Plan for Rittenhouse tower with luxury condos moves forward

The plan for a 48-story residential and retail tower in Rittenhouse Square took a step forward this week, when it was approved by the Architectural Committee of the Philadelphia Historical Commission Tuesday.

Now, the plan for the tower has to go before the overall Historical Commission at an April meeting. If approved, it could mean an early 2019 groundbreaking for the building at 1911 Walnut Street, according to Brian Emmons, Development Manager at Southern Land Company, the developer of the building.

The building, called “The Laurel,” will include nearly 200 rental units, hotel rooms and 54 luxury condos. Condos are expected to sell starting at $2.1 million, according to PlanPhilly.

There will be an amenity deck, including an indoor pool, fitness area and yoga studio, as well as 24,000 square feet of retail.

Emmons said the Architectural Committee made several suggestions regarding the plan for the building Tuesday, ahead of the April 13 Historical Committee meeting, but that the suggestions were, “nothing substantial.”

“There were none that changed the development,” he said.

PlanPhilly wrote that one of the suggestions was moving the 26th floor amenity deck back a little, so it was less visible from the street.

If the plan passes the Historical Commission, it will have one final hurdle with the Civic Design Review (CDR) in May. Emmons said the development was granted a conditional zoning permit this week.

“We’re really excited about how (the building) is going to interact with the street,” Emmons said Wednesday. He added developers have been working hard with neighbors in the area about changes to the building’s plans.

• Tower expects 2019 groundbreaking [Curbed Philly]
• Developers settle on condo count, name [Curbed Philly]
• Rittenhouse tower moves toward 2019 groundbreaking [PlanPhilly]