A massive new project, The Bellwether District, is taking place at the site of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in Philadelphia, reports Randy Gyllenhaal for NBC 10 Philadelphia.

In 2019, the property was the site of a major fire when aging pipes failed and the refinery caught fire. The ensuing fireball sent debris flying and nearly killed several workers.

Since then, the refinery has closed and its owner, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, has gone bankrupt.

Now, Chicago-based Hilco Redevelopment Partners is working on The Bellwether District, a huge project that will replace the refinery and is set to transform this part of South Philadelphia from an oil and gas polluter into a hub for e-commerce, life sciences, and logistics.

Local leaders have been offering praise for the project after years of complaints from neighbors.

“This site has been the number one polluter of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and on the East Coast,” said State Sen. Anthony Williams. “It’s now no longer the number one polluter and it actually has reduced emissions.”

The first warehouses are expected to go up within months.

Gov. Josh Shapiro noted that this project is highlighted by its location being only about a couple-hour drive from 25 percent of the population.

Learn more about the Bellwether District in NBC 10 Philadelphia.

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