PHILADELPHIA | The Murano | 475 FT / 145 M | 42 FLOORS

[philliesphinest]

Anyone have any aerial photos of this building?
I would like to see it from above.

[MJPhilly]

I posted these in the Comcast Center thread but now that they're here, pay attention to the Murano!
http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0707-01.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0707-02.jpg

[pentopaper50]

Why did everyone stop writing after MJPhilly posted the last two photos?

[philliesphinest]

Any new photos from the week?:shrug:

[bryson662001]

Any new photos from the week?:shrug:At this point it doesn't look any different, just a little taller. It is just one floor after the other, each one the same as the one below it.

[drgoogle]

The building is on floor 30. 12 more floors to go and then the pinnacle should be interesting.

Photos Courtesy of www.PhillySkyline.com: (http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/)

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc197.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc198.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc203.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc201.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc205.jpg

[russbaseball]

It's up to the 39th as of this morn..

[Wheelingman04]

Nice photo updates, drgoogle.:yes:

[JMininger]

It's up to the 39th as of this morn..

yeh, some of those pics are a little old as some of them have a floor count in the low 30's ... except that last one (the really cool market street canyon shot) appears to show 37 finished floors, working on 38.

I know its been said before but I still can't get over how big Commerce Square looks now that it has some context. I never really liked Commerce Square I and II even when they were just completed. Might have liked the building more if there was just one of them. But man, it looks massive with Murano next to it. Those floors must be enormous.

[phillyskyline]

The successful design of this building has me convinced we need more round highrises in Philly, to compliment all the tall boxes & spire scrapers we have.

[Plompy Lfeata]

not be pushy or anything, but one thing i am looking for in this tower is how much of commerce square it covers up. i would appreciate it of someone could hop down there and snap some pictures. im not demanding it or anything, it would just be nice.

[JMininger]

not be pushy or anything, but one thing i am looking for in this tower is how much of commerce square it covers up. i would appreciate it of someone could hop down there and snap some pictures. im not demanding it or anything, it would just be nice.

?? I think the photos that have been posted do a pretty good job. Of course, you could always checkout www.phillyskyline.com where gio has a growing collection of Murano pics.

Murano appears to take up less than half the distance from market to jfk, while Commerce takes up that entire distance from market to jfk. Murano will also be noticeably shorter when topped out. So, I think the answer is that from most angles, Murano will not cover up much of Commerce Square at all. To me, that is somewhat disappointing but no doubt that Murano is an attractive building.

[CondoGuru]

Somewhat striking is how despite the fact that Murano is one the tallest residential buildings in Philadelphia, it has very little impact when standing next to Commerce Square. I still love this building and think it's sexy as hell, but consequently it ends up highlighting the mass of the Commerce twins which I never before considered all that big. Perhaps if it was in a different location, its 43 stories would look much more dramatic. Nonetheless, it is damn fine lookin bookend!

[PhillyRising]

Somewhat striking is how despite the fact that Murano is one the tallest residential buildings in Philadelphia, it has very little impact when standing next to Commerce Square. I still love this building and think it's sexy as hell, but consequently it ends up highlighting the mass of the Commerce twins which I never before considered all that big. Perhaps if it was in a different location, its 43 stories would look much more dramatic. Nonetheless, it is damn fine lookin bookend!

Commerce Square is over 560 feet tall.....many cities would kill just to have buildings that tall! I still wonder if the first Commerce Square twin building beat Liberty 1 at breaking the height barrier as i can remember seeing it on the skyline before 1LP really took off looming over everything in town

[JMininger]

Commerce Square is over 560 feet tall.....many cities would kill just to have buildings that tall! I still wonder if the first Commerce Square twin building beat Liberty 1 at breaking the height barrier as i can remember seeing it on the skyline before 1LP really took off looming over everything in town

True, but how many of them have 6 million + in their metro area?

I think the girth, design, and neighbors to the east make Commerce Square seem more "squat" than they really are.

Good question about Liberty 1 ... I lived in Philly around that time but I can't really remember, with all the tall buildings built within, I think, a span of about 5 years. I am guessing that since Liberty 1 and One Commerce were both completed in the same year that Liberty 1 with its height difference would have had to top Penn first.

[apetrella802]

LP1 was built from 1985-87 and first occupied in November 1987, one Commerce Sq was also completed in 1987, two commerce sq in 1992

[slow-v6]

I dont have a problem with Commerce Square.. I have always like those towers.. Now with Murano there I Think they look even better and alot taller looking too!! Murano has that effect on Buildings..

[Lincolndrive]

8/4

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/100_2722.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/100_2720.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/100_2714.jpg

[blart]

From a hazy, cloudy Monday 8/6:


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w59/blart215/P1010870.jpg


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w59/blart215/P1010871.jpg


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w59/blart215/P1010872.jpg

[russbaseball]

up to the 40th today!!!

[JMininger]

up to the 40th today!!!

Eh?? I'm a little confused. The pool is on the 6th floor. Looking at the photos, there are 4 floors between each concrete "band". I see 7 complete sets of 4 above the 6th floor plus 3 or so floors completed at the top. So that puts it at 6 + (7X4) + 3 = 37 floors. When completed it should have 9 sets of 4 plus the 6 at the bottom for a total of 42. What am I missing here? Of course, I am only looking at the photos and not seeing the building in person but in every photo I see that they have completed only 31 floors above the 6 floor "amenities" floor.

[russbaseball]

ugh i think i was off one so 39.. i have a nice view of it across the st. they did just start the next floor so you prob cant see it in the photos.

[sjones]

if this building was solo like the St James it would definitely look taller. Office buildings have higher floor heights and it really shows when you have one next to a condo tower like this. In addition, the footprint of commerce square seems huge compared the narrow Murano. At least the Murano is at the edge of the CBD so it can be seen from many angles. Unfortunately its too short to really be noticed from far away.

[Rufus]

Yeah, but it'll be just 90 feet shorter than Commerce Square once it's completed. I think a lot of people will be surprised by what a difference it'll make to the skyline.

Hmm... my almanac says the Commerce Square twins are 572 ft., not 565ft.:shrug:

[Swinefeld]

I thought I'd take some pics from the south, since there are too many done from that angle. So...

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Aug07_01.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Aug07_02.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Aug07_03.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Aug07_04.jpg

[russbaseball]

they started painting the first 5 or so floors. looks good. looks like a light grey or white. ill have to take a closer look on lunch.

[CondoGuru]

I haven't noticed any painting on the actual tower itself quite yet. However the garage appears to have been pre-treated with an off-white glazing that will probably match the treatment that the exposed concrete on the tower will get.

[CondoGuru]

I stand corrected. It does look like they're experimenting with colors on the Market Street side. It looks like a white/light grey color...interesting...

[drgoogle]

PICTUES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana:

I stand corrected. It does look like they're experimenting with colors on the Market Street side. It looks like a white/light grey color...interesting...

[williamphilapa]

geez...Murano is almost topped out.

[pentopaper50]

I heard they just sold one of the round units on the 18th floor for over $1M! I guess the housing crunch hasn't hit Murano.

[Ltrain]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/dvmaprezson/IMGP7035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/dvmaprezson/IMGP7036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/dvmaprezson/IMGP7080.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/dvmaprezson/IMGP7086.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/dvmaprezson/IMGP7087.jpg

A few random pics of Murano from me and the girlfriends venture into the city yesterday.

[fourdram]

Does anyone have accurate sales figures for the Murano?

[Seely32]

This buidling is flying I Hope the paint compliments this building well.

[alexpasch]

I heard they just sold one of the round units on the 18th floor for over $1M! I guess the housing crunch hasn't hit Murano.

That sounds a tad high...

1mm/1409 sq ft = $709 / sq ft (keep in mind that you said over 1 mm and this is just 1 mm)

If you're correct, then I got my 1 br unit on the 17th floor for quite the bargain ( $525 / sq ft) Even if I were to add in the price of the parking space to the price of the condo and divide by the number of sq ft I only get $586 / sq ft...

Philadelphia never saw the bubble other places saw, so it is very unlikely to experience a big depreciation (eg. compare to FL and CA)

Nevertheless, I do hope you're right, cuz that would mean I've already realized a pretty nice return. :)

[16520Man]

I heard they just sold one of the round units on the 18th floor for over $1M! I guess the housing crunch hasn't hit Murano.

Back in July 2006, the round unit on the 24th floor facing SW was $856K. Now the 18th is six figures!? Pays to buy early!

