[Swinefeld]

The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton

Official Website: Residences at the Ritz-Carlton (http://www.philadelphiaresidences.com).

Location: 1414 South Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Usage: Condominium with 580,000 sf of residential space with ground-level retail.
Height: 518' (157.9 meters) Floors: 48
Architects: Handel Architects LLP
Developer: The Arden Group, Inc.
President and CEO: Craig A. Spencer
Estimated Cost: $275,000,000
Units: 280 units, from $500,000 to $12,000,000 for a 10,000 sf penthouse.
Completion: 2008
Amenities/Features:
• Billiards room
• Fitness center
• Swimming pool & spa
• Catering pantry
• Private garden

The One Meridian Plaza Fire
The plot of land where the Resindence at the Ritz-Carlton is to be built was once home to the 1972 One Meridian Plaza (Vincent Kling & Associates), a 38-floor skyscraper that suffered a severe fire on February 23, 1991. The fire started on the 22nd floor and raged for 18 hours, gutting eight floors and causing an estimated $100 million in direct property loss. It was later described by Philadelphia officials as "the most significant fire [of the last] century". Three Philadelphia firefighters lost their lives battling the blaze.

Meridian's owners and its insurers spent the next nine years haggling over compensation, letting the charred hulk of One Meridian Plaza stand out like a big, ugly, sore thumb. A settlement was finally reached in 1999.

The Spencer-Mahoney Feud
October 1999: Liberty Property Trust of Malvern tried to buy the site. Craig A. Spencer files a lawsuit to block the $13.5 million deal, asserting that the owner was reneging on a deal with his frim, the Arden Group. Liberty later backs off.
May 2000: Spencer's Arden Group buys the 22,000 sf site for $13.2 million and drops its lawsuit. Developer Tim Mahoney, of Ardmore, buts the adjacent site at the northeast croner of 15th and Chestnut Streets from Berwind Property Group. Buildings on the site are subsequently demolished.
January 2, 2003: The Spencer-Mahoney feud flares into the open before the City Zonind Board of Adjustment. The board approves Mahoney's proposed condo tower, and Spencer appeals that decision in the Common Pleas Court. He subsequently wins zoning approval for an even taller condo tower, and Mahoney retaliates by seeking to kill that approval in court.
May 2004: Spencer and Mahoney call a truce and say they will back each other's tower.
January 2005: Mahoney goes back before the zoning board with a revised proposal to replace the one that Common Pleas Court rejected. Spencer opposes the new plan, too.
July 2005: A new shorter version of Residences at the Ritz-Carlton with a public plaza was announced.
May 2, 2006: Official groundbreaking ceremony is held.
May 31, 2006: Tim Mahoney's Mariner company puts 1441 Chestnut on the market.

Renderings & Views

Renderings courtesy of Handel Architects LLP.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/435576.jpghttp://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ResRitz.jpg

Model based on older design. Photo courtesy of volguus zildrohar.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ResRitzVZ.jpg

Aerial view showing future site. Photo courtesy of Metro.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ResRitzMetroView.jpg

Recent photo looking north showing removal of underground garage roof where the buildings foundation will sit.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ResRitzNew.jpg

[bayrider]

A good looking building. It's simple in shape but has a lot of nice styling queues which will make it stand out. Where will it be situation in context with the rest of downtown? Will it be stuck behind taller buildings or will it be visiable from a distance/

[RayZ]

Didn't the number of floors get upped to 48 after the settlement with Mahoney?

[We Got Five]

This will be the jewel of Center City until (hoping) Mandeville becomes a reality.

[Lincolndrive]

I can't post this image from work but maybe someone else can?? It's from Jcorn on phillyblog and shows the work that has already been done on the parking lot as of 6/4/06

http://static.flickr.com/74/160294403_c9228a6aef.jpg?v=0

[Swinefeld]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/160294403_c9228a6aef.jpg

Sweet!

