Select Greater Philadelphia Council Hosts Annual Breaking Ground Showcase

The Select Greater Philadelphia Council hosted its fourth annual Breaking Ground program on June 12, 2019, to showcase the innovative development projects popping up across the Greater Philadelphia region. Hosted at the University of the Sciences, the event specifically highlighted upcoming projects in Trenton, New Jersey; Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Claymont, Delaware; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

In particular, the program concluded with audiences taking a deeper look into the Fashion District Philadelphia project launched by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT). Revitalizing the former Gallery mall, PREIT hopes the project will elevate Philadelphia as a global retail giant by prioritizing accessibility in creating an engaging and inherently metropolitan shopping and entertainment experience. To do this, PREIT’s allocated the third floor of the space solely for entertainment, including opening an eight-screen multiplex AMC that will be Philadelphia’s newest theater in 30 years. Occupying three city blocks, Fashion District will also connect to Reading Terminal and the Pennsylvania Convention Center as well as SEPTA’s Jefferson station to maximize convenience for visitors. 

Outside of city limits, the Breaking Ground event also featured major projects taking place in Philadelphia’s suburbs, northern Delaware and southern New Jersey. Led by Peggy Lee-Clark, the executive director of the Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc., the program highlighted Pottstown’s efforts to work with and facilitate communication among developers to attract more and more businesses to the area. The program also featured a presentation by Mayor of Trenton Reed Gusciora and Greater Trenton President George Sowa on their city’s plans to develop more parks and residential areas. In the same vein, Delaware Prosperity Partnership President Kurt Foreman and Claymont Renaissance Executive Director Brett Saddler informed the audience about Claymont’s plans to revitalize and develop as well. 

A nonprofit organization, Select Greater Philadelphia is the business attraction workforce for the tri-state region. Through programs like the Breaking Ground event, they hope to inspire business leaders to continue innovating and make this region their home.

Article written by Ameilia Winger on behalf of Global Philadelphia Association