Those who walk past everyday are impressed.
Barbara Strand of West Philadelphia told us, "It's gone up very quickly. Yes, umm, you just can't worry about the noise that you hear, but it's just exciting... it's exciting watching it go up."
Kenneth Smith from Frankford says, "And that's going to bring more business to my hotel on 13th Street."
Hotel workers and those who run eateries are looking forward to the March opening, which will expand the existing center by 60-percent.
Andy Hailu, a shift manager at Jake's Pizza, is excited about the prospects of more business.
"It's going to bring more customers... it never hurt. With this economy it never hurts," said Hailu.
Those who run the Center say the expansion will let them bid for larger conventions and double up bookings. Currently during the Auto or Flower Shows the center has no room for a convention. With the expansion it could add a convention. Other times they could host two mid-size conventions simultaneously - say, two complementing medical groups.
Ahmeenah Young, CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center explains, "National surgeons maybe in the building and there maybe some specialty in the surgical/medical marketplace that would work well for them."
But where will all those doctors stay?
For now, some may have to be bused in from outside Center City. Planners say Philadelphia needs another anchor hotel within walking distance. Something maybe smaller than the 1,400 room Marriott, but more about the size of the Lowes. But so far because to the slow economy no one has broken ground.
