Ground broken for newest Philadelphia hotel

Ground has been broken for the newest Convention Center hotel in Philadelphia. 

The Parkway Corporation is the developer of the new Home 2 Suites by Hilton at 12th and Arch Streets.  Robert Zuritsky of Parkway says the hotel is a new concept for Hilton and is necessary to satisfy demand from the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“Every room is a suite, it’s got a cool design to it it’s also has a swimming pool, it’s got all the amenities for someone who had to live someplace for an extended period of time and it’s right across from the Reading Terminal Market, where you can’t beat the food,” said Zuritsky.

The project is creating 123 construction jobs and 146 permanent jobs.  Government subsidies will pay for about 20 percent of the $60 million construction cost. State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) defends the public subsidies. 

“It didn’t start with those of us in the public sector, it started with those in the private sector, all we did is join with them to make a difference and when I hear those numbers of 123 construction  jobs I saw Eddie from the Carpenters Union’s eyes get wide, I saw John Dougherty’s eyes get wide because they understand the importance of this,” said Evans.

Zuritsky says he is optimistic this hotel will be used by everyone from casual family travelers to those who need longer term accommodations.