PHILADELPHIA, PA—Philippe Starck will design the interior of the SLS LUX Philadelphia Hotel, planned for the former site of the legendary Philadelphia International Records at the corner of Broad and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia. Developer Dranoff Properties and sbe, a hospitality, lifestyle and real estate development company are building the 47-story tower with 152 boutique hotel rooms. The project will be Starck's first in Philadelphia, and will continue the development of the city's "Avenue of the Arts," which already includes attractions in culture, the arts, and fine dining. and more.

"French design has long been a hallmark of Philadelphia's aesthetic," says Carl Dranoff, founder and CEO of Dranoff Properties. "In the early twentieth century, it was Paul Philippe Cret who gave us the celebrated Rodin Museum, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge.  Today, it is Philippe Starck who is poised to redefine Philadelphia design with the SLS LUX Philadelphia Hotel. To have an interior designer of Philippe's caliber and world-class acclaim for this project truly speaks to Dranoff Properties' and sbe's shared commitment to excellence but also, to the transformational nature of this project for Philadelphia as an emergent global city."

The famed designer's relationship with sbe and Sam Nazarian, sbe's chairman, began in 2005 as the design-centric brand planned to open its first luxury hotel in Beverly Hills. Starck guided the interior vision for the project, including an indoor piazza for the property. Since that collaboration, Starck has served as the exclusive hotel interior designer for all SLS properties.

"From London to Rio de Janeiro to Tokyo, the name Philippe Starck is synonymous with design excellence," says Nazarian. "He is effortlessly chic and his focus on reimagining the art of living through design made Philippe the perfect partner for all of our SLS hotels but especially Philadelphia where the property upon which we will build is steeped in such history. I have seen firsthand how important interior design is to defining – and redefining – a property, infusing it with life and a persona. Knowing that this property has been so important to so many, there is no one I trust more than Philippe to deliver exactly this for the SLS LUX Philadelphia."  

Founded by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Philadelphia International Records is defined by its creation of "The Sound of Philadelphia" (TSOP), which delivered an astounding 175 gold and platinum albums during its prime. The recording studio and offices were irreparably damaged in a fire last year, and the building is being demolished to make way for the hotel development.

"To be entrusted to design the SLS LUX Philadelphia Hotel on the former site of Philadelphia International Records is an extraordinary privilege and opportunity, especially for my first project here," says Starck. "The cultural richness of this city and its history provide unending inspiration and now knowing the history of this property, it is reminiscent of my work with EastWest studios in Hollywood. I am excited to continue my collaboration with Sam and SLS and I look forward to working with Mr. Dranoff and the incomparable Gene Kohn of Kohn Pederson Fox Associates in creating one of the great architectural and design properties in the United States, if not the world."

With SLS LUX Philadelphia Hotel and SLS International Residences, sbe and Dranoff Properties will offer guests the world-class amenities expected from both brands. The 90 condominiums at the SLS International Residences will set a new benchmark as these exquisitely designed condominiums will begin more than 200 feet high at Floor 20 and extend through Floor 47. Built with best-in-class design materials and finishes, every condominium will have open, airy floor plans with walls of windows, 10 foot ceilings, a full size balcony, and offer panoramic views of the city. Residents will share all of the best amenities with the SLS LUX Philadelphia Hotel, including a landscaped sundeck, a 75' indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness and a sumptuous, full-service spa. Residents will also enjoy all of the benefits and services of a luxury hotel – concierge, housekeeping, laundry, valet parking, 24 hour food service as well as meeting rooms and banquet facilities. They will also enjoy the celebrated SLS food and beverage facilities, which will be within an elevator ride of their residence.