[drgoogle]

I bought mine back in early 2006 and so I am glad I did. I only wish I had bought a bigger unit (more profits!) This building is a great investment and is priced very accurately. Hence, sales will be robust. That said, anyone have recent figures? I imagine this thing may be ready by April 2008 (per the sales lady a while back)



That sounds a tad high...

1mm/1409 sq ft = $709 / sq ft (keep in mind that you said over 1 mm and this is just 1 mm)

If you're correct, then I got my 1 br unit on the 17th floor for quite the bargain ( $525 / sq ft) Even if I were to add in the price of the parking space to the price of the condo and divide by the number of sq ft I only get $586 / sq ft...

Philadelphia never saw the bubble other places saw, so it is very unlikely to experience a big depreciation (eg. compare to FL and CA)

Nevertheless, I do hope you're right, cuz that would mean I've already realized a pretty nice return. :)

[alexpasch]

I bought mine back in early 2006 and so I am glad I did. I only wish I had bought a bigger unit (more profits!) This building is a great investment and is priced very accurately. Hence, sales will be robust. That said, anyone have recent figures? I imagine this thing may be ready by April 2008 (per the sales lady a while back)

I bought mine back in early May 2007. The prices were increased at the end of May (so I made it just in time lol), at least that's what the sales lady said. She said depending on the model they would increase prices from 1 to 5%. I got the lowest unit left of my model, and that was on the 17th floor, there weren't very many of my model left, so it's likely my unit is at least 4% higher right now. That's still nowhere near $700 / sq ft though...

I agree that, in general, the units are priced very accurately and should provide a healthy return a few years from now, but in my opinion that varies somewhat across floor/model.

Do you have a 1 or 2 br?

[drgoogle]

i bought a 1BR on a very low floor, albeit not the 2nd floor. I consider it a steal now at about $500/qft.


I bought mine back in early May 2007. The prices were increased at the end of May (so I made it just in time lol), at least that's what the sales lady said. She said depending on the model they would increase prices from 1 to 5%. I got the lowest unit left of my model, and that was on the 17th floor, there weren't very many of my model left, so it's likely my unit is at least 4% higher right now. That's still nowhere near $700 / sq ft though...

I agree that, in general, the units are priced very accurately and should provide a healthy return a few years from now, but in my opinion that varies somewhat across floor/model.

Do you have a 1 or 2 br?

[16520Man]

From Schuylkill East:
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m233/kvoigtiv/08-18-0701.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m233/kvoigtiv/08-18-0702.jpg

From Trader Joe's parking lot, casting a shadow on Commerce 2:
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m233/kvoigtiv/08-18-0703.jpg

My best shot of the painted panels:
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m233/kvoigtiv/08-18-0704.jpg

[philliesphinest]

Paint looks good! Just wonder how often it will need to be painted and the cost.

[CondoGuru]

From my understanding, it's not a typical paint job as you or I would paint our houses. It's a glazing process that seals and bonds the paint to the concrete for just that very reason...weathering, natural elements, etc... they use this process so they don't have to go back and repaint the building repeatedly. What we're seeing right now is probably just experimentation with colors. Does anyone here have a more detailed understanding of this glazing treatment?

[The A Train]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/ajgladstone/Comcast/murano_20070822.jpg

[TheMeltyMan]

Nice 76 gridlock shot.

[pentopaper50]

From my understanding, it's not a typical paint job as you or I would paint our houses. It's a glazing process that seals and bonds the paint to the concrete for just that very reason...weathering, natural elements, etc... they use this process so they don't have to go back and repaint the building repeatedly. What we're seeing right now is probably just experimentation with colors. Does anyone here have a more detailed understanding of this glazing treatment?


I think they use a really big brush.

[skellergroup]

Does anybody know how large the crown is on this guy?

I feel like this building is going to end up shorter than I thought, but perhaps the crown may change that?

[bryson662001]

Does anybody know how large the crown is on this guy?

I feel like this building is going to end up shorter than I thought, but perhaps the crown may change that?....
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/605/1366584954508ge.jpg
...

[MJPhilly]

Last night from South Street Bridge:

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-01.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-02.jpg

[Pinoy2.0]

n-i-c-e night shot there MJ. How's the south street bridge coming along?

[MJPhilly]

I was there again last night and today. I can't tell that they're even doing anything to the bridge. The north side is still closed, south side seems the same. Do you know where I'm supposed to be looking?

