FMC Tower is a signature gateway to Philadelphia’s University City

Philadelphia, PA, USA

A model of innovative mixed-use urban development, the FMC Tower at Cira Center South is home to iconic institutions including FMC’s headquarters, University of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. From the tower’s upper levels, light-filled luxury apartments and extended-stay suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcase unparalleled views across the Schuylkill River, Center City, and Penn Park. At the amenity level, members enjoy a media lounge and theater, fitness and yoga rooms, and an aquatic center with an indoor lap pool.

268
luxury units
As part of our long-term master plan for the neighborhood, FMC Tower complements the angled, crystalline composition of adjacent buildings in the skyline also designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners.

A spirited epicenter of innovation, education, and commerce

Steps from 30th Street Station, FMC Tower embodies the energy and forward-looking ethos of University City. Along with University of Pennsylvania, numerous schools and cultural institutions call this lively area home including Drexel University, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and Penn Museum. Top healthcare organizations and Fortune 500 companies add to the neighborhood’s enterprising spirit, with Rittenhouse Square and Benjamin Franklin Parkway just across the river.

The minimally textured façade is gently curved and chamfered, landing softly at the base to create a warm and inviting connection with the neighborhood.
The office lobby is an uplifting and welcoming space that overlooks Center City.
“It creates an extraordinary gateway to our campus, a stunning entrance to West Philadelphia, and serves as a vital connector to Center City. But even more importantly, it is a visible symbol of the vitality that is taking root in our city and region and the great future that exists for our community.” — Amy Gutmann, President of University of Pennsylvania
The tower connects directly to Cira Green, a lush rooftop park that gives residents and tenants daily connection to the urban outdoors and an enchanting destination for events, concerts, and performances.
The amenity floor has inspiring city views, a lap pool, a spa and fitness center, flexible collaborative space, and a conference center.
Joining Philadelphia’s skyline, the tower offers sweeping views of Center City and Schuylkill River.

More About the Project

Principal Collaborators

  • Architect of Record: BLT Architects
  • Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
  • MEP: Bala Consulting Engineers

Project Information

  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Client: Brandywine Realty Trust
  • Size: 861,000 sq. ft. / 79, 988 sq. m.
  • Height: 650 ft. / 198 m.
  • Completion: 2016
  • Certification: LEED Silver
  • Firm Role: Design Architect

Awards

  • 2017, Willard Rouse Award, Urban Land Institute - Philadelphia
  • 2017, Best Residential/Mixed-Use/Office Space Project, Construction Excellence Awards from the General Building Contractors Association
  • 2019, Honor Award, AIA Philadelphia Design Awards
  • Principal Project Photography: Jeff Goldberg/ESTO
  • Cira Green Roof by Erdy McHenry Architecture