Comcast Selects Gensler to Design Interiors of New Tower

PHILADELPHIA, PA —Comcast has selected Gensler, the global design firm, to develop the interiors of the new Comcast Innovation and Technology Center in Philadelphia.

Gensler will be collaborating with Foster + Partners and Daroff Design, Inc. to create a functional, aesthetic, sustainable and progressive interior environment that will effectively integrate with the architectural design of the building.

The $1.2 billion, 1,121-foot tower on the 1800 block of Arch Street is adjacent to the Comcast Center, Comcast Corporation's global headquarters. The new tower will house the operations of local broadcast television stations NBC 10/WCAU and Telemundo 62/WWSI, an innovation center for Comcast's growing workforce of software and product developers, multi-story amenity spaces and workplaces to promote collaboration and product testing, and space for local technology startups.

The new tower, which is expected to be the tallest building in the U.S. outside of New York and Chicago, will generate $2.75 billion in economic activity within the Commonwealth and will create more than 20,000 temporary jobs during construction.

“We are thrilled to partner with Gensler to design a dynamic and innovative workspace for Comcast's workforce of technologists, engineers, and software architects,” says Karen Buchholz, senior vice president, administration, Comcast. “The Comcast Innovation and Technology Center will be a world-class, state-of-the-art building, both internally and externally, and we are proud to be collaborating with the best design teams as we construct this new landmark in Philadelphia.”

“Through the design of thoughtful and captivating interiors for the expansion of Comcast's vertical campus, the company can achieve its goal of attracting the best talent from the many outstanding academic institutions in the area and across the country,” says Joe Brancato, managing principal and member of the executive board at Gensler.

“Our multidisciplinary team from Gensler's workplace, technology, media, and consulting practices will provide a platform to rapidly imagine big ideas that support Comcast's business strategy,” says Brancato. “We are honored to enrich our longstanding relationship with them as we together envision a revolutionary landmark that positions Comcast's future in Philadelphia.”

Construction of the center began earlier this summer, and the building is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. The workplace interiors will seek USGBC's LEED Platinum certification.