[LostInTheZone]

I really like this building. It's sleek, classic modernism, it's never going to look dated. and this is comng from someone who thinks most postwar architecture is crap. If 1441 is built, I think think they'll be the best-looking pair of postwar apartment towers in the city.

what do the floorplates look like? it looks like the left corner is slanted.

[aesop]

What a beautiful tower...I cannot wait to watch this one rise

[aesop]

A good looking building. It's simple in shape but has a lot of nice styling queues which will make it stand out. Where will it be situation in context with the rest of downtown? Will it be stuck behind taller buildings or will it be visiable from a distance/

It will be right next to city hall, where the parking lot is in this picture:

http://images.picpile.com/uploads/727071259.jpg

[Late1]

Thanks for that, aesop :) Just to clarify for bayrider, this tower will rise on just the lighter 1/2 of that parking area. The darker parking lot is where the proposed 670', 58 story "1441 Chestnut" condo/hotel tower would be smeeshed next to this one.

[TheOldMan]

^^^ yes RayZ, see description in first post.

[sciguy0504]

This is going to look great when it's rising and when it's complete. Now, all we have to do is get 1441 Chestnut back on track and this square would represent the best of Philly.

By the way, I'll have a cheesesteak with. At Geno's. (It's not like you could order in any other language other than English anyway so I fail to see what all the crying is over.)

[Wheelingman04]

I really like the design of that tower.

[TheOldMan]

This is going to look great when it's rising and when it's complete. Now, all we have to do is get 1441 Chestnut back on track and this square would represent the best of Philly.

By the way, I'll have a cheesesteak with. At Geno's. (It's not like you could order in any other language other than English anyway so I fail to see what all the crying is over.)

thats what the fuss is over ? your kidding right. jesus christ.

The RATR is a great looking building. it will fill that gap nicely. i cant wait until december when i get back into town for the holidays-we will have at least 5 major high rises well underway at that time !!

[iamrobk]

It will be right next to city hall, where the parking lot is in this picture:

http://images.picpile.com/uploads/727071259.jpg

If you look across 15th street from the parking lot you can see two buildings that seem to take up about as much space N-S as RATR and 1441 Chestnut will take up. All I can say is...damn, they're gonna be skinny.

[James Bond Agent 007]

That's a pretty decent-looking tower. I want one for Seattle! :)

[williamphilapa]

Awesome job on the intro page :tup:

It's amazing how few One Meridian Plaza photos there are floating around.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8331/onemerdianplaza3ed.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[TheOldMan]

hey william, can you do a rendering with RTAR and Comcast in the skyline.

[williamphilapa]

:previous: I'll try, if I find a photo that will allow it :)

[The Cheat]

yay for this thread! now just wait three years for it to be finished.

[bryson662001]

hey william, can you do a rendering with RTAR and Comcast in the skyline.

This building, RATR, dominates the view as you enter the downtown from the 676 Freeway via 15th st. On the other hand at 518' it isn't tall enough to make much of an impact on the skyline.

[Chad]

Asome design....

[Jularc]

I am so very happy this one is getting built! Love the Design!

...although what a disgrace about 1414 Chestnut Street.

[sjones]

Almost all of the concrete deck is gone now. There are also two mobile cranes on the site.

[wanderer34]

Fianlly, a thread about the RATR!!! I'm still hoping for 1441 to go through!!!

[Phillydude]

It's amazing how few One Meridian Plaza photos there are floating around.

Not that I'm glad firefighters died but this building, like Centre Square, sucked and I'm glad its gone. And since it sucked that's probably why there aren't that many pictures of it. It's only saving grace is that it had real stone on it.

[bryson662001]

When I first moved to philly and looked around, with carefull consideration, I decided this was my favorite building in CC. I also like center square but the meridian tower was more sophisticated, with a fairly elaborate facade, yet elegant and in good taste. It was beautifully proportioned and of course the granite skin gave it that extra touch of class. I would nominate it as the most beautiful brutalist building ever built. So now we will have yet another blue glass box. yea it's better then a parking lot but it will never replace what was there.

