PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX

[philatonian]

Originally Posted by mPhilly

True tourists aren't coming to Philly because of the Rocky movies, but running the steps at the museum does add to the overall vacation of many visitors. I've hosted plenty of friends in Philly (including sophisticated art enthusiasts) and they certainly enjoyed the scene outside the museum partly due to atmosphere around the steps. I really don't think its a phenomenon that is going to go away. If anything these types of traditions only become more ingrained in societies as time goes by until eventually they become completely detached from the thing that started them. I would argue this has already happened because if you head down to the museum right this second you'll see little kids running up the stairs with huge smiles on their faces even though they have no idea what "Rocky" is. It is something that gives people a good impression of their visit here and therefore it is part of what will bring those people back again.

I don't see ANY reason to ruin this experience to be honest with you. First of all I don't think the viewing window is at all appealing from the outside view. It reminds me of something that will become dirty and frowned upon in a few years like the former pit outside City Hall that is becoming Dilworth Plaza. That window will be covered in fingerprints and dust about 10 minutes after cleaning. I think somebody else mentioned this, but I think it distracts your attention from the building as well. Your eyes should not be drawn to huge gaping hole in the center of the approach to a beautiful building. The picture of the model provided is deceptive in that it presents a more pleasing perspective for viewing the window (that of being 50 feet above the museum, rather than at street level).

I'd rather just see them stick some small Louvre-style skylights on the grounds. Cheaper, more classy and timeless, and won't ruin a popular experience.

The steps were significant long before the movie. I think that Gehry and the Director of the museum are using both the hype of Gehry's mere presence and the aging and irrelevant connection to a 40 year old movie to encourage people to embrace anything new, regardless of what it looks like.

I wouldn't worry about the steps though. They're built mostly on solid bedrock, not the museum's foundation. To expand that far into the steps they will essentially have to turn it into a rock quarry just to grab space that could be occupied by a truly modern building elsewhere on the Parkway.

[Philly Fan]

Originally Posted by philatonian

I wouldn't worry about the steps though. They're built mostly on solid bedrock, not the museum's foundation. To expand that far into the steps they will essentially have to turn it into a rock quarry just to grab space that could be occupied by a truly modern building elsewhere on the Parkway.

But that's been the plan for several years now (to expand under the large terrace and the steps), and an essential part of the museum's expansion goal and budget. Although the opening in the steps has only been recently revealed to the public (and quite tentatively, at that), this has always been about carving out new gallery space under the terrace and steps. I don't think that part is going to change, unless the museum just abandons its longstanding plans. However, as others have suggested, I could see a more modest skylight approach (a la I.M. Pei's Louvre glass pyramids), and not an actual opening in the steps.

[PhillySteaks]

Originally Posted by tsarstruck

Damn. Chock full of tidbits.

* Avram Hornik (Union Transfer, Boot & Saddle, etc.) partnering with him for a 3,500 seat venue at the Metropolitan Opera House.
* Plans for Divine Lorraine seem to be residential for now but "Later, perhaps it could be converted to a boutique hotel" (Ha).
* Studebaker building to have a catering company and two restaurants, Creole and a Mexican "trendy" spot
* 56 loft-like apartments at Stevens Administrative Building

I'll be honest. All of these ideas seem pretty pie in the sky. Especially since he's talking about doing all of them in 15 months.

Agreed. Although the $44m needed to reno the DL is secured. I'm sure the plans for the project have been well underway. I'd even speculate he has had plans since his first acquisition in 2008. He just didn't have the money, and no bank/reputable instl investor would invest in the north broad market at the time. Probably ate at him when he had to sell, only to reacquire in 2012. Has held for two years while searching for financing which I'm assuming he received from Bill Procida.

[MikeNigh]

Looks like drexel is redoing the facade on their university crossings "drexel sign" building. Imo they're going to need a heavier lipstick for that pig.

[AbortedWalrus]

They should just compromise on the museum steps. Cut the hole, then replace the stone steps with solid clear glass steps. That way we get both steps and something to give views of the parkway and city.

Then again, you'd probably just see the backsides of people sitting on the steps, or perverts looking up girls skirts.

[bucks native]

http://www.phillymag.com/property/2014/07/21/new-tower-rise-rittenhouse-square/

Castleway now appears to again be moving forward on its own. According to a May Center City District report, Castleway is planning a 150-unit, 350,000-square-foot condo tower, 25,000 square feet of retail space, a 200,000-square-foot hotel, and four levels of underground parking. That sounds very similar to the pre-recession proposal, which called for a 525-foot glass tower.

