Luxury Lifestyle club atop AKA University City at Cira Centre South opens

UNIVERSITY CITY (WPVI) -- A ribbon on Philadelphia's latest addition to the high-end residential and hotel market was cut Tuesday and officials said with the opening of this new hotel and residence, competition to lure businesses into the city is growing.

Residents and hotel guests moved into the building in January, but the completion of the 28th floor's luxury lifestyle club was the focus of Tuesday's grand opening.

The AKA University at Cira Centre South boasts a lifestyle club with city views from the pool and terrace, even a 3-D golf simulator, a movie theater and more.

"There is such competition in the apartment arena and the hotel arena to find that next great amenity," said Larry Korman, President AKA. "This is a vertical neighborhood in one building, so you can eat, dine, entertain, play, sleep all in one place."

According to the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, the city is seeing a boon in hotels with four opening just this year and at approximately fifteen currently in the planning stages.

"We are looking at a 20-25 percent increase in our total room inventory," said Ed Grose, of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association. "We have to make sure we are marketing the city properly and that the positive changes at the convention center stay in place."

The city is throwing support behind new hotels and residences, meant to lure working professionals.

"I think there will be more competition in the city to have more outside organizations come in and build high quality projects like this," said Jerry Sweeney, President and CEO Brandywine Realty Trust. "That's exactly what we are hoping for."

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps