PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX

[Jawnadelphia]

One Franklin Plaza looking so much better.

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[Urbanthusiat]

Originally Posted by TechTalkGuy

Does anyone actually know how many statues are affixed to City Hall Castle?

There are over 250. From http://www.phila.gov/virtualch//body_pages/history.html

City Hall Sculptures
On of the most remarkable features of City Hall is its many sculptures. Inside and out, the building has over 250 relief and freestanding sculptures, all created by Alexander Milne Calder. The original clay designs were sculpted and cast in plaster in the City Hall basement studio. Next, the plaster forms were copied by stone carvers in marble. Nine large figures were cast in bronze. The sculptures represent a wide range of topics, including historical, allegorical, mythological, people and animals from throughout the world, and figures that symbolize wisdom and attributes, virtues, and vices. A few examples include a keystone of Moses over the South portal, representing law and justice, a pair of Swedish settlers found just above the clock level, representing the original European inhabitants of the area. This comprehensive sculptural decoration is said "to express American ideals and develop American genius."

[TechTalkGuy]

Originally Posted by allovertown

Has anyone ever heard of Williard G. Rouse, III? Seems like an unimportant guy to me. What makes him so special?

The late Willard G. Rouse, III was the developer of Liberty Place, the complex of towers, retail and more who headed Liberty Property Trust, the developer of the two Comcast towers and the 3rd one being planned.

[TechTalkGuy]

Comcast currently has offices in Manhattan's 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
It is possible that their undisclosed plans for a 3rd tower for Philadelphia would move those workers out of New York completely.

There is no doubt that a possible 3rd tower would be expected to be the city's tallest to the roof.
The only questions are when and how tall.

Thoughts?

[City Wide]

Originally Posted by TallCoolOne

One Franklin Plaza looking so much better.

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I'm generally one who thinks the time for glass curtain walls has come and gone. But for whatever unknown reasons I really like this curtain wall. It looks clean and sharp but still has some variety. Maybe its just because what was there before was so sad and dated even when it was brand new.

Structurally I don't know how practical this would have been, but-----in my dreams I would have liked to see 6 to 12 floors of condos added onto the top of this building. If it would have been possible I think there would be a huuuge market for CC condos in the $500K to $1M range

[jsbrook]

Originally Posted by TechTalkGuy

Comcast currently has offices in Manhattan's 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
It is possible that their undisclosed plans for a 3rd tower for Philadelphia would move those workers out of New York completely.

There is no doubt that a possible 3rd tower would be expected to be the city's tallest to the roof.
The only questions are when and how tall.

Thoughts?

People connected to Comcast or with some inside knowledge -- some who post on this forum -- have suggested that's not Comcast and Liberty Priperty Trust's plan at all. And that rather than a second supertall, they are looking to construct several smaller towers on the blocks of land that have been assembled (and the patch of weeds on JFK next to the courtyard of Comcast Center). Personally, that's fine with me. From a development standpoint, if not necessarily a skyline standpoint, I actually think we are better off with multiple towers in this area over one supertall. I'd like to see more supertalls but they don't have to be there. University City (Schuykill Yards or 30th District) would be welcome location for some, and that seems to be part of the plan.

I know people within Comcast myself and I don't see NBC relocating to Philadelphia from New York anytime soon. It would require some significant shifts in company operations and societal shifts in general.

[jsbrook]

Originally Posted by City Wide

I'm generally one who thinks the time for glass curtain walls has come and gone. But for whatever unknown reasons I really like this curtain wall. It looks clean and sharp but still has some variety. Maybe its just because what was there before was so sad and dated even when it was brand new.

Structurally I don't know how practical this would have been, but-----in my dreams I would have liked to see 6 to 12 floors of condos added onto the top of this building. If it would have been possible I think there would be a huuuge market for CC condos in the $500K to $1M range

Part of this building is being renovated into condos, if I recall correctly, albeit no additions of floors. I share your sentiments on glass curtain walls being overplayed generally but also agree that this renovation is welcome for this building.

[BenKatzPhillytoParis]

Originally Posted by TechTalkGuy

Comcast currently has offices in Manhattan's 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
It is possible that their undisclosed plans for a 3rd tower for Philadelphia would move those workers out of New York completely.

There is no doubt that a possible 3rd tower would be expected to be the city's tallest to the roof.
The only questions are when and how tall.

Thoughts?

That is not the plan. Summers already discussed a massing concept. That block is right next to rowhomes and Logan Square Neighborhood and is in LSNA's development compact area agreed pretty sure with city planning commission. It will surely be developed, but all signs point to it as a series of buildings stepping up to CTC in height, definitely not approaching or exceeding its height.

