Comcast Technology Center Delays Topping To Investigate Possible Cracks

Construction At The Top Of The Comcast Innovation & Technology Center

Comcast's Innovation & Technology Center will have to wait on topping off until a series of "indications" of steel cracks can be investigated.

The $1.5B tower, set to be Comcast's second single-tenant skyscraper in Philadelphia and the tallest building in the U.S. outside of New York and Chicago, is still on track for completion in 2018. The cracks were found in the two-story frame that will house the mechanical and lighting apparatus, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Developer Liberty Property Trust, overseeing the tower's completion for Comcast, has paused construction on that portion to determine whether the indications are surface markings or true cracks — "not a catastrophic issue," according to Liberty Regional Director John Gattuso. Due to the amount of work remaining on the rest of the building, the completion date is not expected to be affected.

If there are cracks, they can reportedly be remedied by drilling rods into the steel to prevent spreading. Any repairs would be paid for by the steel supplier, Charlotte-based SteelFab Inc. The markings were discovered as part of a weekslong inspection of the building's steel components, which is ongoing.

When completed, the tower will contain offices and research facilities for technological advancements for the communications giant, as well as a Four Seasons hotel, television studios for Comcast's local NBC and Telemundo affiliates, and one condominium, to be owned and occupied by CEO Brian Roberts and his wife, Aileen.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Philadelphia Newsletters
Related Stories

Builders Turning To Prefab Solutions As Speed To Delivery Becomes Critical Consideration

Judge Approves $70M Sale Of Philly's Largest Office Complex

Making The Case For Preconstruction As Risk Management

Contractors Feel Squeeze As Prices Rise 7.4%, Backlog Shrinks

3 Suburban Philly Office Buildings With Strong Occupancy Hit The Market

With Data Centers Devouring Construction Materials, Mass Timber May Finally Have Its Moment

Housing Shortage, Population Growth Draw Developers To Lehigh Valley

Plans Submitted For Massive 1.1M SF Canary Wharf Office Retrofit

New National Geographic Museum Food Hall By Winmar Blends Design With Elevated Dining

Pet Food Company Inks 216K SF Cold Storage Lease: The Philadelphia Deal Sheet

Behring Planning A Data Center In Downtown Oakland

How Officials Are Picking Which Parts Of Philly Will Benefit From Opportunity Zones 2.0