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-03.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-07.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-06.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-04.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-05.jpg

[pentopaper50]

I was there again last night and today. I can't tell that they're even doing anything to the bridge. The north side is still closed, south side seems the same. Do you know where I'm supposed to be looking?

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-03.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-07.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-06.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-04.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-05.jpg



WOW!!! That is a beautiful skyline! Go Philadelphia! Murano and Comcast are perfectly complementary, and both are great additions to the city.

[Pinoy2.0]

that last shot looks like something out of a cartoon, it's awesome.

[Swinefeld]

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-03.jpg
http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/projects/construction/murano/images/0708-05.jpg

:tup:

[Seely32]

How close is this building to being topped out.

[JMininger]

How close is this building to being topped out.

Looks like they are working on the last floor. In addition, there will be a crown that appears to me to be roughly the same height as about 2.5 to 3 floors.

[volguus zildrohar]

August 28

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/84722116.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/84722119.jpg

[Wheelingman04]

What an amazing skyline!!

[truebeliever]

Great photos!

Has anyone heard anything new about use of groundfloor retail space? I'm really hoping at least part of it is used for something that would promote a sense of community like a cafe, coffee house, small restaurant, etc. Perhaps giving such a tenant some sort of break on the lease would make it more feasible for these kind of businesses. I'm not in the real estate business but I think this would add to the attractiveness of the building for potential buyers as well the value for the developers.

[babybackribs2314]

Looking good! :tup:

A few months ago when they were around 20 floors I was getting worried that it would look fairly puny, however, it definitely doesn't... the design isn't phenomenal, but it's nice, and it'll make Philly have an even better skyline. :notacrook:

[Plompy Lfeata]

babybackribs2314
Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 126


Looking good!

A few months ago when they were around 20 floors I was getting worried that it would look fairly puny, however, it definitely doesn't... the design isn't phenomenal, but it's nice, and it'll make Philly have an even better skyline.


i am loving the height of this one! i also thaught it would be to short to look good next to commerce. it fits next to it perfectly, in fact i think it would look bad if it were taller.

[Rufus]

i am loving the height of this one! i also thaught it would be to short to look good next to commerce. it fits next to it perfectly, in fact i think it would look bad if it were taller.

Yep. I knew I was right.

[marcus]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/1296530365_5f82b39a89_o.jpg
http://flickr.com/photos/fenbranklin/1296530365/?addedcomment=1#comment72157601804950782

from flickr, today

This building is incredible! Great facade!

[Swinefeld]

A new crop of photos from this weekend.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano0907_01.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano0907_02.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano0907_03.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano0907_05.jpg

[Muji]

What a beaut.

[theWatusi]

Once this thing is painted it will look great. Not that it doesnt already though.

[JMininger]

That is a great looking building. I'm impressed.

[alexpasch]

Once this thing is painted it will look great. Not that it doesnt already though.

I hope they paint it a lighter color than what they experimented with on the bottom 2 or so floors...it seems too gray/dull a color...I think a lighter/whiter shade would add more contrast between the windows and the rest of the building...a la St. James (thought maybe not that light/white, but you get the idea...)

[GarCastle]

More photos while the site was having maintenance:
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/454/dscn0570zz9.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/777/dscn0573bxl0.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7904/dscn0575xt4.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2153/dscn0576sp0.jpg

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/9623/dscn0577ct5.jpg

No animals were hurt during the shooting of these shots:
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/628/dscn0571oq8.jpg
Poor guy was just trying to get a last smoke in while obeying the 20 feet from any doorway law...

[russbaseball]

niccccce shots!

[Swinefeld]

Ah, the ever popular Flat Rat®. Nice update. :tup:

[drgoogle]

this photo shows that the building is not as short as we initially thought it would be....unless ofcourse you consider commerce short.


http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/9623/dscn0577ct5.jpg

[Ghost]

A new crop of photos from this weekend.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano0907_05.jpg
Whoah! What an amazing shot! Great building this.

[VA_Gentleman]

The Murano looks a lot taller than I thought it would be. It has presence within the skyline that I wasn't expecting.

[phillyskyline]

I can't wait to see the final product!