[1487]

Originally Posted by jsbrook

Part of this building is being renovated into condos, if I recall correctly, albeit no additions of floors. I share your sentiments on glass curtain walls being overplayed generally but also agree that this renovation is welcome for this building.

apts and office space, no condos. But definitely part residential. I believe office space will be on the lower floors.

[Gonzo the Great]

Originally Posted by jsbrook

People connected to Comcast or with some inside knowledge -- some who post on this forum -- have suggested that's not Comcast and Liberty Priperty Trust's plan at all. And that rather than a second supertall, they are looking to construct several smaller towers on the blocks of land that have been assembled (and the patch of weeds on JFK next to the courtyard of Comcast Center). Personally, that's fine with me. From a development standpoint, if not necessarily a skyline standpoint, I actually think we are better off with multiple towers in this area over one supertall. I'd like to see more supertalls but they don't have to be there. University City (Schuykill Yards or 30th District) would be welcome location for some, and that seems to be part of the plan.

I know people within Comcast myself and I don't see NBC relocating to Philadelphia from New York anytime soon. It would require some significant shifts in company operations and societal shifts in general.

Wow , thats one hell of a statement . I hope the overall economy , and any federal funding that might find its way here becomes a
reality and not just smoke and mirrors .
I wish Comcast well and its future growth a plus , but I fear we may be trying to put the cart in front of the horse . I just read a
statement posted here , that Philly has been experiencing some of the slowest population growth amongst some of the largest U.S.
cities ...... Obviously , there are any number of reasons for that condition but in my own little warped world , middle and upper
middle class career positions can make the smallest engines roar .
....... So is Comcast the new World Trade Center , or are we trying to put lipstick on a pig ....... Not meant to be an insult , just a
look at the present hopes , dreams and possible pit falls that have made so many other " proposed " projects bite the dust .

[Kidphilly]

Originally Posted by summersm343

Very nice! I would like to see Morgan's Pier and Dave & Buster's stay honestly. They add vibrancy to the waterfront. Hopefully Dave & Buster's will find a new space to lease.

I believe we will see D&B get out of their lease early and move to an upper floor of the new Gallery redo...

[Kidphilly]

Originally Posted by SEFTA

Proposals developing for 2018;

CC North;
Including Philly's newest tallest building, a 2 tower project at 50 N Broad/Penn Square/Love Park, another 2 tower project at 1441 Cherry Street and 1480 Vine St. A hotel at 200 N Broad. 3 towers at the Summer Street project. A 28 story residential at 1421 Vine St. A 32 story residential at 1777 BF Pkwy. An 18 st medical research bldg at 1501 Spring St. 2 18 story residential towers at 1575 Spring and 1555 Callowhill.


CC East;
Start w a 3 tower 50 story mixed-use mega-project for the 800 block of Market. A 45 story residential/hotel tower above the World Conference Center at the 600 block of Market. A 40 & 24 story residential and hotel complex above Nordstrom, at 1000 block of Market. A 14 story residence at 200 Vine. A 19 story residential at 250 N Franklin. A new 15 story complex at Chinatown Station. A 2 tower residential complex at 900 Chestnut & 975 Sansom. @4 story office bldg at 950 Market. A 24 story residential tower built above existing parking garage at 1111 Chestnut Street.


CC West;
A 56 & 30 story 2 tower complex at 2201 Market and 2288 JFK Blvd. divided with a retail plaza between JFK and Market. This and 2200 Market Street tower will be built above and in conjunction with the new 22nd/23rd street transit station. A 38 story residential tower at 2000 Arch. Residential towers at 2150 JFK, a 25 story at 2201 Walnut, a 28 story at 2301 Walnut. A 22 story at 2040 Chestnut. A 32 story at 2100 Ludlow.


CC South;
A mixed use complex at 1001 S Broad Street where height was exchanged for public open space. Residential complexes at 500, 700 & 800 S Broad. There goes the Gayborhood with 3 towers, 15, 21 & 26 story towers at 1255, 1313 & 1331 Locust Street. A 15 story at 1661 Pine Street.





April Fools!
or, what I would do to Philly's surface lots (mostly)

While sadly an April fools I really do like the massing of the Broad and Washington lot you put on here

Also that all tower in the triangle on the parkway would look great on the other side of the cathedral on Vine and great views of the parkway - could really be a great place for high end condos

like your images none-the-less

cant wait to shop at the in town Nordstroms...

[summersm343]

Why Camden has the potential to be a hotbed of start-ups

The first phase begins April 18 with the official opening of Waterfront Lab, a coworking space inside the former National State Bank at 121 Market St. If Tran’s plans are realized, two more will follow this year to help fulfill his aim of attracting 100 or more start-ups to a city that has long talked of a revival.

It’s too early to know whether Tran’s long view for Camden will become reality. But he’s not the only believer.

