T
he $1.3 billion arena for the Philadelphia 76ers is just one part of a larger downtown development plan that's growing exponentially. Initially, the focus was on an arena and a residential tower, but now there are plans for hundreds more residences, retail space, and hotel rooms in the area. Mayor Cherelle Parker recently detailed the plans, which include a 18,500-seat arena called 76Place awaiting approval from the mayor and City Council.

    In addition to the arena, there's already a $250 million apartment building planned on its north side with 395 units. The Sixers have also added plans for developments on the south side of the arena at 1000 and 1020 Market Street, featuring 380 units, 28,000 square feet of retail space, and 127 parking spaces. These projects are expected to begin in 2027.

    A second phase of development is planned for 920-38 Market Street, bringing another 340 residential units, 26,000 square feet of retail space, and 114 parking spaces, set to start in 2030. The arena construction is expected to begin in 2028 and be ready by 2031, pending necessary approvals. The Sixers will need to demolish part of the Fashion District mall first, with private funding for the project.

    The development also includes a 420,000-square-foot hotel at 800-38 Market Street, featuring 400 to 600 rooms and 45,000 square feet of retail space. While some residents are concerned about the impact on their community, particularly in Chinatown, which was divided by an expressway decades ago, others see the expanding retail and residential components as a positive addition to the area.