Quote:
Originally Posted by Philly-Drew
You're not the only one who thought/thinks that Liberty 1 was the first to break the gentlemen's agreement about being taller than City Hall. I also thought that there was quite the controversy about Liberty 1 breaking it, even back in the day. So, before we actually go in record, we better figure that out.
apetrella, can you comment on this? You were, after all, the photographer of these pics.
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Philly-Drew, back in the late 60's, early 70's, there was a proposal for a skyscraper that would break the height limit. The location was where Centre Square now stands (15th & Market). If my memory serves me, (which is not good at all), I think(maybe)was the same developer who changed the design to make Centre Square a twin. (as it is now). ALSO.....around the same time, the Philadelphia Bulletin (newspaper) had a FULL PAGE AD of a development proposed on the Ben Franklin Parkway. It was an apartment, hotel? and the design also topped Billy Penn's Hat. It was a "stepped" design, it really looked cool. But I think that's where all the hoopla started (nimbyism), and they created a height barrier of 250 feet, and so many feet in. Maybe someone like Bryson, or another moderator can elaborate on this? I wished I had saved those newspaper articles! Another side note: Mellon Center, when first proposed was supposed to be 6 more stories higher. But Mellon decided to cut those floors (I guess Mellon only could spend so much, HA!) It would have looked as tall, if not taller than One Liberty, because the spire would have made One Liberty the winner. AND LASTLY, there was a Hyatt Hotel with a revolving restaurant proposed where 2000 Market stands today, or very close to that same site. Oh well....
PS: Apetrella, that was wonderful to watch the progress of One Liberty. I used to watch Brad's site everyday. I just put 2 + 2 together. I thought Brad had taken those shots. Nice Job!