Developer Southern Land Co. (SLC) and Mural Arts Philadelphia have unveiled the largest single street art installation “Sansom Art Walk" in Center City, Philadelphia. The 3,000 square feet of murals feature the works of 11 local artists and lines the construction fencing along SLC’s newly named mixed-use development Somi 1620.
“We at SLC are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mural Arts and Street Dept Walls to highlight these 11 incredible Philadelphia artists,” says 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 continue to find new, collaborative ways to embrace Philadelphia.”
SLC wanted to partner with Mural Arts Philadelphia, a public art program that unites artists and communities, to enhance the fencing surrounding the construction site and promote local artists. The Sansom Art Walk highlights SLC’s commitment to celebrating the Greater Philadelphia community and supporting the arts in every community in which a SLC development is built and operated.
“It’s a pleasure to work with Southern Land Co. and Streets Dept Walls curator Conrad Benner to beautify the construction fencing at the site of SLC’s upcoming mixed-use development,” says 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.”
Under construction, Somi 1620 will rise 27 stories and have 254 luxury rental residences, including multiple penthouses with private terraces. Amenities will feature a club lounge, a sky lounge, a fitness center with an outdoor pool, and community dining and entertainment spaces. The project will also offer 5,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space and 17,000 square feet of space on the second floor.
An intentional 5-foot setback from the property line will widen the sidewalk along Sansom Street and allow for outdoor dining and pedestrian engagement. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB), Somi 1620’s façade will incorporate modern glass of the central business district with metal paneling and brick at the base. The 320-foot tower will be chamfered for sunlight to reach Sansom Street. Interiors will offer light marble and golden accents throughout and dark, patterned finishes for the club lounge.
Somi 1620 will be completed in winter 2023. Expected to welcome guests this fall, SLC’s The Laurel Rittenhouse Square is just three blocks away. Plans are also in the works for an additional multifamily building nearby.
Sansom Art Walk will remain on display until further notice. "Pulling this project together has been a dream," says artist curator Conrad Benner, founder of Street Dept Walls. "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."
