Developer wants to bring 31-story apartment tower to Society Hill

Society Hill may soon see a new, 31-story development go up right next to the Sheraton Hotel and just steps from the banks of the Delaware.

The project proposal, which was put online recently ahead of a Civic Design Review (CDR) meeting next week, calls for a tower at 1 Dock Street with 272 residential units, ranging from studios to 3 bedrooms. Various amenities are also included in the plans, like a second-floor fitness area; lounges on the second and third floors; a mail room; and a pool, kitchen, and lounging area on the roof.

The plan was put together by developers LCOR, which has locations in NYC, DC, and Philly, along with Philly-based design firm BLT Architects.

For now, the groups have envisioned the tower as a largely glass and metal structure, with a brick facade on the first three levels, to match the look of the adjoining Sheraton Hotel. The whole structure will rise a few stories above the Society Hill Towers, which were designed by I.M. Pei in the 1960s and sit just across the street.

It’s unclear how much the apartments would cost or how big they’ll be, but the proposal shows that the fourth through 25th floors will see mostly one bedrooms, studios, and a handful of two bedrooms. The 26th through 30th floors will consist of two bedrooms, and three-bedroom places, many with their own private balconies.

Even though the project is still in its early stages, it’s already been met with controversy and some opposition, ever since it was given a permit late last summer. Various community groups including the Society Hill Civic Association have appealed the permit, but no decision had been made as of mid-January, Philly.com wrote.

Meanwhile, 5th Square, an “urbanism political action committee” has argued on behalf of the development, calling it an “ideal use of this space.”

A representative for Ballard Spahr, the law firm behind the project, couldn’t speak extensively about the proposal Monday, but said the group plans to hold more community meetings to discuss the design.

The Society Hill Civic Association did not immediately respond to a call for comment on the project Tuesday morning.

The project’s next step will be Tuesday’s CDR meeting, when members of the review committee will give feedback on the project’s design.

• A look at the residential tower planned for the Sheraton site in Society Hill that neighbors oppose [Philly.com]
• Support 1 Dock Street [5th Square]