Titled “Sansom Art Walk,” installation features 11 original murals by 11 local artists creating more than 3,000 sq. ft. of original artwork along construction fencing at newly named Somi 1620
Southern Land Company (SLC), a national real estate developer of award-winning mixed-use developments and master-planned communities, and Mural Arts Philadelphia, a public art program that unites artists and communities, unveiled the largest single street art installation in Center City at 1620 Sansom Street on September 21. To celebrate this immersive art installation, SLC and Mural Arts Philadelphia held a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by guided public tours of the art conducted by artist curator Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept Walls.
“Pulling this project together has been a dream,” said Benner. “It’s not every day that you get to work with 11 of your city’s most talented contemporary artists on massive ground-level art installations. There’s really nothing quite like this project anywhere in Philly. And I’m so excited for Philadelphians and visitors alike to see what these artists have been working on!”
Featuring 11 original murals from 11 local Philadelphia artists, the Sansom Art Walk installation displays more than 3,000 square feet of original works of art along the construction fencing around SLC’s newly named mixed-use development, Somi 1620. The installation will remain on display until further notice.
“It’s a pleasure to work with Southern Land Company and Streets Dept Walls curator Conrad Benner to beautify the construction fencing at the site of SLC’s upcoming mixed-use development,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia. “These large-scale original artworks from nearly a dozen Philly-based artists will remind those traveling on Center City’s Sansom Street that construction does not need to be an eyesore; rather, we can grow our city’s urban landscape with panache, all while amplifying the talents of local artists and stimulating our city’s creative economy!”
SLC sought this partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia to enhance the fencing surrounding the construction site of its newest Center City development, simultaneously promoting local artists, and deterring other artists from covering the fencing with additional graffiti. The Sansom Art Walk demonstrates SLC’s commitment to embracing and celebrating the greater Philadelphia community, and its burgeoning efforts to support the arts in every community in which an SLC development is built and operated.
“We at SLC are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mural Arts and Street Dept Walls to highlight these 11 incredible Philadelphia artists,” said Brian Emmons, SLC Vice President. “It is a privilege to have their striking work gracing the site of our newest Center City offering, Somi 1620. In every development we pursue, SLC strives to embrace and uplift the local community and it is only fitting in the mural capital of the world to have these unique and inspiring works of art beautifying this space. We look forward to the day we can welcome our first residents to Somi 1620 and continuing to find new, collaborative ways to embrace Philadelphia.”
Behind the newly muralled construction fencing, Somi 1620 is under construction. It will rise 27 stories and offer 254 luxury rental residences, including multiple penthouses with private terraces. Amenities will include a club lounge on the third floor, a sky lounge with expansive views, a fitness center with an outdoor pool, and community dining and entertainment spaces. Residents will also enjoy a variety of thoughtfully curated events and activities, custom designed by SLC’s in-house events and activities director.
Additionally, the project will feature 5,000 square feet of ground floor restaurant space and 17,000 square feet of space on the second floor ideal for another restaurant or best-in-class health and wellness facility. A unique feature of the building is its intentional five-foot set-back from the property line, which will widen the sidewalk along Sansom Street and allow for outdoor dining and pedestrian engagement.
Designed by renowned architecture and interior design firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB), Somi 1620 will incorporate the modern glass of the central business district with metal panel and brick at the base, providing a contemporary nod to the pre-war brick of Rittenhouse Square. The 320-foot tower will be chamfered to allow sunlight to reach Sansom Street and to orient views to downtown and the Schuylkill River. The interior design will focus on a warm, luxe experience, with light marble and golden accents throughout, and dark, patterned finishes for the club lounge.
While Somi 1620 is SLC’s latest Philadelphia project and will be completed in winter 2023, the company has been dedicated to this market for several years and plans to continue providing unique, luxury living options to the city. The Laurel Rittenhouse Square, just three blocks away, is expected to welcome residents in fall 2022. Preleasing for 1909 Rittenhouse, the rental residences component of The Laurel, is underway. Additionally, SLC will develop another multifamily building at 5th and Spring Garden Streets. These projects were all preceded by SLC’s first Philadelphia multifamily development, 3601 Market, which was completed in summer 2015.
For more information about SLC’s projects in Philadelphia and across the U.S., visit https://southernland.com/.
