Pearl Properties is preparing to start work on a new 50-story apartment tower in Rittenhouse Square, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

This project is now set to start four years after it was initially proposed.

The building on 19th Street, named Harper Square, will accompany The Harper, a 24-story luxury apartment tower Pearl Properties completed on the other side of 19th Street in 2019.

“As with The Harper, Harper Square will be a tremendous addition to the many incredible amenities that Center City has to offer,” said Pearl Properties President Jim Pearlstein.

According to a sign posted at the site, work to raze the buildings is expected to be completed by September.

Harper Square is planned to have 183 units and 30,180 square feet of commercial space, including three retail or restaurant spaces. Its 567 foot tall height would only be slightly shorter than Philadelphia’s tallest residential tower, the 48-story Laurel, which is 599 feet.

The project was proposed in 2020 and when through a Civic Design Review process, in which Pearl Properties subsequently entered into a community benefits agreement with the Center City Residents Association and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. 

Read more about the new tower coming to Rittenhouse Square and the future neighbors at the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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