[theWatusi]

Front page ad on the inky RE section yesterday claiming the Murano was "Built to the top"

[philliesphinest]

Does anyone know if they decided on a color for the concrete. Also does anyone have any new photos of the garage?:yuck:

[Wheelingman04]

Those skyline shots are incredible!!!!!!!

[Swinefeld]

Time for an update!!

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuranoSept07_01.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuranoSept07_09.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuranoSept07_11.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuranoSept07_02.jpg

[TechTalkGuy]

Excellent job, Swinefeld! :tup:

[The Cheat]

Are they working on the top mechanical floor now? It looks like the columns at the top are about twice as tall as those on the floors below.

[bryson662001]

Coincidence......or conspiracy?

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/bryson662001/MuranoSept07_11.jpg

[blart]

Tues. 9-18
I still think the garage is ugly as sin.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w59/blart215/P1020044.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w59/blart215/P1020046.jpg

[JMininger]

Tues. 9-18
I still think the garage is ugly as sin.


Well, it looks EXACTLY the same as a few hundred parking decks around the country. I can think of at least 4 parking decks where I live that look just like it. They built the Lego version. I am sure it was much cheaper this way.

The tower looks great though. I'm sure the view from my old haunt at 31st and Market is much improved.

[Pinoy2.0]

They should cover the parking garage with vine. I was just in Miami and I liked that.

[blart]

I agree that the garage looks just like most others, and that's why it's a shame; the Murano is so distinctive, it deserves much better than that cheap looking box they shoved up against it. Something that actually related to the design of the tower would have been nice, Especially considering this is luxury housing.

[bryson662001]

It's clean and simple and doesn't offend me. It could have been much worse.

[drgoogle]

ugh, the garage is not finished. simply goto the model in the sales office to see the finished product. they still have ways to go with the garage, streetscape, concrete color, and building interiors. patience!


It's clean and simple and doesn't offend me. It could have been much worse.

[PhillyRising]

It's clean and simple and doesn't offend me. It could have been much worse.


...and it's behind the building where is does the least offense to the design of the tower.

[bryson662001]

ugh, the garage is not finished. simply goto the model in the sales office to see the finished product. they still have ways to go with the garage, streetscape, concrete color, and building interiors. patience!

Easier said then done. Can't you give us a hint? Are they going to enclose or otherwise "decorate" the garage?

[JMininger]

Easier said then done. Can't you give us a hint? Are they going to enclose or otherwise "decorate" the garage?

Yes, they are going to put a dress on it. I still say at the end of the day ... it will be what we thought it was!!

[JMininger]

...and it's behind the building where is does the least offense to the design of the tower.

Sure, if you're on Market Street.

Should rename JFK Blvd to JFK really effin big Alley!

Yes, I know it doesn't empty directly onto JFK ... but it might as well since that's about how much attention it gets.

[drgoogle]

Basically, they are going to accent the garage with this metallic-gold covering. Obviously its not going to dramatically change what you see now but it will be an honest improvement.

Easier said then done. Can't you give us a hint? Are they going to enclose or otherwise "decorate" the garage?

[CondoGuru]

Metallic gold??? Yikes, that doesn't sound good. Gold would be a little too Las Vegas on a building that looks far more Miami.

[Seely32]

I could see the gold and blue clashing alot, good thing the garage isnt any bigger.

[VA_Gentleman]

They should cover the parking garage with vine. I was just in Miami and I liked that.

I agree. When i was in South Beach a couple of years back I saw a regular concrete garage covered in ivy and it looked fantastic. It made it look vastly less cheap.

[looper121]

Give it time! There may be more to see before passing judgment on this effing garage!

[TechTalkGuy]

Personally, I like the garage!

I do not see anything wrong with it.

Speaking of which, show me a photo of a garage that you like better - please!

The all-white look is quite sharp (then again, my computer is white). :D

[Pinoy2.0]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Miami/Miami067.jpg

or

http://www.lakeviewstudios.com/photos/albanyscenes/large/modernArchitectureParkingGarage.jpg

or that funky one in UC...I can't explain it well besides it looks like a star trek turd. Basically I like anything that's not a normal parking garage/eyesore.

[DIESELPOLO]

^^ thats the green parking garage in miami that i've been looking for all this time! the street right behind ocean drive (washington or collins ave?). it was incredible. stores on the bottom and a crazy design, you can't even tell its a garage! so awesome.

[Ltrain]

That parking garage is in GTA: Vice City.