Design Profile: East Market Masterplan

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-of-the-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 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.

Project: East Market Masterplan

Location: Market to Chestnut, 11th to 12th Streets in Center City Philadelphia

Client: National Real Estate Development

Project Size: 4.3 acre development with 6 parcels each phased independently

Project Team:

BLT Architects (Master Plan Design Architect)

Post Master Plan (Building Project Teams)

BLT Architects (Design Architect and Architect of Record)

Morris Adjmi Architects (Design Architect)

Ennead (Design Architect and Architect of Record)

Matthews Nielsen (Landscape Design)

Margie Ruddick (Landscape Design)

The Harman Group (Structural Design)

RG Vanderweil (MEP Design)

Bala Engineering (MEP Design)

JB&B (MEP Design)

Pennoni (Civil Engineering)

Clemens (Construction)

Hunter Roberts (Construction)

LF Driscoll – Hunter Roberts Joint Venture (Construction)

Tutor Perini (Construction)