[Lincolndrive]

Has anyone been around these parts recently? Any update pics?? Please!

[Cro Burnham]

I was by this morning. Nothing exciting, I think they are just doing demo in the garage.

What I really want to confirm is this: are they going to reuse the existing foundations for the old Meridian building? If so, this will save ALOT of upfront time and will mean that we will start seeing above-ground work much faster than normal.

Please, someone in the know, let us know what is going on?

[MetroSplash]

It appears they've finished removing the garage roof directly below where the building will sit. They've conspiculously left the roof where the buildings driveway and garden will be (close to the existing Ritz Carlton). Also, they've removed the original ramp leading down to the garage. Not surprising, since, based on pictures of the model I've seen, the ramp would have to be moved to accomodate the new garden. As of last night, it didn't appear that they were removing any more of the existing garage. If this is indeed the case, they will sure save some $$$ by reusing the existing Meridian foundation.

If I get home from work early enough (before sunset...sigh), I'll take an updated picture and post.

[MetroSplash]

RATR site, 7:30pm, 6/16/06.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j207/Metrosplash/b56c8c1a.jpg

Beautiful evening, too.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j207/Metrosplash/52502edf.jpg

[aesop]

this is going to be such a beauty, with such a great location...cannot wait to see it standing fully built next to city hall...

[slow-v6]

I hope people dont keep parking in the lot next to the building when they start raising it..

[LostInTheZone]

When I first moved to philly and looked around, with carefull consideration, I decided this was my favorite building in CC. I also like center square but the meridian tower was more sophisticated, with a fairly elaborate facade, yet elegant and in good taste. It was beautifully proportioned and of course the granite skin gave it that extra touch of class. I would nominate it as the most beautiful brutalist building ever built. So now we will have yet another blue glass box. yea it's better then a parking lot but it will never replace what was there.

As far as brutalism goes, Meridian was actually pretty well-done, well thought-out and urbane. Considering so little of Brutalism was well-done, it was definitely a loss, especially since the prewar Morris building behind it had to come down too. But, I wouldn't call this just another glass box. The new 7 World Trade is a boring glass box. The angles break up the facade on this one, the cantelevered penthouse roof is straight off of PSFS (which predates the Pirelli building in Milan by decades, even though the latter is probably superior) and the arcaded entrance opens up the sidewalk while still respecting the street. It doesn't have a lot of ugly projecting balconies, and the few it does have are tastefulle set within the plane of the facade. It's got great slim proportions, and the height is just right for the site. This is really as good as it gets for a modernist building.

of course, it all comes down to the finishing materials that they use, but being that this is the Ritz I don't think they'll go cheap. I have a lot of confidence in this project.

PS- speaking of materials, any idea if they'll cover the west facade of the older Ritz tower with marble? The renderings seem to show the bricked-over windows being reopened. I'd be happy if they just pained it white too.

[volguus zildrohar]

Though I was barely eight years old at the time of the fire, I remember Meridian Plaza pretty well (and Meridian Bank's commercials - "Just say hello!"). It was the first building you'd see from the bottom up coming up from The El at The Clothespin, right next to City Hall. I remember going into a B. Dalton bookstore in another older building on the Chestnut Street sde of the block.

There are few photos of the building I've seen but I remember it well enough not to need them. It was certainly much more appealing than Centre Square - buildings I thought were ugly even back then.

It'll actually seem kinda funny having a building there again - a viable one.

http://www.pbase.com/image/62390620.jpg

[sjones]

It seems they have to remove all of the concrete from the underground parking garage. I am surprised that none of that garage is being reused for this project. I though they would sort of start building on the existing foundation from the Meridian building. At least they dont have to excavate a foundation so that should speed things up. The pace of demolition seems pretty slow.

[LostInTheZone]

i don't think the demolition is going beyond removing the 'roof'. It's probably just degraded from long exposure to the elements.

[sharkfood]

Anyone have an update on construction? I was there on Tuesday, July 11 and the site was very active, but unfortunately you cannot see very much from the sidewalk. Someone here must have a view from one of the surrounding highrises.

