PHILADELPHIA | Comcast Center | 975 FT / 297 M | 57 FLOORS [Archive]

volguus zildrohar

Nov 15, 2006, 7:09 AM

To view Comcast Center v2.0 click here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=100987&page=80).

_______________________________

COMCAST CENTER, A Liberty Property
_______________________________

Architect: Robert A.M. Stern & Associates
Structural engineer: Thornton-Tomasetti Associates
Steel contractor: Cornell Construction
Steel fabricator: Cives Steel, Lone Star Steel
Height:
Main entrance to structural roof (the official number): 975 feet (297 meters). No less. NO MORE.
Lowest elevation to structural roof: 983 feet (299 meters) from Arch Street.
Sea level to structural roof: 1,001 feet (305 meters).
Foundation to structural roof: 1,030 feet (313 meters).

Floors: 57
Floor space: 1.25 million square feet (115,200 square meters)
Address: 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Northwest corner)
Cost: $435 Million
Completion: Q4 2007
Official opening: March 2008

Other features:
- A half-acre landscaped park facing JFK Boulevard, named Liberty Plaza, which was funded by a grant from The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- 120-foot high "sky atria" overlooking Liberty Plaza, a landscaped plaza complete with ground level fountain and hanging gardens.
- 23,000 square feet of retail space.
- A gourmet restaurant from chef Georges Perrier called Table 31.
- A possible 16-story, 250,000 square foot annex with street-level retail to rise at the southwest corner of the block.
- Will be the tallest LEED certified (green/environmentally friendly) building in the United States upon completion.
- NO OBSERVATION DECK is planned for this building.

This building, which will serve as the new corporate headquaters for Comcast Corporation, will stand as the tallest building in Philadelphia (and between New York and Chicago, if you will) when completed in 2007 - besting the current title holder, One Liberty Place, by 15 feet.

COMCAST CENTER TIMELINE AT PHILLYSKYLINE.COM

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/timeline/comcastcentertimeline.jpg (http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/timeline/)

SKYSCRAPERSUNSET.COM COMCAST CENTER CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS (http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast.html)

COMCAST CENTER LIVE CONSTRUCTION WEBCAM

http://www.earthcam.net/images/5f3f9560d39892bae038bf9798d485e3/libtrust.jpg

Click images for larger version

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70247286.jpg (http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/skyscrapercity/phl/comcast/rendering050404.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246389.jpg (http://phillyskyline.com/123abc/comcast_river.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/54650356.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/43596890.jpg)

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/54609914.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/43596891.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246378.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/43596892.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246379.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/55708843.jpg)

Photos by Matthew Johnson from Phillyblog

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/58215476.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/58215475original.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246382.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/58215477.jpg)

Night rendering by williamphilapa (Photograph by giovanni sasso)

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246390.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6755/comcastnight6ln.jpg)

The view from Belmont Plateau (Photo and rendering by The Cheat)

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246380.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/55933510.jpg)

Model photos by omp835

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246384.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246383.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246386.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246385.jpg)http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246388.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70246387.jpg)

Upon completion, it will stand as the 12th tallest building in the United States. One Liberty Place, when it was completed in 1987, was the 12th tallest building in the world.

Lecom

Nov 15, 2006, 7:17 AM

Awesome, Comcast Center is already under construction? No wonder it got a thread now.

Joey D

Nov 15, 2006, 7:49 AM

Wow, I didn't know about L1 and CC both being the 12th tallest in the world at their (projected) completions.

Here goes another thread!

Eigenwelt

Nov 15, 2006, 7:52 AM

Only 975'? What's the chance they'll up it to 1000' ? That'd be awesome.

Pinoy2.0

Nov 15, 2006, 9:33 AM

I wonder if I won the lottery I could just buy this building.

The A Train

Nov 15, 2006, 2:52 PM

Thought I read that the logo being on top was just speculation, not a confirmed fact? Can anyone clear this up?

RadHaz75

Nov 15, 2006, 3:13 PM

Thought I read that the logo being on top was just speculation, not a confirmed fact? Can anyone clear this up?

i think it was just speculation since they won't own the building, only being the primary lessee.

VZ, any way to fix the webcam up there? the link up there hasn't worked in some time, but the one on libs website works.

