A multi-million-dollar development is in the planning stage for South Philadelphia’s sports stadium district. The new development will feature six buildings, an entertainment complex, and an office tower. Behind this major project is the Hines International real estate group, which has a history of developing amazing spaces in Philadelphia.
Proposed zoning change
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson has proposed a zoning change for the site. This site was occupied until recently by Parx Casino’s South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook and Packer Avenue Foods. Parx provides online betting in Pennsylvania and has also the largest physical casino in the state.
The newly vacant site where the development will take place is owned by the Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation (PSDC). PSDC owns many parcels of land across the city. The change would reclassify the area from industrial-only zoning. The new designation would permit dense commercial and residential development.
Mixed-use development
At the base of the six buildings would be over a thousand residential units and parking spaces. Four out of the six buildings would be mostly residential. There would also be 125,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. This neighborhood would give Philadelphians an opportunity to live, work, and play in the stadium district.
Philadelphia is a popular city to live in, attracting many residents with its affordable housing, job opportunities, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Within a two-hour drive, you can find sandy beaches and options for beachfront living. In Philadelphia itself are various waterfront living opportunities. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a magical area on the waterfront.
Potential Philadelphia 76ers move
Prior to the 1970s, Philly sports teams were scattered throughout the city. Then, the South Philadelphia sports complex became a nucleus, hosting four teams in three venues in one place. The Hines and PSDC project come at the same time as a potential move for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sixers currently share space with the Philadelphia Flyers in the Wells Fargo Center. They say it has become increasingly difficult to schedule basketball games. Having their own basketball venue downtown would give them more control of their schedule. The Sixers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center ends in 2031. Visitors who traveled to Philadelphia in December could watch the Sixers play the Pacers on Friday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Comcast Spectacor development plan
For some, the South Philly Sports Complex offers great convenience. It is easy to reach it by highway and subway. It is also home to a large parking area. To others, it’s an asphalt wasteland where there’s little activity apart from game days or concert nights.
Comcast Spectacor, owner of the Wells Fargo Center, has unveiled a $2.5 billion redevelopment plan for the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. These include a concert venue, hotel, retail shops, and an outdoor plaza. Future phases anticipate further developments, potentially incorporating residential units, more hotels, office space, and green spaces.
The Hines development and the Comcast one are separate projects. They could complement one another or compete but they will certainly bring changes to Philadelphia’s stadium district.