“I think it’s a better time than ever to make a concerted effort to build a technology economy in Camden,” said Robert Moore, who moved his business-data analytics software start-up, RJ Metrics, from his attic in Collingswood to Camden in summer 2009, staying there until recruiting needs – mostly for engineers – necessitated a move to Center City Philadelphia in 2011. He and partner Jake Stein sold the company to California-based Magento Analytics in August for an undisclosed price.

Brock Weatherup, a serial entrepreneur and president of support group Philly Startup Leaders, shares in the optimism about Camden’s potential.

"Given the great growth momentum of Philadelphia in growing start-ups and early-stage businesses, it only seems natural to think that Camden can be an attractive point to expand the community,” Weatherup said. “Not taking away from Philly proper, but adding to it."

Adding to the bullishness about Camden’s start-up appeal is a belief that business opportunities will flow from some of the big companies moving to Camden’s waterfront, largely lured by hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks. Those include Holtec International, which plans to make nuclear reactors, and a new office tower that will house Conner Strong & Buckelew, an insurance company run by New Jersey Democratic powerhouse George Norcross.

A block from the Camden Co-Lab, Waterfront Lab had a soft opening on March 1. It currently has 17 companies, with room for three or four more, Tran said. All 12 offices are booked, at $850 a month. Dedicated desks cost $350 a month, open desks $225.

The two other co-working spaces he envisions would be within walking distance of Waterfront Lab to encourage a sense of community among the start-ups they serve and generate more foot traffic in a city where crime and decay do not instill pedestrian confidence.

Tran’s ultimate hope is that those who set up shop in the coworking spaces also will make their home in Camden, as he has.

Read more here:
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/Why-Camden-has-potential-to-be-a-hotbed-of-start-ups.html

[jsbrook]

Originally Posted by Gonzo the Great

Wow , thats one hell of a statement . I hope the overall economy , and any federal funding that might find its way here becomes a
reality and not just smoke and mirrors .
I wish Comcast well and its future growth a plus , but I fear we may be trying to put the cart in front of the horse . I just read a
statement posted here , that Philly has been experiencing some of the slowest population growth amongst some of the largest U.S.
cities ...... Obviously , there are any number of reasons for that condition but in my own little warped world , middle and upper
middle class career positions can make the smallest engines roar .
....... So is Comcast the new World Trade Center , or are we trying to put lipstick on a pig ....... Not meant to be an insult , just a
look at the present hopes , dreams and possible pit falls that have made so many other " proposed " projects bite the dust .

I take no offense, but I don't really view it as one hell of a statement or something extraordinary. I believe Comcast already has an excess of employees and that they won't all fit in these two towers. Nothing is set in stone, but it's a strategic and well-run company that is diversifying its products and services. I think it's eminently reasonable that it would continue to grow and need to occupy additional buildings. Now if we could only get a couple other companies here that are like it...

[Philly-Drew]

Originally Posted by Kidphilly

I believe we will see D&B get out of their lease early and move to an upper floor of the new Gallery redo...

Kidphilly, is just hopeful thinking, or do you have inside information?

[tsarstruck]

Originally Posted by jsbrook

Walked by 1835 Market this morning. MSC just put up a big sign at 1835 Market advertising 1st Floor retail and restaurant space.

I think the planned conversion and buildout of the Plaza noted in this article may finally be about to get going:

http://www.philly.com/philly/living/2015...reet_get_energized_with_new_retail_.html

This claims summer too: http://www.mscretail.com/property-listing/1835-market-street/ Seems ambitious, though, if we're really going to see a buildout.

Wonder when these other Market Street West buildings will get underway too.

Think you might have skimmed that listing a bit too quickly: "Existing Beneficial Bank space with ample frontage along Market & 19th St." It's the Beneficial space. I wouldn't be surprised if that means that one of the two banks at the across-the-street Beneficial Bank Place are on their way out with Beneficial taking its retail space.

[Kidphilly]

Originally Posted by Philly-Drew

Kidphilly, is just hopeful thinking, or do you have inside information?

some inside word nothing in stone but makes sense and believe the NY firm wants at the site sooner so would be willing to allow them out of the lease early on DE ave based on my understanding


I actually think personally would be a great use of the space

to me a movie tavernish and D&B would fill a lot of hard to fill space and be net good while 3rd floor mall space wont yield much excitement

enternainment can bring people up, not much else I think even food alone will be tough.

maybe a comedy club and/or concert hall

less the D&B all else is purely my own thoughts and even that is informed but not set in concrete

[PhilliesPhan]

FMC and Comcast II are amazing additions to our already fantastic skyline! 2400 Market is filling in the gap between PECO Tower and 2400 Chestnut, as well!

[JawKneeQuest]

http://imgur.com/a/2VTLq

Album of some shots from the new LegoLand in Plymouth Meeting. Shots come from Philly Biz Journal.

[Philly-Drew]

I like the way you think kid!