[LostInTheZone]

if someone wanted to go up to the city hall observation deck, I'm sure you could get pics. only open during the week on business hours though- so annoying.

[TechTalkGuy]

Hopefully, the building will begin to rise before New Year's.

Then we'll celebrate the New Year's with Comcast and Ritz-Carlton rising to the skies.

I recall every New Year's eve watching both the New York towers being built, followed the next day at the Mummer's day watching the Philadelphia go nowhere.

Last New Year's was the first where Comcast started to rise.

My New Year's resolution for 2006 was for more construction in NY and Philly.

I hope to set my next year's resolution for even more exciting projects for both cities.

Especially Ground Zero - so much going on for construction! :D

[apetrella802]

they will reuse the existing foundations but suppliment it with more cassions for the particular needs of this buil,ding. i'm not guessing i send an email to the developer and asked just this question since it should translate into a much quicker start on the tower.

[CondoGuru]

As far as brutalism goes, Meridian was actually pretty well-done, well thought-out and urbane. Considering so little of Brutalism was well-done, it was definitely a loss, especially since the prewar Morris building behind it had to come down too. But, I wouldn't call this just another glass box. The new 7 World Trade is a boring glass box. The angles break up the facade on this one, the cantelevered penthouse roof is straight off of PSFS (which predates the Pirelli building in Milan by decades, even though the latter is probably superior) and the arcaded entrance opens up the sidewalk while still respecting the street. It doesn't have a lot of ugly projecting balconies, and the few it does have are tastefulle set within the plane of the facade. It's got great slim proportions, and the height is just right for the site. This is really as good as it gets for a modernist building.

of course, it all comes down to the finishing materials that they use, but being that this is the Ritz I don't think they'll go cheap. I have a lot of confidence in this project.

PS- speaking of materials, any idea if they'll cover the west facade of the older Ritz tower with marble? The renderings seem to show the bricked-over windows being reopened. I'd be happy if they just pained it white too.

Well seeing as there's no real relationship between the developer and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Marriott International), and developers being developers, you can probably count on them cutting any corner they can that has nothing to do with their building. They have no obligation to spruce up the east wall of the hotel, and the hotel has no obligation to make it nice for the condo owners either. A friend of mine's company bought some units there for corporate housing and were told that there is simply a hospitality licensing agreement with the hotel, nothing more. They also said there is no guarantee of the Ritz-Carlton name remaining there if the hotel chose not to renew such a license or if the Ritz closed that location. Now that would really stink for people buying there simply for the hotel services and name.

[mbenzgt]

Well seeing as there's no real relationship between the developer and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Marriott International), and developers being developers....


Not true. The hotel is owned by the same developer as the condo project. Ritz Carlton is just a name and is franchised out. The Westin hotel in CC is owned by a third party, as is the Park Hyatt.

[PhillyJosh]

Not true. The hotel is owned by the same developer as the condo project. Ritz Carlton is just a name and is franchised out. The Westin hotel in CC is owned by a third party, as is the Park Hyatt.

That isn't entirely true......the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co is owned by Marriott, who purchased the name in 1996. The Arden Group, however does own the building and leases to the RC.

[Lincolndrive]

I had a nice walk over to the RATR this morning. There's a lot of work going on and I didn't realize they were clearing out the pavement below ground level as well....I guess thats why this whole part of site-prep is taking so long. Living anywhere near there would have to be brutal right now...its constant pavement demo all day long!

BTW, you can get a really good look at the progress from the parking lot next door (where 1441 will be one day). Someone should think about taking the camera down there (I would but I still haven't figured out how to post on this site...BTW round 2....it would be really cool if someone could tell me how to paste pictures here!).

[MetroSplash]

I had a nice walk over to the RATR this morning. There's a lot of work going on and I didn't realize they were clearing out the pavement below ground level as well....I guess thats why this whole part of site-prep is taking so long. Living anywhere near there would have to be brutal right now...its constant pavement demo all day long!


