PHILADELPHIA | The Murano | 475 FT / 145 M | 42 FLOORS [Archive] - Page 14

Johnland

Nov 13, 2007, 1:30 AM

Hi everyone,
We are original purchasers @ Murano (when budget rent a car was still on that site - November,2005). We bought on the 31st floor, and are planning a hard hat tour soon. I've been watching your comments since the summer, and thought it would be fun to join in. The pictures on this site are great! so thanks for sharing. How many are going to be our neighbors among those commenting out here? I thought that the sales folks mentioned they were going to bring us all together at one point, but that was long ago. My husband and I are anxiously looking forward to a new life style in the city and especially at the Murano. We were told recently our move in is to be late summer 2008.

On the flip side, it is really slow going trying to sell our house in Chester county, so we can use this time. Anyone know someone looking for a bargain in the burbs :)?

Wow. Congratulations on your purchase. I was just looking at the Murano website. Not only is the music really, really good, but the floorplans looked great. I like to look at floorplans for new houses and condos. It seems they made the Murano units different than your average new condo. They appeared more interesting. Maybe you can offer first hand observations on that.

It was just for fun to look. I live in Tampa, but would love to make the switch to a more urban area like Philly.

Philly-Drew

Nov 13, 2007, 2:23 AM

caynkaren

Nov 14, 2007, 1:25 AM

Hi caynkaren. Good luck with your new purchase! I think it is so exciting that you are moving into this building! :tup: I’d really like to move into a high rise like this but my wife and I are very happy with a little colonial in Northern Liberties. But I still can’t take my eyes away from this building every day when I drive back into town along West River Drive. What direction is your view? Please do tell. I think that the western view from this building will be awesome!

Thank you for your well wishes. Our view will be boat-house row and art museum. It should be spectacular, and we simply can't wait to see it! I'm going to try to schedule a walk-through for some day next week. Everyone who knows we're moving here mentions each time they see this building while driving by. It really is eye catching as you indicate.

Evergrey

Nov 15, 2007, 3:59 AM

I was just looking at the Murano website. The music is really, really good.

Agreed. It's incredible. :banana:

skellergroup

Nov 15, 2007, 12:38 PM

There is some kind of rafter installed on the crown. I guess it won't be glass?

Hard to tell from ground level, when I walked by this am.

CondoGuru

Nov 20, 2007, 6:02 PM

They were using the crane to lift the cooling towers on top of the building yesterday. It doesn't look like they even need the crane much more at this point.

FastFerrari82

Nov 20, 2007, 10:31 PM

Nice! Seems to be a simple but stylish look for the this building but adds curves to the skyline. Nice addition!:cool:

Don098

Nov 23, 2007, 9:19 AM

Anyone have new pics?

Palms

Nov 24, 2007, 12:25 AM

Philadelphia Magazine did an in-depth investigation of the past and future of the porn theater still hanging across from the Murano. Excellent read especially for those who are going to be moving here.

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/departments_city_journal_the_last_porn_palace/page1

drgoogle

Nov 24, 2007, 7:43 AM

wow, great investigative material. in short, looks like The Forums will either be
a) put out of business soon or
b) re-developed for high-end stuff by the owner soon or
c) sold to a real estate developer soon.

I like any of those options. I could go for some retail!

Philadelphia Magazine did an in-depth investigation of the past and future of the porn theater still hanging across from the Murano. Excellent read especially for those who are going to be moving here.

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/departments_city_journal_the_last_porn_palace/page1

Lincolndrive

Nov 25, 2007, 6:49 PM

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/IMG_0604.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/IMG_0605.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/IMG_0607.jpg

BigDan35

Nov 25, 2007, 9:41 PM

^^ I hope that isn't the finishing touch to the crown. I want to see more. Also...still waiting for the white paint.

banned

Nov 25, 2007, 10:26 PM

I was in town this weekend, and boy, is the Murano a sharp looking tower.

drgoogle

Nov 26, 2007, 6:02 AM

i called the sales office and they said move-in may get pushed to the summer, meaning June/July. I wouldnt be suprised if there are delays.

