RAY CAVICCHIO PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN PROFILE
EAST MARKET MASTERPLAN
BLT Architects East Market, a name that references the turnaround of Philadelphia’s Market East district, is a pedestrian-oriented urban center. Comprised of three full city blocks, this 4.3-acre mixed-use development in the heart of Center City balances large retail establishments with artisanal shopping and dining experiences, state-ofthe-art loft-style offices, contemporary living options, a boutique hotel, a specialty healthcare pavilion, underground parking and loading, and state-of-the-art digital signage. The first four phases are complete: a 17-story residential tower with 322 residential units; an 8-story 150,000 SF office building; a 23-story residential tower with 240 residential units; and Canopy by Hilton, a 236-key hotel within the historic Stephen Girard Building. The fifth phase is now under construction; a 441,689 SF
32 SPRING 2022 | context | AIA Philadelphia
medical office building. The final and sixth phase is currently being pre-planned. The overall site is divided east-west into thirds by Ludlow and Clover Streets, both privately controlled. These streets provide front-door access when open and host large-scale public events when closed to vehicles. More significantly, the three blocks are additionally divided north-south by Chestnut Walk, a pedestrian-only promenade that bends through the ultimate development of 6 buildings. BLT Architects developed the East Market masterplan with a focus on how the street widths and interstitial spaces within the site are scaled appropriately for a pedestrian friendly environment. Building masses, material, hardscape, and landscape are composed to create “Outdoor Rooms” within the site. n