I live accross the street in the Ellington, and it sure does wake me up every morning. But since I have to get up to go to work anyway, its not too bad.

After a lull of a few weeks, they are working full force removing another layer of concrete. The last picture I posted shows just the roof of the garage gone, but since then they've completely take out the lower level and much more of the roof. If I get home before sunset this evening, I'll take an updated picture and post.

[Lincolndrive]

BTW round 2....it would be really cool if someone could tell me how to paste pictures here!).

Thanks to all who responded to this request! I think I've got the posting thing down now. Of course I can't get anything on from work but at least I know how now!

Cheers

[MetroSplash]

Thanks to all who responded to this request! I think I've got the posting thing down now. Of course I can't get anything on from work but at least I know how now!

Cheers

Go to www.photobucket.com, sign up for an account, upload your pictures, and copy the IMG code for the picture into you message.

Simple as that.

[MetroSplash]

New picture of RATR construction.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j207/Metrosplash/IMG_1505.jpg

[phillyskyline]

This is a pipedream but how sweet would it be if Spencer bought out Mahoney who is selling 1441 & combined the Ritz with 1441's new space to construct the premier condo unit in the city!

[CondoGuru]

That isn't entirely true......the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co is owned by Marriott, who purchased the name in 1996. The Arden Group, however does own the building and leases to the RC.

Thank you. I thought I had it right seeing as it was explained to me that way by the Ritz's Sales Center itself! :)

[volguus zildrohar]

The view from 15th Street is getting much more generous should anyone pass it by. The fingers and my camera will be in fighting shape again next week...so maybe these verbal trifles will trickle to tiny.

[Swinefeld]

The fence around the perimeter make casual photo taking very dificult. We'll have to rely on pics from Metro.

This pic from last Saturday shows the removal of wall that surrounded the pit.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/Miscellanious/ResRitJuly22.jpg

[Lincolndrive]

I had a very hot walk over to the RATR site today to see how things were going....They are going well and full-steam ahead. It seems like they have even more people on the site now. I finally managed to speak with a project manager who told me that they were just now starting to reinforce the foundation (since they are re-using an old one) and that they would start pouring concrete in late September. I asked him if everything was still alright and moving forward and he said that everything was a go and this building was definitely coming. Hopefully he wasn't blowing smoke but after seeing how many people are on-site, I still would be amazed if they were backing out at this point. Still, I'll be a lot happier when the concrete's getting poured in a couple months.

[SouthPhilly]

FORGOT INSPIRATIONAL Quote(edit):
This is a pipedream but how sweet would it be if Spencer bought out Mahoney who is selling 1441 & combined the Ritz with 1441's new space to construct the premier condo unit in the city!

That would be a disaster i hate big chunky towers with huge podiums and loading docks. Why can't we keep the nice slender urban design and not have one guy owning everything.

[sjones]

Wow, it will be some time before we see concrete here. I saw they are cutting out some of the beams and continuing to remove the slab at street level near the Ritz Carlton. I saw at least a dozen guys on site the other day.

[volguus zildrohar]

August 4:

Looking down.

http://www.pbase.com/phillytrax/image/64618932.jpg

[TechTalkGuy]

:previous: Excellent shot! :tup:

[MetroSplash]

Here's a shot of the site from 7:30 PM, 8/9/2006. It doesn't look that much different then the shot I took last month, but there does seem to be a lot going on underground (believe me, I hear them every morning and even on Saturdays).

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j207/Metrosplash/IMG_1507.jpg

[TheOldMan]

^^^they are fortifying and reinforcing the original foundation for reuse for this building. from what i read in earlier postings, nothing will rise out of the ground for at least until the 4th quarter of this year.

[apetrella802]

i did send an email to the developer about the foundation and he said they need tol augment the caissons from the Meridian building to support the new footprint. Normally if they were staring from scratch on a foundation it could take 6 or 7 months before and steel structure would emerge about the street,

[apetrella802]

the RATR site is a beehive of activity, this morning

[spm1956]

I've seen RATR listed as a center city casualty in at least 2 sources---anyone know if that is true? I haven't seen much going on last couple of times by it...