^^ I hope that isn't the finishing touch to the crown. I want to see more. Also...still waiting for the white paint.

volguus zildrohar

Nov 28, 2007, 5:32 AM

Dirty old man porn next door to Chinese chicken wings. Somebody thinks Center City could do without such a power combo? I remember the building that used to occupy the parking lot next door to The Forum - it was a white building that house something called "Vampire". Whatever it was...probably best left in the past.

November 25

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/89592923.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/89592925.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/89592928/original.jpg

CondoGuru

Nov 28, 2007, 6:18 PM

That last pic looks like it has all its glass up now.

Parkway

Nov 28, 2007, 8:10 PM

The crane is gone from that last one too, when did that happen?

edsas

Nov 28, 2007, 8:25 PM

The new Philly skyline is just so mesmerizing. :tup:

CondoGuru

Nov 28, 2007, 10:00 PM

They've already started taking the crane down, which is why you can't see it in that last pic.

volguus zildrohar

Nov 29, 2007, 2:31 AM

I Photoshopped the last one for kicks. Not usually my style but what the hell.

phillyskyline

Nov 29, 2007, 5:59 PM

Does anyone have Photoshop skills to show where 10 Rittenhouse & 1706 would be in VZ's last pic?

dingiswayo

Nov 29, 2007, 7:28 PM

1706 would not be seen in VZ's photo (it would be off to the right). 10 Rittenhouse would be visible between Liberty 2 and the Rittenhouse hotel (white building at an oblique angle).

Wheelingman04

Nov 29, 2007, 10:04 PM

That is one badass skyline.

RayZ

Nov 30, 2007, 3:27 AM

The construction crane has been lowered to about the 40th floor.

All glass in on northern side (except for where the crane is still attached to the building.

giamomj

Dec 1, 2007, 3:36 PM

Yeah....what a difference that has made - the crane going down. And the "crown's" horizontal aluminum (?) grid around the top - now just lately installed - is really beautiful. The building is still totally dark at night (as is the crown for Comcast) but wehn the Murano floors finally "light up" that whole dark area will come alive.

gia

:notacrook:

CondoGuru

Dec 5, 2007, 4:40 PM

It looks like the crane is down to the 34th floor now, but has stayed there for several days. Perhaps the windy weather has slowed the dismantling process.

Plompy Lfeata

Dec 5, 2007, 9:12 PM

if the crown is finished and the crane is down, i bet alot of people who never get into philly would love some pics of it, so if anyone has the chance to stop by and shot some so i can see the finished product (except for the paint, right?) id appreciate it!

CondoGuru

Dec 6, 2007, 4:12 PM

The crown is finished structurally, but they still have yet to install the ornamental apron that's supposed to wrap around that crown.

Plompy Lfeata

Dec 6, 2007, 9:30 PM

oh, ok, when thats done, some pics would be good then.
idk if anyone said before, but will there be a lighting scheme? maybe something playing off the crown or something..

Muji

Dec 10, 2007, 1:45 AM

I didn't get any pictures, but it looks like they've installed a screen over the garage facing 21st street. It doesn't look very good at all IMO...

russbaseball

Dec 14, 2007, 8:49 PM

some new pics from today. check out the screen on the garage. i hope they do more with the crown and grow ivy on this garage or somethng...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/philly.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/murano_5.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/murano_4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/murano_3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/murano_2-2.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n72/russbaseball/murano-3.jpg

Lincolndrive

Dec 14, 2007, 9:56 PM

Pinoy2.0

Dec 14, 2007, 10:38 PM

Oh yeah, ivy baby! (i hope)

...is the top done? i thought it was going to be "filled in" like the smaller "center piece" on the west side

BigDan35

Dec 14, 2007, 11:29 PM

Yea, I hope the top isn't finished yet. I was thinking there would be some sort of glass up there, instead of just steel grating or whatever those panel-type things are up there. Also, when will those 2 spaces where the plywood is be filled in. And is this still scheduled to be painted white? I remember some people saying that the sales office mentioned it would be painted white. But I would think it would have been started by now?

drgoogle

Dec 15, 2007, 3:13 AM

ofcourse they will paint the building white. and ofcourse that plywood will become windows. patience.

the garage screen does not look good. however, it now looks much more similar to the model in the showroom. If i'm not mistaken, they will add some gold flare to this screen as well. Ivy would make this think look better. Someone should tell them that.