Lincolndrive

Nov 15, 2006, 3:18 PM

A couple little notes that I found out this morning:
-The glass will start on the south and west sides (JFK/18th street sides) in the next 2-4 weeks (more than likely 4 weeks)
-Once the core tops out, they are going to install a new crane on top of the core and take down the other 2 cranes. Apparently, the 17th street crane is blocking the space near ground level where the escalator will be.
-The dirty windows at ground level are getting their first window washings by none other then Jenkintown Building Services. It's a big improvement.

wanderer34

Nov 15, 2006, 10:02 PM

Does this mean that 2 Pennsylvania Plaza is still being proposed to the city??? I always thought that it would be a welcome addition for the city!!!

aesop

Nov 16, 2006, 12:01 AM

It seems like just yesterday she was a hole in the ground.

McBane

Nov 16, 2006, 1:21 AM

oreoman85

Nov 16, 2006, 1:35 AM

topping out aimed forrrrrrrr.............when? im guessing february?

TechTalkGuy

Nov 16, 2006, 2:39 AM

Topping for the core or the steel frame?

When the steel frame reaches the top, then I'll celebrate! :tup:

SouthPhilly

Nov 16, 2006, 2:44 AM

ughh they're calling the plaza in front of the building liberty plaza? how original. for once can't philly have something not associated with liberty or ben franklin? i mean jesus, it was over 200 years ago - can't we get something a bit more recent like Cheesesteak Plaza or Grace Kelly Plaza (you know that Kelly Drive isn't named after the princess/actress)?

ok enough bitching, just think 975.

Agreed, Just JFK Plaza would be fine, but theres already one. What about Rockafeller Plaza?
Kelly drive is named after Grace's husband or relative. The family still lives in Philly.

omp835

Nov 16, 2006, 3:44 AM

Actually, 'Rouse" plaza wouldn't be a bad name.:shrug:

giovanni sasso

Nov 16, 2006, 5:02 AM

um, liberty plaza is so named because the company that is building comcast center is liberty property trust. it's also a nod of sorts to the late willard rouse, who founded the company that preceded and evolved into liberty (and built one liberty place).

and kelly drive IS named for grace kelly's family, specifically her father jack (a three time olympic gold medal winner).

lincolndrive, thanks for the jenkintown cleaners info. that's good stuff. those guys rock.

no construction progress pics in the new thread yet? for shame!

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc641.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc642.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc640.jpg

McBane

Nov 16, 2006, 7:26 PM

I figured the Drive was named after someone related, but I know (as I said in my post) that it's not acutally named after Grace Kelly.

That they named it after the developer is even worse. Their name is already stamped on 1 and 2 Liberty Place. Now a Liberty Plaza 2 blocks away? If the developers were instead called Franklin Reality Trust, would they name the plaza Franklin Plaza? Rouse Plaza would have been much more acceptable as he had the vision to challenge the establishment's height limit. Besides the fact that Liberty is so redudant, I believe Rouse deserves much more than a crappy "nod."

It's only a little bit annoying because, from I've seen the plaza won't be such a big deal. I don't foresee "meet me at Liberty Plaza" becoming a commonplace phrase.

nice picture update GS though the last picture underwhelms the CC and belies its actual height.

Didn't we say that the core would top out in January and the steel in February? I think that the CC is still on that schedule. Exciting.

IngisKahn

Nov 16, 2006, 8:56 PM

They're pouring 45 in the rain :)

Daquan13

Nov 17, 2006, 2:15 AM

Awesome, Comcast Center is already under construction? No wonder it got a thread now.

I thought you knew that already.

And it's coming along well!!

volguus zildrohar

Nov 17, 2006, 4:02 AM

Your sarcasm meter needs calibration.

McBane, that angle belies a lot of other things to. The miracle of perspective...

Daquan13

Nov 17, 2006, 4:39 AM

That was NOT meant to be taken as sarcasm - just a statement.

Eigenwelt

Nov 17, 2006, 8:34 AM

/\ He meant Lecom's post was sarcastic.

I was by the site last night. I am really liking the banded look it has in the dark. I also thought the ventilation grating wasn't as bad looking as I feared.

I was there around 1:30am-ish on wednesday night. Someone else was there taking pictures with a tripod. I assume it was one of us, or maybe a lurker. They (you) had a red hoodie on so I really couldn't make out the face.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02429_ModSm.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02439_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02494_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02453_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02474_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02487_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02479_modSM.jpg

donybrx

Nov 17, 2006, 2:23 PM

^^^"Comzilla in the mist..." great nightime pics! misty, spooky, powerful....

RadHaz75

Nov 17, 2006, 3:26 PM

:previous:

yeah dude, those are awesome pics. i feel like batman should be swinging down at any minute from the red/orange sky, which is also awesome.

its been a while since someone has just posted hardcore... core photos of the building. everyone else's pics are awesome too, but i like the bluntness of just the building.

Daquan13

Nov 17, 2006, 4:13 PM

/\ He meant Lecom's post was sarcastic.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02429_ModSm.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02439_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02494_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02453_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02474_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02487_modSM.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/Eigenwelt/Comcast%20Center/DSC02479_modSM.jpg

I didn't mean that either. Just a statement. I thought that he really didn't know about the tower being built.

Cro Burnham

Nov 17, 2006, 6:00 PM

Is it necessary to include all fifty pictures each time someone makes a quote from a prior post? I think we are all capable of scrolling up the page to look at the first post of photos.

sciguy0504

Nov 17, 2006, 10:28 PM

Personally, I like to see good photos more than once. And those photos were very good.

The Liberty Plaza thing kind of bothers me and it kind of doesn't. Like someone said, there is little chance the phrase "meet me at Liberty Plaza" is ever going to be used (probably because it could be confused with Liberty Place). However, "meet me at Comcast (Center)" is going to catch on, IMO.

This question was probably already answered but I'm fairly sure I would remember. I know that CC is about 75% leased but is that just Comcast or have other companies/firms announced or confirmed their interest in leasing some space?

RadHaz75

Nov 18, 2006, 2:56 AM

MJPhilly

Nov 18, 2006, 5:25 AM

The Cheat

Nov 18, 2006, 6:47 AM

That looks pretty good, especially the lighting. It looks like Comcast Center's cranes are taller than Two Liberty Place. Comcast itself will certainly dominate the skyline.

PhillyRising

Nov 18, 2006, 3:49 PM

November 17, 2006:

Just another two or three floors until Comcast is #4 in the city.

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-03.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/sig.jpg (http://www.skyscrapersunset.com)

Is it just me being picky or is the CC too close to Bell Atlantic and making skyline from this viewpoint a bit off balance? I guess they didn't want to or couldn't put the tower right on top of the trains tunnels.

ZZ-II

Nov 18, 2006, 11:31 PM

fast tower

The Cheat

Nov 19, 2006, 12:40 AM

If the ARAMark tower were twice as tall or they had built the towers on top of the Gallery as they originally intended to, that gap would be filled in. West of Broad, there's about 200 feet with the combination of JFK Blvd and the train tunnel where it's unlikely there will be any buildings taller than 39 floors. The view from Upper Darby is the same from the other side.

McBane

Nov 19, 2006, 1:30 AM

I think that's such a poor excuse. I know us phillyheads hate to hear this, but why is NYC able to build tall buildings on land that is almost entirely tunnelled under for the million subway lines they have?

*DISCLAIMER: I like philly and i like that philly is not NYC. what i am saying, is that building on top of rail tunnels is not an impossible feat of engineering.

but i do agree that the skyline would look nicer if that gap was filled. plazas make a difference. look at mellon bank which is on the north side of market and the ibx tower also on the north side of market. what we need is a 700+ on jfk (preferrably the north side) that comes up right to the street. from this persepective, the cc lies more along arch than jfk.

on the plus side, if/when 10 ritt comes into fruition, at 390 feet, it will be the tallest building between the st. james and 2 lib. it's not that tall, but its enough to rise above the crowd.

apetrella802

Nov 19, 2006, 3:09 AM

city hall has 2 subway lines and 4 commuter rail lines under it

tranceclubbinphilly

Nov 19, 2006, 4:03 AM

Hey guys, Have not posted in a long time but here are some pics I snapped today 11/18/2006
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics01.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics02.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics03.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics04.jpg
Sorry about the angle (drive by shot)
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics05.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics06.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics07.jpg
These last two are my attempts at Panoramas
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics08.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j69/tranceclubbin/CCPics09.jpg

MJPhilly

Nov 19, 2006, 4:26 AM

As everyone has shown, you can now see the Comcast Center from everywhere. This one is from this morning, just outside store entrances at Garden State Plaza in Cherry Hill.

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-04.jpg

bryson662001

Nov 19, 2006, 5:14 AM

My contribution for this week.......from the southbound get on ramp to 95 at Aramingo Ave/Betsy Ross Bridge

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/bryson662001/11-18-06-B.jpg

Swinefeld

Nov 19, 2006, 5:16 AM

11/18/2006

From Grays Ferry Ave below Washington Avenue.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18001.jpg

From the PA Convention Center
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18002.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18003.jpg

Glass!
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18005.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18006.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18008.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18007.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18004.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18010.jpg

Daquan13

Nov 19, 2006, 5:47 AM

You can really see the tapering of the tower now as it get higher!!

SouthPhilly

Nov 19, 2006, 6:40 AM

McBane, The regional rail tracks for suburban station are at least 12 wide plus platforms and New York subways are also built under the streets, not huge towers. The problem is that the core couldn't go over the tracks. The tracks would have to go around the core or through the holes of the core below ground. The core needs solid ground underneath.

The gaps don’t matter for me, because I enjoy angle shots the most for Philly, so you cant see down the streets.

The Cheat

Nov 19, 2006, 8:45 AM

The Broad Street Subway has a kink that routes it around City Hall tower, and the Market-Franford Subway also misses the tower part, since the tower is north of center. The Regional Rail tunnel actually goes under the Masonic Temple, and they had to do some special shoring-up to keep that intact while the dug the tunnel. Continuing east tunnel turns north and runs along the eastern edge of The Pearl, and if you read the architect's comments, you'll see why there's only low-rise stuff above the tunnel.

It seems some people have forgotten the huge concrete pour they did overnight for the foundation of the Comcast Center, or when the walls of the Suburban Station tunnels were visible from the outside when they dug the pit.

MJPhilly

Nov 19, 2006, 2:36 PM

A gap from one angle will look different from another, and if you move a building to close a gap, it would create a gap from the other angle. It's not something we can worry about. And it's not something developers worry about when choosing a building's position on a lot.

That's the beauty of skylines. They evolve accidentally to create something unintentionally beautiful. So let's just see what we get!

JACKinBeantown

Nov 19, 2006, 3:09 PM

Nice...

11/18/2006

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18010.jpg

Joey D

Nov 19, 2006, 10:05 PM

Stunning...

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18008.jpg

oreoman85

Nov 19, 2006, 11:04 PM

To me, it has a metallic feel going for it, but im sure when its all done itll have a more conventional look.

McBane

Nov 20, 2006, 2:30 AM

the mirrored glass is great! great shots everyone.

TheOldMan

Nov 20, 2006, 8:19 AM

im really liking that Glass. very much. i cant wait to see it on the whole building. what an impact on the skyline its going to have. wow !!. better than all renderings/models that i have seen.

buildup

Nov 20, 2006, 3:32 PM

Actually that gap between Comcast Center and Mellon Bank is due to all those ugly buildings along JFK Blvd. The Penn Centers, the train station and those ugly apartment buildings are all between 25 and 30 floors and less than 350' in height. That's why I hate the idea that the second tower at CC resembles the PA Station. We don't need a poor copy. We already have an original. There second tower there should be around 500' - 600' and should be different than the other towers around it.

Late1

Nov 20, 2006, 4:13 PM

I agree, buildup, and would like to see 2 PA Plaza as a 600-footer. If they want to mimic the massing of Suburban Station, fine, but why not then have a more slender tower rising out of that base and topping out somewhere in the 600's?

16 floors seems like an underuse for a central site where people in offices, residences, and/or hotel rooms would connect to trains and subway without ever stepping outdoors, and topping it off at 600' would still preserve the views for the upper third of Comcast Center.

Well done on the photo updates, guys - thank you.

donybrx

Nov 20, 2006, 4:13 PM

^^^Oh, well....you can always turn the clock back to 1980 when most buildings were of approximate height across the central skyline...no gap whatsoever...

I'm with MJPHilly on this one...the voice of reason and perspective....heh...(him, not me):

A gap from one angle will look different from another, and if you move a building to close a gap, it would create a gap from the other angle. It's not something we can worry about. And it's not something developers worry about when choosing a building's position on a lot.

That's the beauty of skylines. They evolve accidentally to create something unintentionally beautiful. So let's just see what we get!

GarCastle

Nov 20, 2006, 4:43 PM

Couple quick guesses:

CC 2: They likely determined that 16 floors is the best bang for their buck. If they go too tall, they end up jacking up their cost since they would make the elevator shafts/etc. a larger percentage of each floor's footprint. So you would have to add yet more floors to gain that square footage back. And they, I believe, are limited to the square footage based on zoning and size of the lot - and CC already sucks up most of the square footage for that parcel.

Building over tracks: NYC real estate is on a different scale of value. Adding any complexity to construction costs here in Philly is usually just avoided in lieu of another piece of land that does not have such issues. Once all those barren parking lots are actually built up, I would think developers will have to get more creative and they would be more willing to endure more expensive or complex site plans.

omp835

Nov 20, 2006, 4:52 PM

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18010.jpg
It looks like something is growing in the city.:D

IngisKahn

Nov 20, 2006, 4:54 PM

Gar hit the nail on the head: Sure you could build over the tracks, it'll just cost a hell of a lot more.

BTW, it's gonna get harder to tell when they're pouring via the web cam. The angle is getting pretty extreme; I wish they could put one on one of the taller neighbors.

omp835

Nov 20, 2006, 5:13 PM

donybrx

Nov 20, 2006, 5:34 PM

Awkab

Nov 20, 2006, 8:13 PM

Guys,
I just want to clear up on a couple of things I read here. My information is based on the presentation I attended by Liberty Property, so it is straight from the horse's mouth.
Glass: The glass is not mirrored. The glass is 100% clear. Cira centre has mirrored glass. When Comcast Center is completed it will NOT have the same refective properties as Cira.

Hey OMP, I don't doubt what you heard at the presentation, but when you look at this photo below that Swinefeld posted, it is obvious that the glass has reflective properties. The first floor panes are 100% clear with little tint, while the floors above all have the reflective properties. I think when the sun shines directly on the glass it will loose much of its reflectiveness, but that doesn't mean it's 100% clear either.

There is a difference in the corners though...you can see that the glass of the 'inner cube' does not cast reflections as much as the glass on the four outer sides.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18005.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ComcastNov18008.jpg

MJPhilly

Nov 21, 2006, 2:21 AM

Updates from today.

They were, of course, installing glass (in particular near the nw corner) and pouring concrete near the southwest sid, though I couldn't see for what.

All glass, even if it's 100% clear, is reflective to some degree from certain angles and in certain light conditions.

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-05.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-06.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-07.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-08.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-09.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-11.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-12.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-13.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-14.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-15.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-16.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-17.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-18.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-19.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-20.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-21.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-22.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-23.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-24.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-25.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/sig.jpg (http://www.skyscrapersunset.com)

Awkab

Nov 21, 2006, 2:54 AM

They were, of course, installing glass (in particular near the nw corner) and pouring concrete near the southwest sid, though I couldn't see for what.

All glass, even if it's 100% clear, is reflective to some degree from certain angles and in certain light conditions.

Beautiful photos MJ!

Though you are right that all glass will reflect given certain angles and lighting conditions, there is obviously a difference between the first floor 100% clear glass on the Comcast Center, and the reflective glass being installed on the floors above.

This photo below shows it most clearly. If all the glass was 100% clear, then all the panels would be as transparent as the glass on the first floor, as in this picture they are all subject to the same light conditions and angle.

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-07.jpg

Nevertheless...I love the look...I think this building is going to look beautiful when finished.

gbayard

Nov 21, 2006, 3:52 AM

Liberty hasn't started or announced a plan start of Two Penn Plaza yet, therefore it is not safe to assume anything about what the building might look like or when it might be constructed. If the city can create some jobs, the condo conversions have eaten enough office space to present the opportunity for new office construction, more demand than I think Liberty expected would be around after completion of Comcast Center and Cira.

brenster

Nov 21, 2006, 4:54 AM

Why can those fake ass 1000 footers up in NY get away with putting some 200 ft "spire" on top of their buildings?.. If that is the case why can't the lowes hotel be considered over 800 feet with their 200 foot antenna?

brenster

Nov 21, 2006, 4:54 AM

TechTalkGuy

Nov 21, 2006, 5:08 AM

:previous: hahah!! :haha:

The PSFS building is taller than sh*tty hall !!

NYC32

Nov 21, 2006, 5:16 AM

Someone is jealous of NYC hahaha..

LostInTheZone

Nov 21, 2006, 5:27 AM

Is SSC down again?

RadHaz75

Nov 21, 2006, 5:47 AM

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/comcast/images/0611-08.jpg

who was that that was asking about a panorama??? well here u go courtesy of mj
:slob:

McBane

Nov 21, 2006, 6:38 AM

MJ - bravo. some of the pics make it look like the comcast center (core) has edged out over the BAT, while others do not. i can only assume that it has not actually surpsassed BAT because there would have been a more festive feel to this thread. with thanksgiving n all, probably have to wait until the end of the month.

MJPhilly

Nov 21, 2006, 6:42 AM

Awkab - good eye with the glass. From what we can see in that picture, it definitely seems to be a different type of glass.

who was that that was asking about a panorama??? well here u go courtesy of mj
:slob:
Thanks. It's not a panorama though - which would be difficult - just an ultra-wide-angle lens.

JACKinBeantown

Nov 21, 2006, 12:53 PM

Downtown Philly is a lot like downtown Houston or midtown Manhattan on the street level... not much retail in the skyscrapers. It seems kinda cold and impersonal.

(edit): But from a distance the skyline is starting to really look respectable. And other parts of Philly are pretty cool IMO.

IngisKahn

Nov 21, 2006, 4:51 PM

46 is being poured. Once the forms go up this time there will only be a handful of feet between CC and BAT.

giovanni sasso

Nov 21, 2006, 6:21 PM

great update there, MJ.

personally, i think there are two types of glass, and the difference between the ground floor and the ones above it is an optical illusion. as has been the case from the beginning, the main glass is clear and transparent (with a grayish-greenish-blueish hue depending on natural light), and the spandrels are sliiiightly different. i think we can see through the first floor better because we're viewing from the same level/perspective, and the way it's lit from inside allows us to see inside. since we're looking upward at the higher levels, we see what's reflected above, since after all it's glass. my thoughts anyway.

some shots from this morning:

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc646.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc652.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc645.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc659.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc644.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc660.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc654.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc657.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_glassinstall.gif

ctm1965

Nov 21, 2006, 7:55 PM

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_glassinstall.gif

Pretty cool! Thanks for the great pics.

LostInTheZone

Nov 21, 2006, 8:16 PM

This glass is going to go up real quick, with panels that big.

oreoman85

Nov 21, 2006, 8:37 PM

Question, why does the north side's cut-out have only 2 floors, while the south has 6?

evident here:

north view
http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/model/model03.jpg

south view
http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/model/model01.jpg

i just noticed for the first time.

giovanni sasso

Nov 21, 2006, 9:41 PM

oreo, it doesn't serve any particular purpose but as that of a design element. although, once people are familiar with the building, the cutouts could be used for north or south orientation ... if, you know, they couldn't tell where they were by their surroundings or the skyline in general.

laro3

Nov 21, 2006, 10:14 PM

i have to say when i first saw the renderings of this building i thought it was ugly,but i think the glass looks awesome,this building is going to be a great addition to the philly skyline,i would of liked to see it in chicago but we have enough right now...go philly

laro3

Nov 21, 2006, 10:23 PM

awesome glass,i thought this tower was just ok before but now it looks great this will be a great addition to the skyline,wish we had it in chicago but we have enough right now to keep me excited

bnk

Nov 21, 2006, 11:49 PM

Question, why does the north side's cut-out have only 2 floors, while the south has 6?

evident here:

north view
http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/model/model03.jpg

.