[aesop]

I've seen RATR listed as a center city casualty in at least 2 sources---anyone know if that is true? I haven't seen much going on last couple of times by it...

I sure hope not...this is my favorite UC building in the city after Comcast...

[looper121]

I've seen RATR listed as a center city casualty in at least 2 sources---anyone know if that is true? I haven't seen much going on last couple of times by it...

Can you link us to your sources? It's neighbor has been kicked to the curb for the time being, but I thought this one was a go...

Edit: Hold up, weren't you the one saying Murano was going to be cancelled a couple months ago? Hmmm...

[MetroSplash]

This morning, there was a great deal of work being done at the site, so I doubt the status of this building has changed. Things slowed down a bit with all the rain we had recently, but they've been hard at work since.

I'll try to post another picture this evening when I get home from work.

[We Got Five]

Second sighting...

A great deal of work being done this morning...again, it seems mostly underground.

[volguus zildrohar]

Yes folks, most of the work that's been underway thus far has been below where we can see - shoring the foundations and such. This project is quite alive.

[mja]

I've seen it listed as being cancelled in a couple rundown articles in the inqy I believe, but I've always assumed it was actually a confused reporter because 1441 wasn't listed either time and I just figured they mistook the one project for the other.

And for the 2nd time, SPM, for those of you not on phillyblog, is a respected and credible poster who is ragingly pro-development and whose qualifications far exceed anyone elses here. He is at the very least far better connected than anyone else here.

And no, I'm not SPM, nor have I ever met him.

[Capsule F]

Well you seem to really really like him.

[phillyskyline]

Someone's got a lil crush.

[Swinefeld]

[snip] And for the 2nd time, SPM, for those of you not on phillyblog, is a respected and credible poster who is ragingly pro-development and whose qualifications far exceed anyone elses here. He is at the very least far better connected than anyone else here.

And no, I'm not SPM, nor have I ever met him.
Yeah, but wasn't SPM dead wrong on his Murano prediction? I'm sure he is very credible, but until something official comes out regarding R@TRC, we should assume it is still under construction. I just took a stroll passed it, and it looked like it was still moving ahead.

Sorry, I don't mean to piss off the SPM Fan Club. I'm sure he's a fine feller. :worship:

[volguus zildrohar]

The general rule of thumb is to keep rumors off the table unless and until there's something to verify it - a newspaper article or what have you. The Murano thing was a bust but that's in the past. It would be good for all of us to try to do that.

[mja]

Again, I've never met him. Just exchanged a few posts over the last few years. I do know a little about his background - through other posters on Phillyblog - and because of that I know that if he's posting something like a rumor it is because it is indeed something that is being said on the inside of things.

Many of you aren't on the blog, and many of you are, and as such there's a weird paradox on this board wherein it seems to be largely a continuation of the blog and yet at the same time it isn't at all.

To see someone who is as rabidly pro-development as SPM (go to phillyblog and read his posts if need be) being accused of spreading maliciously unsubstantiated rumors around is a tad odd.

I spoke up for him here because I know how good his info generally is. I'd really wish he'd post more of it.

[spm1956]

Well, I guess I'll have to step in and defend mja, who is obviously a smart poster!!!

We all went over the "rumor" story in philly-blog---and I THOUGHT that everyone generally agreed that using the BLOG to check out rumors is a legit use.....especially when they are posted as rumors we've heard. VZ has excellent sources, but I don't know why he suggests can't ask about rumors.

The Murano-death story (which forced Swinefeld to drop me from his skyscraper xmas card list---put me back on----I AM a fine feller!!) did turn out to be bad info---but I can tell you I heard it from someone right in line over there. (so what if he was sleeping on the opposite corner!!!)

