In 2008, mass media company Comcast established a new headquarters in Philadelphia. The 58-storey, 279-metre Comcast Center became the tallest building in the city and in the state of Pennsylvania. Now, Comcast is about to break their own record, as construction on the Comcast Innovation and Technology Center continues towards its ultimate 342-metre height.

Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, image via Foster + Partners

Located at 1800 Arch Street, the soaring 59-storey skyscraper will sit on a plot of land just steps away from its older Comcast sibling. In addition to housing modern office space for Comcast employees, NBC 10/WCAU and Telemundo 62/WWSI broadcast television stations will operate out of the tower. The team at Liberty Property Trust is behind the project, which is poised to contain 1.7 million rentable square feet of office, hotel, and retail space. A luxury Four Seasons Hotel equipped with a spa, fitness centre, and conference facilities boasts over 200 guest rooms.

Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, image via Foster + Partners

A restaurant at the top of the Foster + Partners-designed building will provide Philadelphians and tourists with a never-before-seen panoramic view of the city skyline. At the base of the tower, a concourse with access to Suburban Station's commuter rail services will be created. The building's stainless steel and glass facade allows natural light to pour in, cutting back on the use of energy-intensive artificial light. The development is being outfitted according to LEED Platinum standards, the highest certification level obtainable.

Comcast Innovation and Technology Center construction, image by screennameLLC via Flickr

The large steel frame of the tower is quickly enveloping its concrete core, making a noticeable impact on the downtown cityscape. Recent photos from Flickr user screennameLLC show the $1.2 billion development which will become the tallest building outside New York City and Chicago upon its completion in 2018.

Comcast Innovation and Technology Center construction, image by screennameLLC via Flickr

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