New construction: Parks, shops and homes coming up in Philly

Philly isn’t the same city it was five years ago — and the skyline is still continuing to evolve. Between projects that are hitting the ground running this year to new apartment complexes popping up, here are some bits of new development eye candy to look out for.

Philadelphia’s firstMormon Temple(1739 Vine St., open house beginning Aug. 5, 2016) is also the first in the state. The temple’s design nods to colonial-era Philly with spires inspired by Independence Hall and furnishings modeled after those from the country’s earliest days. The 53,000-square-foot, neoclassical temple will also be home to a reflecting pool and garden, both open to the public.

Not one but two new locations of Target (19th and Chestnut streets, 12th and Chestnut streets, opening July 2016) are in the works. The convenience retailer is opening two smaller-scale stores in Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square West, occupying 21,000 square feet and 19,000 square feet, respectively. Both will offer order pickup. Mark your calendars for October 2017 when the near-Art Museum Target is set to open its doors.

Come this fall, Philly will have a chic new apartment building.Dalian on the Park(500 N. 21st St., opening fall 2016) will have 293 swanky residences with wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows — but the contemporary architectural design by MV+A architects aren’t the only perks. The 10-story structure will be situated above a Whole Foods and feature a hotel-style lobby and media lounge, a rooftop infinity pool and lush lounge area, fitness center, billiards lounge and more.

The Viaduct Rail Park Phase I (North Broad Street at Noble Street toward Callowhill between 11th and 12th streets) would begin the reimagining of the abandoned Reading Railroad Viaduct into the selfie-inspiring 3-mile elevated park (think New York City’s High Line, but Philly style). Work could begin as early as this spring — that is, if the project, run by the Center City District, can raise the remainder of the $9.6 million goal for Phase I. (They’ve got $5.1 million in the bank now.) To help, the Bacon Brothers — that’s Kevin Bacon and his brother, Michael — performed at a benefit concert at Union Transfer back in February.

Work is already underway on the LOVE Park redesign (16th Street and JFK Boulevard), which is getting a little sprucing up courtesy of added greenery, a new dining area, colorful granite and new welcome center. As part of renovating the Saucer, a site-specific public art commission created by duo Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan will be installed later in the year. Called “Chromoscope,” the work is a colorful ceiling mural. Make plans for multiple visits: Natural light affects the way the mural catches your eye.