Jun 8, 2008 11:45 pm US/Eastern
The 'Comcast Center' Opens Its Doors
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The newest and tallest addition to Philadelphia's skyline officially opened its doors on Friday.
The 975-foot tall Comcast Center was officially dedicated during several ceremonies including a Who's Who from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and beyond.
The 57-story building, located at 17th Street and JFK Boulevard, is the highest point between New York and Chicago.
"Philadelphia is a city very much that is coming into its own," said John Gattuso of Liberty Property Trust, the building's developer.
The Comcast Center also aims to be the tallest green building in the country.
The building contains high windows that soak in natural light. In addition, it also contains water saving features throughout the building that include waterless urinals and a plaza that recycles rain fall.
"All of those features together mean that the building saves about 3-million gallons of water a year," Gattuso said.
The parking at the center is at a premium with only 87 spaces.
However, it sits atop a transit station and commuters from suburban station can walk right into the gourmet market place with a variety of local stores set to open in just a week and a half.
Watching the building grow from the ground in 2005 to its completion captured the imagination of local photographer brad Maule. Maule said he has over 4,000 photos from the start of construction.
Maule believes the Comcast Center may help this old fashioned city be more forward thinking.
"History is Philadelphia's strongest selling point, always has been, but there's no need to be stuck in it," Maule said.
A tiny statue of William Penn was placed at the top of the 14th tallest building in America. Many are hoping that gesture will help end "Billy's Curse."
Ever since the skyline rose above his statue at City Hall, the city's sports teams have suffered.
"Hopefully we've taken care of the curse part," Gattuso said.
In light of 9/11, the Comcast Center was built with safety in mind with a concrete core and steel frame.
The developers envision the building to be an entertainment hub for the city of Philadelphia. In addition to multiple restaurants, the center contains beautiful artwork including an interactive fountain.
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