Also, when will those 2 spaces where the plywood is be filled in. And is this still scheduled to be painted white? I remember some people saying that the sales office mentioned it would be painted white. But I would think it would have been started by now?

pentopaper50

Dec 15, 2007, 3:33 AM

Does anyone know if a screen like this is needed before putting up ivy? Man, I truly hope they do more with the garage than this ridiculous screen. Green ivy would complement all the green flora on the other side of JFK.

VA_Gentleman

Dec 15, 2007, 4:20 AM

In Russbaseball's second picture, what is with the one floor that has miniature sized balcony railings(second from top)?

BigDan35

Dec 15, 2007, 4:39 AM

In Russbaseball's second picture, what is with the one floor that has miniature sized balcony railings(second from top)?

It's for the midgets that will occupy that specific floor.

16520Man

Dec 16, 2007, 7:48 PM

Taken from the top of the museum steps to extrapolate the view:

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m233/kvoigtiv/Muranofrommuseum.jpg

DIESELPOLO

Dec 17, 2007, 2:03 AM

i was gonna say, if they're using the screen to plant ivy on it, that would be sooooo beautiful and if they had LED lights embedded in the screen and it sparkled behind the foliage at night...

Zoot

Dec 23, 2007, 5:25 PM

I am a big fan of ivy and its ability to hide an ugly building....but everyone must keep in mind that ivy becomes a haven for rats and other rodents! Although the area is pretty desolate at night, I am not sure the Murano residents will welcome the influx of rodent neighbors.

pentopaper50

Dec 23, 2007, 7:04 PM

What about astroturf or a giant mural in lieu of ivy? ;-)

I sure hope they do something with this garage -- flags, banners, trees, christmas lights, whatever. Doesn't the architect have any professional pride after designing such an amazing tower? The garage is like an ugly wart on an otherwise flawless building. I know it's just a garage and all, but it's the most visible garage in all of Philadelphia, especially from the door to the city -- 30th St. Station. They have to a better job with this.

pentopaper50

Dec 23, 2007, 7:07 PM

What about astroturf in lieu of ivy? ;-)

I sure hope they do something with this garage -- flags, banners, trees, christmas lights, whatever. Doesn't the architect have any professional pride after designing such an amazing tower? The garage is like an ugly wart on an otherwise flawless building.

drgoogle

Dec 24, 2007, 3:21 AM

relax, you only park your car there.

What about astroturf in lieu of ivy? ;-)

I sure hope they do something with this garage -- flags, banners, trees, christmas lights, whatever. Doesn't the architect have any professional pride after designing such an amazing tower? The garage is like an ugly wart on an otherwise flawless building.

bucks native

Dec 24, 2007, 7:17 AM

relax, you only park your car there.

NO, you don't ONLY have to park your car there - you have to SEE it when you pass by. It also shows up in photos of the building - though not in Murano's marketing material. And its bland, thoughtless, and cheap appearance is all the more striking because it sits on a major city thoroughfare beside a beautiful new building.

pentopaper50

Dec 25, 2007, 4:45 AM

NO, you don't ONLY have to park your car there - you have to SEE it when you pass by. It also shows up in photos of the building - though not in Murano's marketing material. And its bland, thoughtless, and cheap appearance is all the more striking because it sits on a major city thoroughfare beside a beautiful new building.

I totally agree, Bucks. JFK is the most direct route from 30th St. Station to the heart of Center City, and as such, more thought needs to go into beautifying it. The grass and trees plated on the other side of JFK were a great start. Why doesn't Philadelphia understand that people do judge books by their covers? We have to stop cutting corners everywhere. Lighting, garages, greeny-- all these things add up.

drgoogle

Dec 25, 2007, 9:31 AM

You act like you don't know whats going to happen there. Just go and take a look at the sales model. Its been there for over a year now. I can understand other people being disapointed cause they are watching as it goes up, but you bought a unit and you are still confused?

Its a garage. It'll be very bland. Plans have not changed. Nobody, from what I can tell, has cut a single corner. These are the plans.

