Brandywine Realty Trust Creates Philadelphia Innovation Hub

Brandywine Realty Trust began construction in March of 2021 on the $287 million West Tower at Schuylkill Yards in Philadelphia. The 28-story, 570,000-sf structure will provide 200,000 sf of laboratory and office space for biomedical and life sciences companies, as well as 9,000 sf of retail space and 326 luxury apartments. On the ninth floor, a 29,000-sf lifestyle club will offer a sophisticated fitness center, a swimming pool, lounges, conference rooms, and co-working venues. Designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism in collaboration with HDR, the project will feature flexible floorplates illuminated by abundant natural light. Advanced mechanical systems will ensure a healthy indoor environment by optimizing fresh air intake, filtration, and circulation. Occupancy is expected in October of 2023.

The West Tower is part of the $3.5 billion, 14-acre Schuylkill Yards innovation hub that is being developed in partnership with Drexel University. The mixed-use district will include the planned East Tower, the 1.3-acre Drexel Square community park, and a dynamic array of academic, research, office, residential, and retail facilities. The project team includes civil engineer Pennoni Associates, wind engineer RWDI, elevator and façade access engineer Lerch Bates, code consultant Jensen Hughes, and geotechnical engineer GeoStructures. Gotham is developing the residential components. Bala Consulting Engineers is providing MEP services for the West Tower and HDR is the MEP engineer for the East Tower.