And mja is right--I DID see the RATR on the death list in a story--I think it was Inga's ----


And mja is also right on one other thing---I may well be the MOST PRO DEVELOPMENT person on this blog or in this city or on this planet! (that just means I'm more nuts, I guess, but I am also very pro Philadelphia)---I'm NOT someone who loves to bear bad tidings, nor to predict 27 of the next 2 downturns....

but as I've noted before, and in places other than these blogs, real estate investment cycles come and then the window SLAMS shut for a long time.


I like this blog because I learn a ton from it, and the pictures and info are excellent. Swine, VZ, El, Malloy---even Phillyskyline and the rest of this gang should all be making policy here in this city!!




;)

[spm1956]

ok ok---does anyone have a picture of the latest RATR construction?

[williamphilapa]

One of the many recent ads,
..bump the thread up from the 3rd page, hopefully some real updates soon :)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4005/ratraddmb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://newspaperads.philly.com/rop/ads.aspx?advid=265302

[aesop]

thanks will

[josef]

it hasn't risen above the basement/foundation part yet, has it?

[volguus zildrohar]

No, nothing has come out of the ground yet.

[sjones]

This is moving very slowly. They have playing around in that old garage for four or five months now. I hope we see something rising up soon. Murano is way ahead of RARC at this point.

[williamphilapa]

10_1_06 - drive by...the crane


http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8362/ratrcranekz2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[spm1956]

Seems like more activity at RATR, at least the crane moving a lot more---does anyone have any of those pics looking down from nearby buildings to see what's happening down there?

[apetrella802]

emporis does indicate the RATR as Under Construction for the first time

[therealdawk]

I'm kinda lost as to where this thing is. Still digging dirt? Pouring concrete? What's up?

[volguus zildrohar]

Utility work underground and shoring up the remnants of the supports for One Meridian Plaza being used for this tower.

[spm1956]

I hear should be rising out of the ground by mid-late December

[MetroSplash]

From 10/14. Lots of noise and activity, not too much visible progress.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j207/Metrosplash/IMG_1526.jpg

[apetrella802]

section J of the sunday inquirer features the RATR on the front page, with some human interest story about CC condo byers

[volguus zildrohar]

The story didn't interest this human.

[McBane]

Anyone else have trouble logging in yesterday? I would say yes based on the lack of postings on Philly V.

The Inqy had their usual fluff real estate piece, only this time, it provided some good info on the RATR. According to the construction manager, all work is being done underground and it won't be much longer til they start pouring the concrete for the foundation and the building begins to rise. That's the good news - a firm statement that this project is continuing.

What bothered me however, was that the article stated the building would rise 485'. That is a true dissapointment because i was under the impression it would be 30 feet higher. 30 feet may not seem like much, however it is enough to distinguish itself from the clutter of all the 480-490 footers in penn center. now, if this is true, RATR will just add to the clutter instead of rising above and making an impact on the skyline.

Finally, i must wonder if this building will be a giant Beaumont with an enormous blank wall facing what hopefully will become 1441 chestnut. in fact, unless someone knows otherwise, i think it is safe to assume that this is the case. figure Beaumont and 101 Walnut were built in that style because they were on property lines and maybe someone may build a nieghboring structure. in the case of RATR, a neighboring building is in the works (whether or not 1441 gets built, the location can't be beat and eventually something will be built). plus in a tower of that size, the $ savings of not having to put up a 4th glass wall must be immense. As for the property lines, these 2 plots are so small that there is no possible way that RATR doesn't abut the property line.

unlike the other two buildings on front street, i don't think that the concrete wall will be such a big deal. as mentioned above, it is inevitable that something will be built accross from the potential blank wall - that location is too good. whether it's another 2 years or 10 years, i don't think it will exceed that timeframe. and to put a positive spin on the concrete wall - if that is the case - once this building begisn to rise - it's going to fly; it will probably be finished faster than the murano.

[Late1]

Hopefully the 485' measurement given was just an outdated figure. That seems to happen a lot in news articles since journalists tend not to be height geeks like us when it comes to exact, updated figures.