I totally agree, Bucks. JFK is the most direct route from 30th St. Station to the heart of Center City, and as such, more thought needs to go into beautifying it. The grass and trees plated on the other side of JFK were a great start. Why doesn't Philadelphia understand that people do judge books by their covers? We have to stop cutting corners everywhere. Lighting, garages, greeny-- all these things add up.

pentopaper50

Dec 26, 2007, 4:29 AM

You act like you don't know whats going to happen there. Just go and take a look at the sales model. Its been there for over a year now. I can understand other people being disapointed cause they are watching as it goes up, but you bought a unit and you are still confused?

Its a garage. It'll be very bland. Plans have not changed. Nobody, from what I can tell, has cut a single corner. These are the plans.

Doc -- of course I know the plans, but it doesn't mean I agree with them. Also, I participate in this blog as a relatively new Philadelphian with an interest in urban architecture, not as a future owner in the Murano, which is just one of several real estate interests I have in this city, NYC, D.C. and San Fran.

I think the Murano is a great addition to Philly but I do think the builders are missing an opportunity with this garage design. Why settle for a triple when you can hit a home run?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they do more than what's been shown so far. I would love for them to surprise us.

drgoogle

Dec 27, 2007, 7:14 AM

oh ok. i hope they add some sizzle as well but as a buyer, I cant crticize them for building what i saw in the model.

as an urban planner and aesthetic maniac, yeah, i could probably level some however.

Doc -- of course I know the plans, but it doesn't mean I agree with them. Also, I participate in this blog as a relatively new Philadelphian with an interest in urban architecture, not as a future owner in the Murano, which is just one of several real estate interests I have in this city, NYC, D.C. and San Fran.

I think the Murano is a great addition to Philly but I do think the builders are missing an opportunity with this garage design. Why settle for a triple when you can hit a home run?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they do more than what's been shown so far. I would love for them to surprise us.

Swinefeld

Jan 2, 2008, 3:50 AM

Jan 1, 2008

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuranoCC.jpg http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/MuRANOJan08_01.jpg

philliesphinest

Jan 2, 2008, 4:58 PM

I guess the concrete work on the crown is done? I was hoping that it would be as high all the way around.

phillyskyline

Jan 2, 2008, 7:08 PM

Thanx for the update Swiney!

stampy88

Jan 6, 2008, 12:39 AM

Is the exterior pretty much finished at this point? If so, anyone know when people are scheduled to start moving in? I realize that there may be a lot of interior work still to be done.

Seely32

Jan 6, 2008, 4:41 AM

They also have to paint, and I beleive there is some work to be done to the crown as the rendering would show.

pentopaper50

Jan 6, 2008, 5:20 AM

They also have to paint, and I beleive there is some work to be done to the crown as the rendering would show.

They also haven't closed up the building yet. Half of the east side is missing glass (the part directly in front of the contruction elevator), as is the ground floor.

sparkydan98

Jan 7, 2008, 11:53 PM

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2268/1919mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

blorkishdork

Jan 8, 2008, 12:17 AM

awesome take some more pics from up there while you're at it :).

Welcome and go cavaliers:P

SJPhillyBoy

Jan 8, 2008, 12:22 AM

cool photo sparkydan.

sparkydan98

Jan 8, 2008, 12:28 AM

HEY GUYS, been on the murano since fall 2006 the 3rd floor, this building is amazing, and i have had the privelage to work up on the top deck every step of the way. ABOVE IS ME ON 43 AND I WILL POST PICS OF THEM BUILDING THE CROWN OR TOILET BOWL AS WE LIKE TO CALL IT VERY SOON. a few things, the hoist will be taken down by the end of the month, because the elevators are currently up and running, the only reason the hoist are still up is because of large material delivery because the lack of crane. also the crown will be complete in about three weeks weather permiting, the ironworkers hate bitter cold wind while they weld, hey who doesnt!!! floors 2 through 25 will be livable by may. any questions?

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7520/2222lu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2457/1717xv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6240/2424ey5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pinoy2.0

Jan 8, 2008, 12:31 AM

Welcome SparkyDan. well this is a treat.

you know when they are painting it? Doubt it but, any lighting up top?

AWESOME pictures! How do you find to get work done when you're up there with that view and a camera?

