PHILADELPHIA | THE LAUREL @ 1911 Walnut | 604 FT | 48 FLOORS - Page 86

McBane · #**1701** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 1:54 PM**

I don't know but private outdoor space is a must these days. No one's paying big bucks for a condo or apartment that doesn't have a balcony. It's a major selling point.

jsbrook · #**1702** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 2:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottydont

Am I the only one that finds balconies on highrises un-sightly?

Usually. Unless they CREATE the building design like in Chicago's Aqua. But I agree with McBane that they are generally needed in luxury construction, especially where a park view is one of the strong selling points. I will not consider a unit without a balcony. A lot of luxury buildings in New York only have balconies in the largest, most extravagant units. But I think it is expected here in Philadelphia in most units in new construction luxury buildings. It is becoming the norm.

Gonzo the Great · #**1703** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 3:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbrook

Usually. Unless they CREATE the building design like in Chicago's Aqua. But I agree with McBane that they are generally needed in luxury construction, especially where a park view is one of the strong selling points. I will not consider a unit without a balcony. A lot of luxury buildings in New York only have balconies in the largest, most extravagant units. But I think it is expected here in Philadelphia in most units in new construction luxury buildings. It is becoming the norm.

I don't know what the norm is ..... and wonder if a balcony is where I want to sit , some 800'/900' above the street . If the wind
volicity is 10 mph at street level , it may be 30 mph at 900' ..... not conducive to breakfast , lunch or dinner ..... IMHO .

jsbrook · #**1704** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 3:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo the Great

I don't know what the norm is ..... and wonder if a balcony is where I want to sit , some 800'/900' above the street . If the wind
volicity is 10 mph at street level , it may be 30 mph at 900' ..... not conducive to breakfast , lunch or dinner ..... IMHO .

That's one reason why a lot of the supertall residentials don't have balconies. But that's not the kind of height we are talking about or get here in Philly. In my experience, it's not an issue 400-500 above the ground.

Scottydont · #**1705** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 3:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBane

I don't know but private outdoor space is a must these days. No one's paying big bucks for a condo or apartment that doesn't have a balcony. It's a major selling point.

Oh I get that it's a major selling point, I just think visually it's unattractive.

Gonzo the Great · #**1706** Posted **Apr 19, 2018, 3:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbrook

That's one reason why a lot of the supertall residentials don't have balconies. But that's not the kind of height we are talking about or get here in Philly. In my experience, it's not an issue 400-500 above the ground.

Oops , you are correct . Except my apology for rushing to judgement . Not that this matters , but I remember being on the 68th.
floor of WTC 1 and while looking out the window , noticed the building sway about a foot .... That got my attention .

boxbot · #**1707** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 2:29 AM**

Are new drawings indicating a 599' total height enough to change official height?

jsbrook · #**1708** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 12:48 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxbot

Are new drawings indicating a 599' total height enough to change official height?

Probably, no... I have an appointment mid-May to look at the floor plans and learn more about the building. Excited for it!

SunNeverSets · #**1709** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 5:44 PM**

So I have to imagine this is going to get like at least 100 feet knocked off in CDR. I don't think theyll be comfortable with the FAR gaming or this being the 9th tallest building in philly.

Why didn't they go with a more modest tower facing walnut though? Southern Land had to know that something at 600' was going to be a fight.... or is this just a starting pitch for variance negotiation?

allovertown · #**1710** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 6:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunNeverSets

So I have to imagine this is going to get like at least 100 feet knocked off in CDR. I don't think theyll be comfortable with the FAR gaming or this being the 9th tallest building in philly.

Why didn't they go with a more modest tower facing walnut though? Southern Land had to know that something at 600' was going to be a fight.... or is this just a starting pitch for variance negotiation?

Welcome to the forum! Which nearby building do you live in NIMBY?

jsbrook · #**1711** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 8:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunNeverSets

So I have to imagine this is going to get like at least 100 feet knocked off in CDR. I don't think theyll be comfortable with the FAR gaming or this being the 9th tallest building in philly.

Why didn't they go with a more modest tower facing walnut though? Southern Land had to know that something at 600' was going to be a fight.... or is this just a starting pitch for variance negotiation?

Nope. This is happening as is. Sorry. It's already been through the wringer and a million hoops, and this is the consensus that has been reached.

boxbot · #**1712** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 8:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunNeverSets

So I have to imagine this is going to get like at least 100 feet knocked off in CDR. I don't think theyll be comfortable with the FAR gaming or this being the 9th tallest building in philly.

Why didn't they go with a more modest tower facing walnut though? Southern Land had to know that something at 600' was going to be a fight.... or is this just a starting pitch for variance negotiation?

The shadows! The wind! The horror! Where is my fainting couch?

Philly Fan · #**1713** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 8:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbrook

Nope. This is happening as is. Sorry. It's already been through the wringer and a million hoops, and this is the consensus that has been reached.

Nothing to be sorry about.

boxbot · #**1714** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 8:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbrook

Probably, no...

OK. Why?

jsbrook · #**1715** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 8:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxbot

OK. Why?

After CDR, I guess. You never know, they could demand a 100 foot reduction because it would be just awful if this is the 9th tallest building in the city...shiver...

SunNeverSets · #**1716** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 10:45 PM**

Oh woah no nimby here! I think the building looks great as is, height and all, definitely better than some of the other buildings around rittenhouse. Just trying to call some of CDRs shots before they take them.

If anything my major criticism is that the Samsom street building should be more than two stories.

MusicMan84 · #**1717** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 11:22 PM**

I believe CDR is a non-binding advisory process...so they can't technically make the developer do anything other than return for a second presentation. CDR doesn't usually prompt drastic changes. Even when they hate a project (see Jeweler's Row...) developers often ignore their advice. Others make small adjustments based on recommendations - street tree placement, for example.

jsbrook · #**1718** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 11:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicMan84

I believe CDR is a non-binding advisory process...so they can't technically make the developer do anything other than return for a second presentation. CDR doesn't usually prompt drastic changes. Even when they hate a project (see Jeweler's Row...) developers often ignore their advice. Others make small adjustments based on recommendations - street tree placement, for example.

That's generally right, but it can be different if variances are needed. I don't think that's the case here, but there have been some odd things as to this project all along the way. Designated properties, hardship, approvals by the city to cede over this stretch of Moravian to a private party, etc...It will be good once we've definitively hurt it's through CDR with no hiccoughs.

jsbrook · #**1719** Posted **Apr 21, 2018, 11:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunNeverSets

Oh woah no nimby here! I think the building looks great as is, height and all, definitely better than some of the other buildings around rittenhouse. Just trying to call some of CDRs shots before they take them.

If anything my major criticism is that the Samsom street building should be more than two stories.

Good to hear!

MichaelScottsOffice · #**1720** Posted **Apr 22, 2018, 4:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbrook

That's generally right, but it can be different if variances are needed. I don't think that's the case here, but there have been some odd things as to this project all along the way. Designated properties, hardship, approvals by the city to cede over this stretch of Moravian to a private party, etc...It will be good once we've definitively hurt it's through CDR with no hiccoughs.

As long as the retail and ground floor areas stay as is I’ll be satisfied. I’m a big fan of what was submitted.