PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX - Page 180

cafeguy · #**3581** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 5:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by josef

Hilarious. If these both get built, we'll have two.

http://www.nj.com/indulge/index.ssf/2013...s_observation_tower_for_spring_2015.html

oooo... then we can build a gondola lift between the two!

Castle · #**3582** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 6:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1487

Not sure how i feel about a neighborhood organization having so much sway over large projects that will benefit the entire city, or at least all of CC.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...ew-towers-proposed-for-logan-square.html

I'm with you on this, especially in regards to projects that sit in the heart of our central business district ... namely on Market St and JFK Blvd. I mean, they certainly should have a say, but how much weight should they have with a project like 1919 Market?

1487 · #**3583** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 6:20 PM**

let's hope this gets done. Too many false starts at this site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...development-idea-for-broad.html?page=all

philatonian · #**3584** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 6:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafeguy

The only one I can think of is the water works unfortunately. There is a cafe on the bridge just east of the trail on walnut street, but nothing else. The attempt to include a cafe at the new dranoff building was shot down. Unfortunately, I think most people who live close to the trail want commercial to completely stay out of it. Although, it really would be so nice if at least a portion of it were lined with cafes or restaurants. As it stands right now, however, its pretty dense with people throughout the day. With the train tracks there, it might be difficult to pack things like that into the sliver of land. More realistically, we might see restaurants to the east of the trains that could serve as easy walks to the trail.

I think the last sentence is spot on, because of the logistics of developing west of the railroad tracks, and the flood zone. As for cafes on the trail, I think we're going to see more food trucks and pop up cafes/beer gardens.

From what I've read about the SRDC, they aren't as adverse to development along the river as many think. They know it's an urban river and why that's an asset. If I recall, most of the stink about Dranoff's garage and CHoP came from neighbors and Inga Saffrron, the SRDC was pretty quiet on the subject. In my opinion, the DRWC could really learn a thing or two from them.

Kidphilly · #**3585** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1487

let's hope this gets done. Too many false starts at this site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...development-idea-for-broad.html?page=all

a 30 story tower here - that aspect is new aspect

tsarstruck · #**3586** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kidphilly

a 30 story tower here - that aspect is new aspect

That would really mess with my view from my roofdeck, and I hope it happens as soon as possible.

Philly Fan · #**3587** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsarstruck

That would really mess with my view from my roofdeck, and I hope it happens as soon as possible.

But what about the effect it would have on the wind on South Broad?

Or could the Phillies and Eagles perhaps make good use of that?

Nightman · #**3588** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1487

let's hope this gets done. Too many false starts at this site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...development-idea-for-broad.html?page=all

I would have hoped a guy like Blatstein would have better plans than scribble on a paper napkin. I guess it's still very preliminary.

josef · #**3589** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1487

let's hope this gets done. Too many false starts at this site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...development-idea-for-broad.html?page=all

"Every amenity known to mankind is here."

Finally, an on-site opium den. Now I will never have to leave.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafeguy

oooo... then we can build a gondola lift between the two!

I might've been thinking this exact thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightman

I would have hoped a guy like Blatstein would have better plans than scribble on a paper napkin. I guess it's still very preliminary.

Seriously. Can't we at least get this in Lego form?!

Insoluble · #**3590** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1487

let's hope this gets done. Too many false starts at this site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/...development-idea-for-broad.html?page=all

This sounds terrific if it happens. The fact that it is Blatstein proposing it makes me a bit nervous. He doesn't have the best track record of follow through. But 30 story mixed use would be amazing at that intersection. I seem to remember that zoning along Broad and Washington is fairly permissive. Could this be done by right? I know it would have to go through CDR, but I'm hoping that neighborhood group influence could be kept to a minimum (I live within close walking distance of this BTW, so I'll for sure be an YIMBY voice if there are meetings).

Kidphilly · #**3591** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 7:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insoluble

This sounds terrific if it happens. The fact that it is Blatstein proposing it makes me a bit nervous. He doesn't have the best track record of follow through. But 30 story mixed use would be amazing at that intersection. I seem to remember that zoning along Broad and Washington is fairly permissive. Could this be done by right? I know it would have to go through CDR, but I'm hoping that neighborhood group influence could be kept to a minimum (I live within close walking distance of this BTW, so I'll for sure be an YIMBY voice if there are meetings).

this area needs scale and has additional significant parcels that could piggyback off of this. Additionally to me Washington should also have larger by right development - esp closer on either side to Broad

if 500-1,000 residents could be added here (including other close potential developments) and mixed use the area could improve quickly

and as the article references Dranoff has already started extending the corridor with Southstar and 777

tsarstruck · #**3592** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 8:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insoluble

Could this be done by right? I know it would have to go through CDR, but I'm hoping that neighborhood group influence could be kept to a minimum (I live within close walking distance of this BTW, so I'll for sure be an YIMBY voice if there are meetings).

