On May 14, 2014, with fireworks, a 50-foot banner and a dramatic unveiling in which partner logos were unearthed at the project site at 30th and Walnut Streets, more than 200 dignitaries and guests gathered to mark the groundbreaking of FMC Tower at Cira Centre® South – the final phase in the collaborative redevelopment of U.S. Postal Service Facilities in Philadelphia by the University of Pennsylvania, Brandywine Realty Trust and FMC Corporation.

“FMC Tower at Cira Centre® South rises today as the lynchpin between Penn, University City, and Center City Philadelphia,” said Penn President Amy Gutmann. “It will create an extraordinary gateway to our campus, a stunning entrance to West Philadelphia and serve as a vital connector to Center City. But even more importantly, it is a visible symbol of the vitality that is taking root in our city and region and the great future that exists for our community. The University of Pennsylvania is delighted to be able to partner with Brandywine Realty Trust and FMC Corporation to bring this spectacular vision to life.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Gutmann was joined on the platform by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, State Senator Anthony Williams, State Representative Jim Roebuck, PA Labor and Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway and City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell along with FMC Corp. CEO Pierre Brondeau and FMC Tower architect Cesar Pelli.

A key facet of the Penn Connects plan, the development of the former U.S. postal lands over the past decade has transformed the eastern edge of campus. With its sustainable LEED Silver certified design, location adjacent to Philadelphia’s most robust transportation hub and innovative mix of commercial, residential and retail space, the FMC Tower will serve as a dramatic model of pioneering urban development in Philadelphia and as a gateway to the dynamic educational, healthcare and entrepreneurial institutions in University City.

A longstanding partner in the Cira Centre® South development, the University of Pennsylvania owns the ground upon which FMC Tower will be constructed.  Brandywine and Penn have executed a long-term ground lease for the lot, as well as a 20-year lease through which Penn will occupy approximately 100,000 square feet of office space at the tower.

The 49-story, 730-foot tall FMC Tower will include 10-foot floor-to-ceiling glass walls allowing for 360-degree panoramic views of the Schuylkill River, Center City and nearby green spaces such as Schuylkill Banks Park and Penn Park. Its 861,000 square feet of rentable space will feature 622,000 square feet of office space, 268 luxury apartments and executive suites and 10,000 square feet of retail space (including a bar/restaurant on the ground floor). Building amenities will include an aquatic center with pool and deck, fitness center and spa, and a state-of-the-art business conference center.

View photos of the event here.