Schuylkill Yards, rendering image.

Drexel University and developer last year Brandywine Realty Trust unveiled their plans for “Schuylkill Yards,” a $3.5 billion development project, which includes development of 14 acres of parking lots and concrete space west of 30th Street into eight high rises, green public spaces and retail. On Wednesday, this ambitious project, which will take from 15 to 20 years to complete, broke ground.

The first phase of the master plan will include construction of Drexel Square, a 1.3 acre a public park on the corner of 30th and Market called Drexel Square, and mixed-use development along JFK Boulevard. 

Schuylkill Yards is one of the three sites in Philadelphia proposed to Amazon for their second headquarters.

Earlier this year, Brandywine Realty Trust announced that they’re also planning to spend $5.6 million on local job creation and training, building affordable housing in the neighborhoods adjacent to Schuylkill Yards, such as Mantua and Powelton Village, and also supporting minority businesses through partnership with West Philly’s Enterprise Center.