All we need is Multi Billionaire dollar Middle Eastern prince that has something to prove.

Nothing says "where freedom began" like a wealthy Arab prince.

:koko:

Delusion of Grandeur
:haha:

Shoot, why don't we just build a space elevator?

...to Mars, so that we can claim it for Philadelphia. Then Cap the whole planet and create an artificial atmosphere. Then urbanize the entire planet....since money is no object.

I already suggested that for this building (or at least attempted to start an unfounded rumor to that effect).

Ambitions are so low around here. I won't respect Philadelphia until they finally put a 10,000 footer in the Andromeda Galaxy.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/...-lot/77987110/

Brandywine continues selling spree.

Brandywine sells 1.6-acre surface parking lot in Downtown Wilmington to JPMorgan Chase for $6.5M.

Is that good or bad?

Think it's just a continuation of Brandywine selling off assets in order to fund their super duper top secret skyscraper plans.

I agree, this parking lot sale is relative small potatoes considering they just made over $350 mil off the IRS building. I think it's clear they are selling off pieces in order to further new developments in Philadelphia.

On a side note, this is finally some good news for Wilmington. That parking lot has sat vacant for over a decade, but the whole time has had a big sign with a rendering of a fabulous mini-Cira Centre type tower for Wilmington (which of course never came to fruition). I always thought it was just another example of Wilmington's decline ...how that sign wasted away ...year after year....never to be built.

But - since Chase already has 2 buildings here, and is adding some 1800 jobs to the area, it looks like #3 will finally be built.

[IMG]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/...1456ee6c_c.jpgIMG_0156

[IMG]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/...34fa5526_c.jpgIMG_0157

They're looking to invest a ton of money into Philadelphia. They're likely selling off assets to prepare for new construction. Word is we'll here more about Cira II next year. :shrug:

So you mean next week? :rolleyes:

It could be as early as a few days if we're fortunate! :tup:

Agree. That's what I was getting at but didn't explicitly state it.

The only reason JPMorgan Chase has been buying up the buildings it leases from Brandywine is because new IRS tax laws make it more appealing for corporations to own, rather than lease buildings. I agree Chase wouldn't buy this surface lot unless it was planning to finally develop this Pelli-designed tower (or something else, I suppose) as part of its employment expansion. We can all look forward to more frequent Philly-Wilmington SEPTA express trains in conjunction with that expansion as well.

Brandywine has been wanting to exit the entire Delaware market for a few years now, but that is more a reflection of their larger strategy than it is a commentary on Wilmington. 2016 is shaping up to be a huge year for Wilmington. Lots of really big news on the way.

who else could be potential tenant for Cira 2? I think they really need to look outside the region. Most major CC employers have already made their decisions on relocation. Most of the old school suburban employers (I.e. vanguard and the like) aren't going to give up on sprawling office parks.

ACE Insurance. They are too big for their current building near 500 Walnut. If they moved wholly they could take up a whole Cira II.

interesting. i remember when they moved to their current location years back. Philly has snagged a few small and medium sized firms from the burbs in recent years. Hopefully we can get a big one soon. It shouldnt be that hard when you can offer space in a tower with generous state provided tax breaks.

That and transportation cannot get much better than a few steps off 30th street station and the subway. Such a prime location. :cheers:

Other one being 8th and Market. :shrug: