C. Abbonizio Contractors

Scope Of Work

The former parking lot is gone and the teasing presence of inactive site prep vehicles is officially behind us – in other words, construction is underway on the 51-story skyscraper charged with holding a dual-brand hotel development consisting of the 295-room W Philadelphia and 460-room Element Philadelphia.

The W/Element project, whose construction commencement was announced yesterday, is being developed by Vine Street Matthews Development, but is owned by Chestlen Development. Starwood Hotels & Resorts will be managing the property. Funding for the $280 million development was made possible with the help of $33 million in tax increment financing and, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Natalie Kostelni, $160 million in loans.

The building is anticipated to have banquet facilities, an outdoor pool bar and terrace, and food and beverage outlets, as well as retail space along Chestnut Street. And make no mistake: the two hotels may occupy the same space, but they will maintain their distinctive styles and offer different amenities to their guests.