SJPhillyBoy

Jan 8, 2008, 12:35 AM

Excellent info and excellent job building one of the most beautiful buildings in Philly...thanks.
any questions?

I have a question...When you are done working on the Murano, do you know if you will be scheduled to work on any future highrises in the city that are scheduled to start construction any time in the near future?

sparkydan98

Jan 8, 2008, 1:05 AM

i was unaware of nude sunbathing on rooftops untill last summer, unshure about paint but the crown will have back lighting ...here are a few more..

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4200/im001177wm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8646/im001169tg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/6437/im001168ij1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9890/im001176zd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sparkydan98

Jan 8, 2008, 1:12 AM

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/403/im001171ua5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3254/im001170fy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sparkydan98

Jan 8, 2008, 2:50 AM

Excellent info and excellent job building one of the most beautiful buildings in Philly...thanks.

I have a question...When you are done working on the Murano, do you know if you will be scheduled to work on any future highrises in the city that are scheduled to start construction any time in the near future?
i mean mandeville place and cira 2 are the big guys we are looking forward to working on now that comcast is done and the murano will be wraping up soon.
i think you will notice that the Schuylkill river side of the city will start to be lined with condos and various highrises, and on the delaware side sugar house will be out of court soon, once they do trump will build his highrise and slot palor, and more shall come. My foreman just bid on a job directly on the delaware, aparently it will be one of the most difficult highrises philly has built thus far(not the tallest) but bidding is still in process so no info yet...

pentopaper50

Jan 8, 2008, 4:24 AM

i mean mandeville place and cira 2 are the big guys we are looking forward to working on now that comcast is done and the murano will be wraping up soon.
i think you will notice that the Schuylkill river side of the city will start to be lined with condos and various highrises, and on the delaware side sugar house will be out of court soon, once they do trump will build his highrise and slot palor, and more shall come. My foreman just bid on a job directly on the delaware, aparently it will be one of the most difficult highrises philly has built thus far(not the tallest) but bidding is still in process so no info yet...

Sparkydan -- welcome! You are the best thing to happen to this forum in a long time. Now I'm even more jazzed about Murano!! Did the sales people put you up to this? ;-)

Also, any word on the garage? Any plans to improve the garage design further? Ivy? Plating? Grills? Thanks.

Very exciting about the crown lighting...

donybrx

Jan 8, 2008, 1:33 PM

i mean mandeville place and cira 2 are the big guys we are looking forward to working on now that comcast is done and the murano will be wraping up soon.
i think you will notice that the Schuylkill river side of the city will start to be lined with condos and various highrises, and on the delaware side sugar house will be out of court soon, once they do trump will build his highrise and slot palor, and more shall come. My foreman just bid on a job directly on the delaware, aparently it will be one of the most difficult highrises philly has built thus far(not the tallest) but bidding is still in process so no info yet...

Did you say....Mandeville Place?..... Speak to us, Rock Star!!!!

and thanks for all those photos + insider infos.......great stuff! :)

sparkydan98

Jan 8, 2008, 10:32 PM

i have nothing great to say about the parking garage, i know the trader joes side is the main entrance to the lobby and it will be built up with landscape and lighting, the 21st st side will have metal nesh and a few more things there still trying to work on. Number one priority is the first 25 flrs right now, pool, gym and sun deck which will be accessible from the 6th flr on top of the parking garage...

chex

Jan 8, 2008, 11:51 PM

nice view... nice tower...

CondoGuru

Jan 10, 2008, 4:02 PM

To get a sense of the quality of design and engineering that goes into a building like Murano, check out some pics of SCB's almost-completed One Rincon Hill in San Francisco.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=107919&page=57.

Rising 60 stories above San Francisco, you can definitely see the St. James and Murano pedigree in this tower. Let's hope we get some more unique buildings in Philadelphia like this one. Did I hear something about Mandeville Place???? Last I heard was Bedrock was shopping other developers to dump the land and plans to...maybe 1706 Ritt has given them renewed confidence???

vmx

Jan 11, 2008, 4:05 AM

yo, sparky... awesome updates,
nice pix as well...
pls, keep us informed of any contracts your union (if I understand correctly) :cool: wins for new construction in Philly...

giamomj

Jan 11, 2008, 5:42 PM

Does this mean Mandeville Place is not going to die on the vine - is that what you are saying? ALSO: Is there a timeframe on the physical start of the two new Cira 2 towers?

