North Broad and the Tower of Truth

Under Kenney’s plan, the 466,000-square-foot former newspaper building will be the new home to the police department’s central administration as well as the 6th and 9th districts, a unified police and fire communications unit, the medical examiner’s office and lab, and various police units such as homicide, human resources and command center.

This centralized location is strategic says the Kenney camp; because of the location there will be a greater connection to the Philadelphia community at large.

Luis Torrado of Torrado Construction agrees and believes in this tower of truth; neighborhood and community are important and should be unified, nurtured, and cherished. Luis’ kinship with the City of Philadelphia is, in a word, historic. His commitment is unprecedented. And his connection to this project is not surprising.

A Prime Contractor to the CM Daniel J Keating Co., Torrado’s diverse crew is hard at work. Scheduled for completion in late 2020, the project is a complex, fast-track, and high-profile effort, and as a trusted sub, Torrado is employing innovative methods to meet the many construction, schedule, and regulatory challenges along side its long-time friend in Keating — they are poised for the challenge.

It is Luis’ love of Philadelphia and sense of responsibility to community that has driven the success of Torrado Construction since 1995. Luis believes that diversity is choice, not obligation, and as a minority certified contractor, coupled with their experience and long, successful history with the City, Torrado Construction is the perfect fit for this project.

When talking with Luis, it is apparent how proud he is of this project and of his dedicated and diverse crew on the job. He said, “Its about the environment diversity creates, the knowledge base it brings and the different experiences that help deliver”. Luis went on to mention “Big Jim”, Torrado Construction’s Project Manager on this project; He loves Big Jim’s hands-on approach and commitment, not only to the project, but also to his team.

Speaking of team, teaming with Keating is not new. Torrado Construction has worked with Keating on many projects including SEPTA Restoration at the Clothespin, American Airlines Bus-Was Facility, Philadelphia Airport Terminal D/E/F, and the American Airlines Hanger C-17 Addition to name a few.

‘Look forward, but always remember how you got to the now’, is Luis’ Tower of Truth. He hopes by giving back to his City that all will prosper.

Learn more about Luis and Torrado Construction at: https://torradoconstruction.com/about/

COVER AND INTERIOR PHOTOS BY CHANDRA LAMPREICH.
Photographer Chandra Lampreich offers a peek inside the empty “Tower of Truth” before renovations begin and the police move in.
Photographer Chandra Lampreich offers a peek inside the empty “Tower of Truth” before renovations begin and the police move in.
Photographer Chandra Lampreich offers a peek inside the empty “Tower of Truth” before renovations begin and the police move in.