[volguus zildrohar]

Yes, I have to concur on the height figure. 518 feet was the figure after the final remodel of the building and as Late1 said figures like that are rarely updated as often as we would like.

[apetrella802]

i asked for an recieved the official marketing brochure that is given to perspective buyers. It states that the building will be 518 feet tall and have 48 stories.

[Cro Burnham]

Finally, i must wonder if this building will be a giant Beaumont with an enormous blank wall facing what hopefully will become 1441 chestnut. in fact, unless someone knows otherwise, i think it is safe to assume that this is the case.

The back wall is not so bad at all - more interesting than the front in may regards. Check out the model in the hotel lobby.

plus in a tower of that size, the $ savings of not having to put up a 4th glass wall must be immense.

I'm not sure a blank wall (especially if is concrete) is cheaper than glass. Concrete is probably a lot heavier, more time consuming to build, and more labor intensive than prefab window panel installation.

As for the property lines, these 2 plots are so small that there is no possible way that RATR doesn't abut the property line.

There is a small alley (Ranstead Street?) between the two parcels. So I assume they will be at least 20' -30' apart.

[sciguy0504]

I believe the tower was specifically designed to deal with the small plot and close property line. In other words, I do not think there will be a blank wall on one side.

[shakman]

i asked for an recieved the official marketing brochure that is given to perspective buyers. It states that the building will be 518 feet tall and have 48 stories.

Not bad. Although I do not think this tower will make a great impact on the skyline. Perhaps an impact driving south on I-95 towards Center City.

[SouthPhilly]

Anyone else have trouble logging in yesterday? I would say yes based on the lack of postings on Philly V.

The Inqy had their usual fluff real estate piece, only this time, it provided some good info on the RATR. According to the construction manager, all work is being done underground and it won't be much longer til they start pouring the concrete for the foundation and the building begins to rise. That's the good news - a firm statement that this project is continuing.

What bothered me however, was that the article stated the building would rise 485'. That is a true dissapointment because i was under the impression it would be 30 feet higher. 30 feet may not seem like much, however it is enough to distinguish itself from the clutter of all the 480-490 footers in penn center. now, if this is true, RATR will just add to the clutter instead of rising above and making an impact on the skyline.

Finally, i must wonder if this building will be a giant Beaumont with an enormous blank wall facing what hopefully will become 1441 chestnut. in fact, unless someone knows otherwise, i think it is safe to assume that this is the case. figure Beaumont and 101 Walnut were built in that style because they were on property lines and maybe someone may build a nieghboring structure. in the case of RATR, a neighboring building is in the works (whether or not 1441 gets built, the location can't be beat and eventually something will be built). plus in a tower of that size, the $ savings of not having to put up a 4th glass wall must be immense. As for the property lines, these 2 plots are so small that there is no possible way that RATR doesn't abut the property line.

unlike the other two buildings on front street, i don't think that the concrete wall will be such a big deal. as mentioned above, it is inevitable that something will be built accross from the potential blank wall - that location is too good. whether it's another 2 years or 10 years, i don't think it will exceed that timeframe. and to put a positive spin on the concrete wall - if that is the case - once this building begisn to rise - it's going to fly; it will probably be finished faster than the murano.

More people actualy see the belmont and 101 walnut because of 95.
Am I wrong to say no one has done anything about the blank wall behind the ritz hotel since the fire.
This building won't impact the skyline by a difference of 30 feet. Although i would like it to be a lot different then Penn Center, which i hate.

[Waybat]

According to Jane Golden of the Mural Arts Project (on NPR 11/9), a huge mural for the 22 story Ritz Carlton wall is in the works!

[omp835]

[QUOTE=Am I wrong to say no one has done anything about the blank wall behind the ritz hotel since the fire.
[/QUOTE]
If you look at some of the renderings, it does show a restored wall. Not sure if that indicates the actual intentions of the developer or if the architect was drawing pretty pictures. But I am optimistic.