Man - you have got the gold, boy....! Keep those cards and letters comin'...!

Gia

:notacrook:

sparkydan98

Jan 13, 2008, 10:43 PM

ok ladies and gents,, i am bringing the camera in on monday to get some pics of the crown and some other stuff. gonna be a lil snowy but o well..

HAH mandeville place does not look good, also the barnes tower (ol best western) isnt quite looking great either, damn shadows. alot rides on the convention center expansion, which is on the way, and the casinos which is stuck in court.

cira south has broken ground in nov and i wouldnt be suprised if concrete will start pouring very soon. i will ask a few guys from madison this week, they have poured all of the murano. and the massive base of comcast (basement wall of comcast is just about 15ft thick, CRAZY HUH!).

Don098

Jan 23, 2008, 3:48 PM

Any updates?

tua21506

Jan 28, 2008, 10:15 PM

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1000709.jpg
I shot this today

Rufus

Jan 28, 2008, 11:07 PM

Fabulous.

Now what if they were to leave the concrete as is? That would be pretty cool.

skellergroup

Jan 28, 2008, 11:25 PM

I hope they start painting this thing.

Also, I'm looking forward to seeing the ground level of the building develop.

Pinoy2.0

Jan 29, 2008, 2:39 AM

nice crown!

Don098

Jan 29, 2008, 3:36 AM

So when is that god-awful independence blue cross billboard gonna come down? I can't imagine how pissed those residents on the 10-15th floors will be to look smack into the back of that crap.

bryson662001

Jan 29, 2008, 4:41 AM

So when is that god-awful independence blue cross billboard gonna come down? I can't imagine how pissed those residents on the 10-15th floors will be to look smack into the back of that crap.
Actually that is an advertisement for Murano. Choose blue?

Pinoy2.0

Jan 29, 2008, 4:42 AM

^better than surrounded by an aetna billboard and aetna building. i h.a.t.e. aetna with a passion. :)

sparkydan said the crown will have backlighting. sweet! i wonder when.

Pinoy2.0

Jan 29, 2008, 4:46 AM

I'm still curious about that parking garage iron mesh.

http://www.phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/murano_uc356.jpg

^PhillySkyLine (http://www.phillyskyline.com/bldgs/murano/i2.htm)

kraggman

Jan 29, 2008, 10:46 AM

So when is that god-awful independence blue cross billboard gonna come down? I can't imagine how pissed those residents on the 10-15th floors will be to look smack into the back of that crap.

Funny....that billboard seems to ruin every pic on this forum. :(

theWatusi

Jan 29, 2008, 11:51 AM

I'm still curious about that parking garage iron mesh.

I'd think they would plant some ivy or something. If that was not going to happen why spend the money on the mesh to begin with? It's not structurally necessary nor does it lend aesthetic value.

SJPhillyBoy

Jan 29, 2008, 1:36 PM

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1000709.jpg
I shot this today
tua21506, thanks for sharing this photo and your other photos on the other Philly threads.

This building is just as beautiful as the renderings. It has actaully turned out nicer than the renderings. You can't say that about a lot of buildings. It is simply gorgeous. What a fabulous addition to the skyline.

bucks native

Jan 31, 2008, 1:08 AM

JMininger

Jan 31, 2008, 6:01 AM

I'd think they would plant some ivy or something. If that was not going to happen why spend the money on the mesh to begin with? It's not structurally necessary nor does it lend aesthetic value.

You might be right about the ivy. If it is true, we may not know for a few months. Tough to plant anything in January.

drgoogle

Feb 13, 2008, 7:21 PM

Any updates? interior work, landscaping, exterior painting, and garage all seem like they've made no progress. Must be the cold i guess.

philliesphinest

Feb 18, 2008, 4:44 PM

Have they picked the color and/or started painting this building? Does anyone have any photos of the finished units inside?

