap up construction in August 2018, according to Pouppirt, but some of the tenants will be opening earlier than the final date.