[bucks native]

http://hiddencityphila.org/2014/07/philly-market-to-break-1k-per-square-footage-barrier/


Philly Market To Break $1K-Per-Square Footage Barrier

The Inquirer reports that David Marshall, the original developer of the Rittenhouse Hotel and Condominiums, is selling off the entirety of his holdings on the 19th floor (hitherto his office space) as three condo units at $1,000-$1,100 per square feet—a novel figure for the Philly market.Twelve years after first considering the sale, Marshall says the time is finally right.

[shadowbat2]

^LOL you just beat me to that!

[Philly Fan]

Originally Posted by shadowbat2

^LOL you just beat me to that!

Beat you to what? Putting in an offer?

[shadowbat2]

No the article silly

In all seriousness, I'm still struggling to save up in order to buy this pad:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/A1-Ashbourne-Rd-Elkins-Park-PA-19027/2106127590_zpid/

[McBane]

Originally Posted by bucks native

http://hiddencityphila.org/2014/07/philly-market-to-break-1k-per-square-footage-barrier/


Philly Market To Break $1K-Per-Square Footage Barrier

The Inquirer reports that David Marshall, the original developer of the Rittenhouse Hotel and Condominiums, is selling off the entirety of his holdings on the 19th floor (hitherto his office space) as three condo units at $1,000-$1,100 per square feet—a novel figure for the Philly market.Twelve years after first considering the sale, Marshall says the time is finally right.

In recent months Summer has used that font size to announce major new developments. Can we keep it that way? Sorry to kvetch, but my eyes were immediately drawn to this post and it was a mega tease!!!

[McBane]

Originally Posted by bucks native

http://www.phillymag.com/property/2014/07/21/new-tower-rise-rittenhouse-square/

Castleway now appears to again be moving forward on its own. According to a May Center City District report, Castleway is planning a 150-unit, 350,000-square-foot condo tower, 25,000 square feet of retail space, a 200,000-square-foot hotel, and four levels of underground parking. That sounds very similar to the pre-recession proposal, which called for a 525-foot glass tower.

Let's hope this comes to fruition. It's one of the city's saddest lots. Let's also hope it's a modern designed building. Rittenhouse is represented by many different styles and I was a bit bummed when 10Rit decided to go for the faux historical route. I'd love to see a tall modern glass tower on the square, which I think would compliment the other styles and materials.

[1487]

Inquirer reports that the building at broad and arch is going to be converted into a hotel. The developer was awarded a tax credit for preservation by the state- I've heard NOTHING about this and was just looking at this building the other day wondering how in the hell its been vacant for so long.

[tsarstruck]

SugarHouse breaks ground on their expansion. "The expansion includes a multipurpose event space with a view of the Delaware River, new restaurants, a parking garage and a $2.9 million, dedicated 30-table poker room." I suppose this is better than nothing. Is there sea of parking ever full enough to justify the parking garage?

[josef]

Work continues on the 1000 block of Chestnut. As I was walking to work I saw them messing with these windows, and on the way home, they were gone.

[Castle]

Originally Posted by 1487

Inquirer reports that the building at broad and arch is going to be converted into a hotel. The developer was awarded a tax credit for preservation by the state- I've heard NOTHING about this and was just looking at this building the other day wondering how in the hell its been vacant for so long.

Glad to hear this might be finally happening. It's a great looking building, and screams to be converted into a hotel considering the location. Can you get any closer to the Convention Center???

[ScreamShatter]

Originally Posted by tsarstruck

SugarHouse breaks ground on their expansion. "The expansion includes a multipurpose event space with a view of the Delaware River, new restaurants, a parking garage and a $2.9 million, dedicated 30-table poker room." I suppose this is better than nothing. Is there sea of parking ever full enough to justify the parking garage?

Wasn't there a phase 3 for Sugarhouse where they take away the two southern-most parking lots and expand towards Del Ave? If that is the case, the parking garage makes sense -- that place gets packed some days.

PS...two thumbs up for the poker room!!!

[summersm343]

Possible Toll Brothers condo tower- again

I don't know if this is a credible source since it was a first time source, but I was told today that Toll is looking into buying the surface parking lot at 20th and Walnut now to build a condo tower after the deal for Castleway lot fell through.

[Aaamazarite]

Originally Posted by tsarstruck

Is there sea of parking ever full enough to justify the parking garage?

I guess the idea is that they'll be ready for the parking needs of future expansions (that'll probably never happen). However, adding an event space is good because they'll be able to host concerts, small conventions that don't want to be in the PA convention center, flea markets, a whole lot of stuff that would get people in the building that wouldn't normally go there.

Anyone know the status of the big project across the street from Sugarhouse?

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by Aaamazarite

Anyone know the status of the big project across the street from Sugarhouse?

The Canal street project? I noticed people on site the other day. I don't know what is currently going on though.