76ers announce addition of residential tower to 76 Place proposal
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday announced new plans to include a mixed-income residential building in their design of 76 Place at Market East.
The team says the $250 million private real estate investment, as well as some other newly announced enhancements came in response to the team’s ‘robust community engagement process.’
The team also shared new renderings of the proposed site, including the newly added ’76 Tower.’
Team officials say they consistently heard residential affordability brought up as a primary concern during their discussions with community stakeholders. The Sixers say one of the ways they’re prepared to help increase the supply of affordable housing is through the development of the residential tower, which will sit atop the arena.
"I think the goal is to continue to communicate and so I think the affordable housing shows we’re listening," Developer David Adelman said.
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76 Place: Philadelphia 76ers announce plan to develop new privately-funded arena in Center City
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to get a new home in Center City. The team announced plans to develop a privately-funded arena in the heart of the city that will be known as "76 Place."
According to a press release issued Wednesday, the 76ers have pledged to designate 20% of the estimated 395 units of the residential building for rent as affordable housing.
Other enhancements included in Wednesday’s release included infrastructure improvements that involved raising the arena’s event floor to be one level above street level. Officials say the elevation would alleviate previous concerns from the community regarding the arena’s impact to SEPTA’s Jefferson Station.
"Get people to come after work, walk down the street, stay after work have something to drink – for us, that’s how you activate an environment," Adelman said.
They also say the raised floor would allow for a public promenade that would create more pedestrian traffic between Cuthbert and Market Street, as well as more space for street level retail.
The 76 Place proposal has been met with some opposition, and even protests, from the surrounding community. The city has since announced plans to conduct an ‘independent and comprehensive evaluation’ of the $1.3 billion proposal.
Even with the proposed addition of affordable housing, those who live and work in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia remain steadfast in their opposition.
"What they say is an empty promise – can't be trusted," Sam Sam said.
You can read more about the latest plans for 76 Place, here: 76place.com.