It's zoned CMX5. I'm too lazy to figure out the size of the lot and see if that fits the 1200% FAR (plus bonuses), but if I had to bet, I'd say yes. That said, special exception approval might be required for above-ground parking or the number of loading docks. There is no parking requirement.

UPDATE: The lot is huge. 195,754.03 SqFt according to OPA. Assuming the building meets the massing requirements, 1M SQ feet would easily be by-right.

TheOldMan · #**3593** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 10:21 PM**

Not sure if this was posted yet but looks like a Comcast logo will be placed atop Rockefeller Center
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20..._approves_Comcast_logo_atop_30_Rock.html

ScreamShatter · #**3594** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 10:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafeguy

http://planphilly.com/articles/2014/06/18/space-needle-for-south-philly

SPACE NEEDLE!!!!

I've always wanted Philly to have some type of bold observation tower -- I'm sure many of us feel that way. However, I'm not sure I like the idea of having this is South Philly. It's too bad this proposal wasn't in a location like the former Wynn site or over by Sugarhouse.

Can someone put together a skyline rendering of what this might look like?

spacevator · #**3595** Posted **Jun 18, 2014, 11:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScreamShatter

I've always wanted Philly to have some type of bold observation tower -- I'm sure many of us feel that way. However, I'm not sure I like the idea of having this is South Philly. It's too bad this proposal wasn't in a location like the former Wynn site or over by Sugarhouse.

Can someone put together a skyline rendering of what this might look like?

Would be perfect on the axis of Market street and Penns Landing, overlooking the Ben Franklin bridge, etc.. But it could work economically I suppose at the base of the Walt Whitman bridge as part of a casino attraction. Think of all the tourists on there way to the shore!

philatonian · #**3596** Posted **Jun 19, 2014, 1:58 AM**

I don't really have a problem with the location. Seattle's is detached from the skyline. My only problem is it looks a lot like the Space Needle or the CN Tower, at least from what can be seen.

I'd rather see the company go big and unique, something like the Oriental Pearl in Shanghai or the TV tower in Berlin. Something that really sets Philly apart by American standards, something that makes people traveling from DC to New York to look and think, "What's that? Oh, that's Philadelphia. I should check it out."

I think the casino is a no brainer at that location. Especially if the entertainment complex comes with it.

philatonian · #**3597** Posted **Jun 19, 2014, 2:00 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacevator

Would be perfect on the axis of Market street and Penns Landing, overlooking the Ben Franklin bridge, etc.. But it could work economically I suppose at the base of the Walt Whitman bridge as part of a casino attraction. Think of all the tourists on there way to the shore!

It would be pretty cool on Penns Landing, although there's a proposed observation tower for Pier 53, the Land Buoy. With Camden's Skyview, if these three happen, it's going to look like something out of Blade Runner. I love it!

Kidphilly · #**3598** Posted **Jun 19, 2014, 3:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by philatonian

I don't really have a problem with the location. Seattle's is detached from the skyline. My only problem is it looks a lot like the Space Needle or the CN Tower, at least from what can be seen.

I'd rather see the company go big and unique, something like the Oriental Pearl in Shanghai or the TV tower in Berlin. Something that really sets Philly apart by American standards, something that makes people traveling from DC to New York to look and think, "What's that? Oh, that's Philadelphia. I should check it out."

I think the casino is a no brainer at that location. Especially if the entertainment complex comes with it.

Isnt there some pretty substantial height restrictions by the stadiums due to the airport approach and departures

at 600+ feet and what like 2 miles or less from 9L runway I dont believe it would get approved

Kidphilly · #**3599** Posted **Jun 19, 2014, 3:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by philatonian

It would be pretty cool on Penns Landing, although there's a proposed observation tower for Pier 53, the Land Buoy. With Camden's Skyview, if these three happen, it's going to look like something out of Blade Runner. I love it!

not sure there will be support of three, let alone one

build one next to the please touch museum!

SJBadger · #**3600** Posted **Jun 19, 2014, 4:04 AM**

I don't think you guys should include the Land Buoy on Pier 53 in this discussion. The spire is 55 feet tall with an observation platform at 16 feet.