PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX

[Flyers2001]

IMO, this also is a positive for Universities like Penn and Drexel who have their own initiatives involving startups.

It should be attractive to students that want to get involved in the evolution of technology on the east coast.

[mhays]

Originally Posted by Mappy

This one building wont really have that kind of impact by itself... The Penns Landing redesign concept, and what (if anything) happens at Market East are by far the most important impending developments regarding tourism and public space experience that will effect Philly's identity/perception.

I just mean that a big skyline can raise a city's profile.

[gfspeople]

I think people's initial negative or dissatisfied reactions towward the tower is a product of inflated expectations. Especially after losing the ACC, a super tall in our minds grew to mean a gleaming tower, elegant, punchy, singular. What I believe Comcast and Foster have done here is give Philadelphia a building that is not singular, but one that supports future infill for the skyline. It invites this skyline to take the next step, as breaking the supertall threshold symbolizes. The new jobs brought here because of it, as well as the new technological "vertical silicone valley" image may very well enable this step to happen. In other words, the CITC is not meant to become the crown jewel of the skyline as we may have expected, but a tower that pulls up the city with it, in more than one way.

[Roadcruiser1]

As I posted in the other thread....

Originally Posted by Roadcruiser1

• Video Link

I am shocked that no one is mentioning much about the restaurant. The views will be awesome. From Google Earth around 975 feet.

North View.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/11983730674_65a20321c5_o.png


South View.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/11983335815_c2f0420d96_o.png


East View.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/11983732024_23bd0a1cdf_o.png


West View.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/11983333235_b1de2f21a9_o.png


This restaurant is going to be opened to the public. Sorry I can't get rid of the labels!!!!!!!!!

[Groundhog]

Hey Everyone, I'm a long time lurker and first time poster.

Originally Posted by skyscraper

Update: I just heard from the author of this article, and there will be no new subway station. He will post a correction.

I think I may have some insight on what this was alluding to. I've got some contacts with knowledge of SEPTA's dealings and while nothing is finalized I believe that the new station referred to could be Comcast purchasing the naming rights to Suburban Station in the same vein that Pattison became AT&T Station.

I was not given much detail other than that there are heated negotiations ongoing with a "big player" looking to buy station naming rights. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but at this point, I feel like this just makes sense that it is Comcast and Suburban Station.


On another note, I heard through the grape vine that the PNB letters atop the building across from City Hall might be coming off soon - possibly permanently. I don't know if anyone had heard anything about that, but it was news to me and I thought I would share.

There's my 2 cents.

Thanks for all the amazing news and insights, you guys know your stuff and this message board really is a great read!

[miesian]

Comcast, FMC, 1919, W, SLS, evo, 38Chestnut, 3737, Lancaster, 3601....ahhhhh, 2014

[Wayne Junction]

Originally Posted by PhiLaw

1) I like the height. I know some of you on here will gripe about the height, but I think this is Comcast's way of giving a nod to the city as a whole. When the Liberty buildings were built they were beautiful, but it obfuscated most of the other buildings that reflected center city's building density. This building is just the right height - tall enough to make a statement in the City (and country, for that matter), but not too tall as to overshadow the city's other points of prominence.

2) I like the design. From the Art Museum angle it almost looks like two buildings stuck against each other - the spire/core being one structure and the symmetrical part another. It adds more horizontal depth to the skyline than it otherwise might.

3) The impact will be big. This will also help University City, as feeder businesses will inevitably look to benefit from Comcast's intellectual infrastructure and capital. Tons of temporary jobs, many permanent jobs, etc.

All in all, I'm very excited about this. So much so that I can live with the "pipes to nowhere" we'll here about very soon.

Agree 105% PhiLaw. I was actually relieved that the ACC didn't go through. It looked like it was designed by a committee and would have overpowered everything. The new Comcast tower fits in handsomely and is bringing a plethora of new ideas for urban structures that will attract worldwide attention. Also, Comcast's "infrastructure and capital" will add more to the region than any single building, regardless of height.

[Plokoon11]

^^ Yeah when I really think about it, the Lancaster, evo, and what not that are going to finishing up those will be the appetizer before the main course. But what is going to be dessert ?

[hammersklavier]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Hey Everyone, I'm a long time lurker and first time poster.

Oh hai. Welcome to the forum.

On another note, I heard through the grape vine that the PNB letters atop the building across from City Hall might be coming off soon - possibly permanently. I don't know if anyone had heard anything about that, but it was news to me and I thought I would share.

That--would be a shame.

[skyscraper]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I think I may have some insight on what this was alluding to. I've got some contacts with knowledge of SEPTA's dealings and while nothing is finalized I believe that the new station referred to could be Comcast purchasing the naming rights to Suburban Station in the same vein that Pattison became AT&T Station.

No, he was not alluding to anything. I emailed back and forth with the author, who is in nyc, and he just got confused.

