There sure is a lot of trash talk here! As someone who lives right around the corner from this project, I'm really glad they funded that archaeological dig (and put
a thoughtful website up about findings as they came in), but also super disappointed that this has stalled. Folks from Durst worked very closely with our neighborhood org, made a decent amount of positive changes to the ground level design, and even took the historic Wood Street Steps into consideration in the design. As construction started, whenever there were issues, they were quick to respond. The park that was part of the build was nice, too.
Compared to
One Water Street, Durst had decent building design and materials, good quality construction, and actual investment in the nearby community. One Water couldn't even bother restoring the historically designated Belgian block section of Water Street.
One of my neighbors has been living here since the 70s, and was about as anti-highrise as they come. Probably personally responsible for keeping lackluster development out of the area (admittedly, leaving dilapidated 19th century fabric that would eventually mostly get bulldozed for vacant lots). He was so chuffed by the work they'd done before the groundbreaking and during, that he was enthusiastic about the building, even knowing it would block the view he's had of the Ben Franklin Bridge all these decades.
Between this going on pause and the construction at 2nd and Callowhill getting paused too, I'm disappointed in how 2022 wrapped up, in terms of sites near me.
On the bright side (literally) it means I get an extension on the view of the sky and the bridge that I have when I look out my window.