I like it, I like it allot. I almost forgot that a steel building can be built with so many concrete towers going up this day and age.

buildup

Nov 21, 2006, 11:59 PM

I love the model of CC! Is that displayed somewhere in a public place? I would love to have one but I know they cost thousands to make.

MayDay

Nov 22, 2006, 1:33 AM

I love how the light from the model reflects on the ceiling directly above. When Comcast Center is finished and Philly has a night of low cloud cover, it will have the same effect. Sigh...

Wheelingman04

Nov 22, 2006, 2:46 PM

That model is awesome!!

Swinefeld

Nov 22, 2006, 4:16 PM

Some pics from yesterday.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Nov20Comcast01.jpg

It's Comglasstic!
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Nov20Comcast02.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Nov20Comcast03.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Nov20Comcast04.jpg

TheMeltyMan

Nov 22, 2006, 6:37 PM

That model is stunning. I think thats the best possible representation i've seen to date, although I wish it featured the comcast logo at the peak. I've still no clue how that might look outside of some old rendering i think the Cheat made.

IngisKahn

Nov 22, 2006, 7:26 PM

And now it's going up to 47. CC is now neck and neck with BAT for the #4 spot.

Pennsgrant

Nov 22, 2006, 7:33 PM

That model is stunning. I think thats the best possible representation i've seen to date, although I wish it featured the comcast logo at the peak.

That would be like Veronika Varekova wearing neon green lipstick.

apetrella802

Nov 22, 2006, 9:36 PM

"Mystery Worker"

volguus zildrohar

Nov 23, 2006, 2:13 AM

November 21:

Back to work.

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627798.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627799.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627800.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627801.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627802.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627803.jpg

November 22:

How accustomed we're going to have to get to the new view.

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627804.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627805.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627806.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627807.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627808.jpg

TechTalkGuy

Nov 23, 2006, 2:25 AM

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70627800.jpg

Look at that! :banana:
Thanks for the update, volguus zildrohar! :tup:

LostInTheZone

Nov 23, 2006, 2:38 AM

It's nice to get off the train, go for a cigarette on the east portico of 30th Street, and see random people pointing and taking pictures. :)

I know I should know this, but where are the models? I'm in town for the holiday and I'd love to check them out.

apetrella802

Nov 23, 2006, 2:54 AM

there at the liberty property trust offices on the corner of 17th & JFK diagonaly across from the CC site, the building is a very eary Kohn Penderson and Fox building with a curved corner of glass.

RadHaz75

Nov 23, 2006, 3:54 AM

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc646.jpg

... so that was you that my train driver honked at the other day :D

josef

Nov 23, 2006, 6:35 PM

Awwesome shots everyone. MJ, your shots continue to impress. I love the vertical shot from the corner where the bottom looks wider than the top. And woo, keep the night shots coming! I like the one with Cira in the background.

I was driving down 19th Street the other evening and I thought that it would be an amazing shot looking directly east from the middle of the block (on 19th). CC is surrounded by all the other buildings, all lit up like. I don't walk around there too much but I'd really like to try to get that shot some day.

nygirl1

Nov 23, 2006, 6:48 PM

The glass really looks incredible. Very classy. I love this building and there really are no flaws about it. Thats something very tough to achieve I think. Nice job Philly.

volguus zildrohar

Nov 24, 2006, 10:27 PM

November 24:

Swell day to get nothing done.

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699206.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699207.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699208.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699211.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699209.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699210.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699212/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699214.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699216.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699217.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699218.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699213/original.jpg

And one just for josef:

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/70699530/original.jpg

PhillyRising

Nov 25, 2006, 12:39 AM

The core should be past the BAT by next week by the looks of things. Nice pics VZ.

giovanni sasso

Nov 25, 2006, 4:47 AM

... so that was you that my train driver honked at the other day :D

oh man ... so busted. funny that you were on that train, radhaz. when he honked the horn, i turned around and i could have sworn that conductor was going to jump off that moving train and rip my throat out. i wasn't going to jump -- i just like to be close!

nice shots there, volguus and swine.

one from last night's weather mess:
http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc666.jpg

and a few from today, BLACK FRIDAY.

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc667.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc668.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc671.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc674.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc677.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc682.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/comcast_uc680.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/comcast/diagram/COMCASTCENTERDIAGRAM_PROGRESS_061124.jpg