Back at the end of 2013, we attended an event that served as the kickoff for a new project from Dranoff Properties at the corner of Broad & Spruce. In the five seasons that have passed since then, it's been pretty much status quo at this corner, the former home of Philadelphia International Records. A couple of months ago, we spied demolition notices on the property. And when we passed by yesterday, we discovered a demolition effort that's well underway.

Current view

Demolition ongoing

Better view of the demolition

As you can see, the demolition started at the building immediately to the south of the former PIR building, a long vacant property we actually wrote about back in the summer of 2012. Though he rejected developers' offers over the years, at one point owner Kenny Gamble unsuccessfully attempted to find a chain tenant for the building. But it's mostly sat vacant for as long as we can remember. It did have wonderful bones though, and we're kinda sad to see it go. Within a couple of months, both buildings pictured above will be mere memories.

Project rendering

Looking to the future, Dranoff Properties will be putting up a big new building on this corner, the SLS International Hotel & Residences. The building, in case you don't remember (and don't feel like counting), will rise 47 stories, changing the Broad Street skyline. It will include 152 hotel rooms managed by SBE with interior design work done by Frenchman Philippe Starck. The building will also include 90 condo units, beginning at the 20th floor. Residents will be able to take advantage of all the hotel amenities, including concierge, valet, housekeeping, and a 75' pool. Uh, sign us up.

We look forward to seeing this project rise over the next couple of years, as it will represent something much closer to the highest and best use for this prominent corner. It will add a certain amount of luxury and panache to Philadelphia, and (from what we can tell) immediately step in as the fanciest hotel in town. Whether we'll be able to afford a night there, that's to be determined. Good thing we already live here.