Exclusive Preview: Cira Centre South’s EVO and Its Virtual Reality Simulator

Photo: Laura Kicey

EVO — probably better known as one half of the new Cira Centre South — has a futuristic and inventive workaround for the fact that the apartment building isn’t finished yet: The Simulation Cube at its leasing office. Designed by VisionaiR 3D’s Maarten van Grinsven, the Cube consists of four walls with a 360-degree surround projection system. When visitors sit at the table in the middle, they are immersed in a virtual reality version of one of many floorplans.

The Cube is the first virtual reality simulator of its kind in Philadelphia and even allows guests to ascend and descend stairs, visiting the building’s future gym as well as its study lounges and common areas. Most stunningly, guests can climb to the building’s roof deck and lounge, wading into the infinity pool and staring out at the Philadelphia skyline while the water ripples around them. It’s practically a cure for seasonal-affective disorder.

The Cube will be open this Friday for EVO’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will welcome future residents not only to the virtual reality exhibit but to a model unit showing the furniture that each apartment will come with.

The building is scheduled to open to tenants this August. The furnished spaces and proximity to Drexel and Penn make it a natural hub for graduate student housing, though sales manager Nicole Gonzalez says they are also expecting a number of young professionals to rent there.

EVO boasts 28 floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bath and every residence comes furnished with everything but housewares and a television. Rental rates include all utilities and range from $1,350 to nearly $2,000.

Gallery by Laura Kicey.