Sixers announce residential building, more renderings of proposed 76 Place arena in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 76ers released more renderings of the proposed Center City Philadelphia arena Wednesday, as the city and team leadership await the results of three Sixers-funded impact studies.
A news release from 76 Devcorp contained the latest renderings along with an announcement of more planned construction: a high-rise, mixed-use building that includes residential space right next to the arena.
The team's news release says the building would contain about 395 units and 20% of them would be designated as "affordable housing."
"Because we were always leading with the arena first, we wanted to design the best arena in the world, and then we figured, you know what, I think we can fit an apartment building there," David Adelman, the chairman of 76 Devcorp, said.
Some of the renderings show the words "76 Tower" atop the residential component of the arena.
More meetings planned after design changes
The Sixers are planning multiple community meetings for residents to hear about the latest proposed design for the arena and the addition of housing. All of the meetings will take place on Zoom between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
August Meeting Schedule:
Tuesday 8/15, 6-8 pm
Thursday 8/17, 6-8 pm
Tuesday 8/22, 6-8 pm (Mandarin-language meeting)
Tuesday 8/29, 6-8 pm (Cantonese-language meeting)
Thursday 8/31, 6-8 pm
"Members of the public can expect to learn details related to design, transportation, economic impact, tax benefits and more," 76 Devcorp says.
Glass facades, more digital signs, impacts on transportation
Glass facades would be used in multiple spots to keep the arena visually connected with the area, including a glass exterior for the walkway above 10th Street allowing for a view of Chinatown.
The first floor of the arena building would have a public promenade where pedestrians could move between Cuthbert and Market Streets and a new front door on Market Street for riders to access SEPTA's Jefferson Station.
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The arena will also bring more digital signage to Market Street, the release says.
The Sixers also plan to raise the event floor to the second story – an attempt to alleviate concerns about the impact to Jefferson Station. Adelman says the updates come from talks with communities around Market East.
"You have no department stores left," Adelman said. "You have boarded up retail on the south side of the street from 9th to 11th. It's sad. So I think people were like what can we do to bring things back?"
The proposed arena has faced criticisms and opposition from Chinatown, which is located just north of the potential location on Market Street.
The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation came out against the proposed arena, saying in March that "the arena deeply imperils the future of Chinatown."
"They're pitching this arena under the guise of revitalization. But in reality, it's predatory development. It is a land grab," Jenny Zhang, of the Save Chinatown Coalition, said.
Zhang and the Save Chinatown Coalition have fought the proposal for more than a year now. Zhang says even with these changes, she doesn't trust team leaders will actually come through.
"There is a need for affordable housing, but we can't trust these folks with what they're saying. Like I said, they've made their careers off of displacement and helping to create the housing crisis," Zhang said.
The Sixers have argued that the potential new arena could have a major economic impact on the city and the Market East area, resulting in jobs for construction and even more opportunities for residents of the city and the surrounding areas.
PIDC is administering the feasibility studies into the project.
Right now, each camp of the proposed Sixers arena believes they have the public on their side.
"Folks in the city know what's going on, and they don't like it, they don't like this proposal," Zhang said.
"I think the public is getting excited as we continue to update things that will save the city," Adelman said.
