Unisys Moving Headquarters to Center City Huge Boon for Philadelphia

As the Philadelphia Inquirer reported yesterday, Unisys Corp. announced that it will move its headquarters from Blue Bell to Two Liberty Place in Center City. I believe that this is the biggest economic news in the 8 years that John Street has been Mayor and the best present that he can give to Philadelphia before he leaves office. This is huge for the city for the psychological factor of a large suburban corporate entity moving back into Center City. Philadelphians are used to the reverse--we have lived with companies leaving Center City and not coming back for too long. This is a great example of a huge, respected corporation uprooting from the suburbs and locating in the heart of downtown.

This is great momentum for incoming Mayor Michael Nutter to build on. In the past Philadelphia's economy was dependent upon the expansion of existing law firms, hospitals and universities, and one large cable company. We now have a huge business technology company coming into Center City and hopefully this will be a platform for Nutter to build on, expanding the tech industry in Philadelphia.

Most importantly, the rippling effect will be great. More people will be commuting into the City, shopping in the City, eating in the City, and hopefully more people will be living in the City.