I guess this is the final product of the parking garage. What a disappointment for such an awesome building. :yuck:

Swinefeld

Feb 18, 2008, 10:17 PM

Here's some pics of Murano from the Schuylkill River Trail. Quite nice.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Feb18_08_01.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/Murano_Feb18_08_02.jpg

(four 0 four)

Feb 18, 2008, 10:35 PM

Congratulations on such a great addition to the skyline!

DIESELPOLO

Feb 22, 2008, 7:45 PM

any retail developments yet? any furnished interior shots of the model units?

drgoogle

Feb 23, 2008, 6:07 AM

Ok, i'm thoroughly confused. I just got an Amendment to Murano's public offerring statement, which it appears, repeals the 10 yr propery tax abatement on this property. Furtherore, the cover letter says this is a "non-material" change! Bullshit! Here's what it says verbatim:

"Section 17 of the Public Offering Statement states that real property taxes subject to abatement include those on the assessed value of the Building and Improvments, but not on the assessed value of the land.

My interpretation - We used to only get taxes on the land.

"Since the public offering Statement was issued, the City has determined that therre will be no longer an abatement on the changes levied by the Center City District against the Condominium Units. The Center City District changes will be based on the real estate assessment the City places on each Condominium Unit"

My interpretation - We now get taxed on the land AND units.

WTF???? Are there any other owners pissed about this?

CondoGuru

Feb 23, 2008, 3:28 PM

Center City District is NOT the Department of Revenue. Everyone in the city in a condo now has to pay this, new or existing. My association had the same thing in their amended documents. You might want to re-read them or ask an attorney in Center City what that means. It does NOT mean you don't get a REAL ESTATE tax abatement. You know the people dressed in blue and green that walk around the city sweeping and cleaning out trash containers? They are with the Center City District. The abatment on that means that condo owners who previously were not assessed to contribute to Center City District services, will be from now on. My assessment was $0.21/square foot per year which worked out to roughly $250 a year. I saw the word abatement and was also confused. The Parking Authority can give you an "abatement" on your penalties and interest on parking tickets, the city can issue a 10 year tax abatement on real estate taxes and the CCD has given abatements on its services as well. That's all it means. Again, Center City District does NOT have anything to do with real estate property taxes.

caynkaren

Feb 23, 2008, 11:53 PM

Thanks for the clarification, Like Drgoogle, I too was concerned and confused when I got the addendum with that wording last Saturday. Seems as if someone is always looking to tax us one way or another.

caynkaren

Feb 24, 2008, 12:06 AM

any retail developments yet? any furnished interior shots of the model units?

My husband and I did get to go up to the furnished unit (hard hat and all) using the construction elevator several weeks ago. The "02" unit - the one on the curved glass wall - was so disappointing in the way it was furnished. It looked like a furniture showroom and seemed to have "too much stuff" in it. Someone mentioned the cost of the plum couch to be in the neighborhood of $15K (?) - it looked like Ikea to me. Other than that, it is a wonderful unit with a lovely view and we plan to be more judicious with the use of furniture in our unit. It's getting close now! Can't wait!

dingiswayo

Feb 24, 2008, 4:33 AM

. Someone mentioned the cost of the plum couch to be in the neighborhood of $15K (?) - it looked like Ikea to me.

the murano seems to have an arrangement with ligne roset (http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/). their furniture is quite expensive. 15k for a sofa sounds about right. it's nice stuff though--the original pieces that inspire knock-offs.

CondoGuru

Feb 24, 2008, 4:22 PM

I wouldn't exactly furnish an apartment in that building with Laura Ashley or big Ethan Allen crap! I think a modern furniture line like Ligne Roset is a perfect match for such a modern building. But there's no accounting for taste, so if you want to put your needlepoint pillows and antiques in an all-glass building, knock yourself out! lol That would kinda be like Frasier's dad's recliner in a beautiful apartment. That duct tape was a nice touch. Yikes!!!!

bryson662001

Feb 24, 2008, 7:17 PM

Austinlee

Feb 24, 2008, 8:13 PM

bryson662001

Feb 24, 2008, 9:17 PM

^I think that classic look is very nice. But I like very modern also. Is anyone aware of a way to combine old style like wingback chairs and wainscotting on the walls but with modern euro style kitchens and lighting schemes, for example?

That's why I don't approve of putting the kitchen in the living room......which is hard to avoid in fashionable new construction.