It has been over a month since we introduced our readers to the ongoing multi-phase expansion of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and now we are returning with a construction update on the first, and tallest, of the project's four phases, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. The 23-storey tower is now making an impact alongside Philadelphia's Schuylkill River as it approaches its final height of 114 metres.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Expansion, image by John Donges via Creative Commons

Now that the structure is within a few metres of its final height, installation of the exterior envelope of blue-tinted curtain wall glazing has begun on the lower levels. As the cladding rises, we will have a better idea of how the completed development will appear compared with preconstruction renderings depicting the building envelope.

Rendering of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, image via Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The current phase along with planned future phases would add a combined 200,000 square metres of office and research spaces to the 8.4-acre site, with the possibility of future hotel and transit connections with the hospital's main campus. The project is currently on track for its scheduled 2017 completion, with the next phase expected to come online in 2022.

Further phases of development of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, image via Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Additional images and information can be found in our Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Leave a comment at the bottom of this page or check out the associated Forum thread.