[Late1]

Originally Posted by gfspeople

I think people's initial negative or dissatisfied reactions towward the tower is a product of inflated expectations. Especially after losing the ACC, a super tall in our minds grew to mean a gleaming tower, elegant, punchy, singular. What I believe Comcast and Foster have done here is give Philadelphia a building that is not singular, but one that supports future infill for the skyline. It invites this skyline to take the next step, as breaking the supertall threshold symbolizes. The new jobs brought here because of it, as well as the new technological "vertical silicone valley" image may very well enable this step to happen. In other words, the CITC is not meant to become the crown jewel of the skyline as we may have expected, but a tower that pulls up the city with it, in more than one way.

In my case, I think you're right. My first reaction 24 hrs ago was that the building itself was rather grand - and while connecting wondrously with the city, it didn't really serve the skyline itself very well (at least from the vantage points provided by the press release - as someone else has mentioned here on SSP, the appearance of the CITC into the skyline from other vantage points, such as South Street Bridge and Sports Complex, should be spectacular.)

If you're right - that this tower is meant as a catalyst for another building to take the reign of Philadelphia's tallest - then this tower checks ALL the right boxes. If, however, this is the tallest tower we see in Philly for quite some time, then - while I still overall love this building and am happy to see it going up - part of me can't help but wish they would have added another setback at the top to take the roof to nearly 1,100 feet - with the blade extending even higher. Something along the lines of this:



By the way, anyone else notice that the existing setback sort of mimics the way Comcast Center appears almost like a setback to Bell Atlantic Tower from the Art Museum view?

[Pennsgrant]

Originally Posted by Roadcruiser1

I am shocked that no one is mentioning much about the restaurant. The views will be awesome

IF Inga is correct she mentioned on a clear day from the top floor you will be able to see the casino towers of Atlantic City. The NW views from the lounge floor would then span to almost Lancaster/Reading/Allentown. Will be amazing if true as there is beautiful rolling landscape in between.

[Philly Fan]

Originally Posted by Late1

If, however, this is the tallest tower we see in Philly for quite some time, then - while I still overall love this building and am happy to see it going up - part of me can't help but wish they would have added another setback at the top to take the roof to nearly 1,100 feet - with the blade extending even higher. Something along the lines of this:

I really like that! How about forwarding that on to Foster + Partners and the Comcast folks, and telling them to use the design modifications with your compliments (and no need to credit you)?

[Late1]

Originally Posted by Philly Fan

I really like that! How about forwarding that on to Foster + Partners and the Comcast folks, and telling them to use the design modifications with your compliments (and no need to credit you)?

Haha, if I thought it would work, I would! And thanks - but I guess we should be happy with what we're getting; it's pretty spectacular as-is, I suppose.

[Jonboy1983]

Great news for Philly! The more that I look at this building, the more I'm convinced that I'm really not that impressed with it. I wish it would more closely resemble the appearance of One Comcast Center. However, since we already have a sort-of twin towers concept with Liberty Place, I guess it would look weird. Since we're talking about one company spread out over two buildings, I would assume it would only be appropriate if similar architectural design concepts are considered here...

I also forgot about City Centre...

[Philly Fan]

Originally Posted by Late1

Haha, if I thought it would work, I would! And thanks - but I guess we should be happy with what we're getting; it's pretty spectacular as-is, I suppose.

Well, when it's time for ME to build a supertall, I know who to contact for a design.

(Now, if only I could figure out how to get your design to Brian Roberts. )

[Pennsgrant]

That's a stellar job Ace. Im sure finances would prevent it but there's no harm in emailing your idea/rendering to Liberty Property or Comcast. From my eyes thats a noticeable difference for the better.

Originally Posted by Late1

- part of me can't help but wish they would have added another setback at the top to take the roof to nearly 1,100 feet - with the blade extending even higher. Something along the lines of this:

[Jelly Roll]

Originally Posted by Pennsgrant

That's a stellar job Ace. Im sure finances would prevent it but there's no harm in emailing your idea/rendering to Liberty Property or Comcast. From my eyes thats a noticeable difference for the better.

I agree.

[Philly Fan]

Originally Posted by Pennsgrant

Im sure finances would prevent it but there's no harm in emailing your idea/rendering to Liberty Property or Comcast.

They've already budgeted $1.2 billion. What's a few tens or hundreds of millions more?

[acenturi]

Originally Posted by Late1

......part of me can't help but wish they would have added another setback at the top to take the roof to nearly 1,100 feet - with the blade extending even higher. Something along the lines of this.........

Although many current Supertalls have a Spire to achieve their advertised height (e.g., 1WTC at 1776), Philly's First Supertall deserves to achieve that distinction with a solid roof at the 1000+ Foot level. Your proposal appears to provide that and at the same time makes the structure appear more symmetric and more visually striking. Absolutely send that in to Roberts/Foster.