[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-6.jpg

[skellergroup]

Thank god. I've been waiting for this one to start rising.
I'm very interested on how this will end up.

[BigDan35]

Is this tower going to be 320 feet starting from the bottom of the hole. Or will it be 320 feet starting from street level?

[theWatusi]

So it looks like they are going to pour the foundation up against the wood/steel shoring that is currently in place. Is this a concern over the long run as the wood rots and creates cavities in the earth?

[hammersklavier]

It looks like they're building the same type of "bathtub"-style foundation as the former World Trade Center's--only on a smaller scale.

[Swinefeld]

Is this tower going to be 320 feet starting from the bottom of the hole. Or will it be 320 feet starting from street level?
Street level, of course.

[bucks native]

From Inquirer, Sunday:

Tom Scannapieco, the developer of 1706 Rittenhouse Square, a condo tower under construction, said a third of the 29 units had been sold. Most start at $4 million.

[Lincolndrive]

Hey...might have jumped the gun on this one. I talked to another guy onsite yesterday who said the rebar wouldn't be going in for another 2-3 weeks. Won't be long either way and I'll keep everyone up to date on any progress.

I talked to the PM on site today who said that the foundation work would begin at the end of next week or early the following week at the latest.

Before the concrete pour, they have to lay all the rebar for the 6 foot deep mat of concrete they are going to put down. This will require over a 100 concrete trucks and will happen on a Saturday later this month.

Once anything major happens, I'll take some pics since I walk by this badboy every day on my horrible 10 minute walk to work :)

NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[theWatusi]

Thanks for the updates Lincoln

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-7.jpg

[Lincolndrive]

If anyone has been following this site prep on a regular basis they would have noticed this particular site is constantly pumping water out 24/7. I know that Center City used to have several streams flowing through it (and that its obviously still surrounded by water from the Delaware and Schuylkill) but I was curious if this is like most construction sites in the city or if this is more of an exception. I'm guessing when they lay the 6 foot concrete mat and create the bathtub effect, this will end the problem but I am not an engineer and was curious if anyone else knew anything else. From an amateur perspective, it seems like this site is on top of a natural spring or something.

[bucks native]

Wherever one digs, one eventually reaches water. It's referred to as the "water table." It's the science behind wells, which every residence once had before public water systems. I'm surprised that's it's so deep in Philadelphia with the rivers on each side.

[Don098]

It really looks like they're going to keep the wood there...is that common construction practice?

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-8.jpg

[theWatusi]

did they start putting the rebar together for the mat yet?

[Lincolndrive]

^not that I noticed today. I'm guessing that won't start until the 'protective cloth' (or whatever its called) is around the whole perimeter.

[Cro Burnham]

I really think this is beyond "site prep" now. It should move to the construction thread, don't you all think?.

[theWatusi]

I really think this is beyond "site prep" now. It should move to the construction thread, don't you all think?.

No, we need concrete going in before the thread can be moved.

[Lincolndrive]

I'm not 100% sure but I believe they are laying down a thin concrete layer on the entire site so that when they actually lay the rebar down for the real concrete foundation, it settles more evenly. They did something like this at 10Rittenhouse which is why I think I've seen this before.

I guess by the technical SSP definition this is probably under construction, yes?

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-1-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-2-1.jpg

[Swinefeld]

I really think this is beyond "site prep" now. It should move to the construction thread, don't you all think?.
I concur.

[BigDan35]

So...then...let's move it.

[Swinefeld]

Almost there. When caissons and foundation components are in place then I can move it. In a few more weeks I suppose.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-3-1.jpg

[Cro Burnham]

Construction question: since they are putting down a mat now, wouldn't there already be piles/caissons underneath it? I mean, they are not going to drill caissons through the mat, right?

Explanation would be appreciated.

[Lincolndrive]

I am no expert but am quite sure that this mat is just a thin base mat that will support the 6 foot thick rebar cage and the forthcoming huge concrete pour. There won't be any caissons drilled in this site. This one is the same as 10 Ritt and once the 6 foot foundation is poured, they will start building up from that foundation.

After the foundation goes in it will be really interesting to watch since they will obviously have to install the automated self parking garage components in addition to all the major structural supports all at the same time.

[Cro Burnham]

. . . . but am quite sure that this mat is just a thin base mat that will support the 6 foot thick rebar cage . . . .

Thanks for the insight.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-4-1.jpg

[theWatusi]

looks like it snowed down there

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-5-1.jpg

[theWatusi]

Lincoln, are there any big piles of rebar on site?

[Lincolndrive]

Not yet...i don't expect to see any rebar until they have finished putting this white protective cloth stuff around the entire site. I really don't have any clue why they are doing this but it might have something to do with the mechanical self-parking garage. I've never seen this on any other site but no other site has this type of crazy garage component either (thus my conclusion!).

[tua21506]

You never know maybe its a liner to make it the states biggest swimming pool...lol

[cjPhilly]

i don't expect to see any rebar until they have finished putting this white protective cloth stuff around the entire site.

I imagine that this is some sort of waterproofing necessary to install the automated garage equipment, especially given that this is a rather deep hole. Generally, I don't think those machines do too well if they get flooded with water.

[tua21506]

pictures i took today....
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010176.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010177.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010178.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010181.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010182.jpg
getting closer....

[UCityPhila]

I'm uber excited for this project. Can't wait to see it get going. If I ever make it big, this is where I would want to live.

Someday...:cool:

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-7-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-6-1.jpg

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-8-1.jpg

[winxs]

Looks like it is time to finally move this thread to U/C, don't ya all think?:banaride:

[tua21506]

If you think about it why is it that the Chicago spire is classified as UC but not this...if anything i would say this building is further along than the spire.....

[theWatusi]

If you think about it why is it that the Chicago spire is classified as UC but not this...if anything i would say this building is further along than the spire.....

two very different construction techniques...


I'd say this is close. Is what they are pouring a sub mat- mat?

[tua21506]

Re Bar Is Going In.....they Have Begun To Lay Down The Re Bar Matt....i'll Get Pictures Later Today....this Means Construction...yay

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-9.jpg

[StatenIslander237]

oh goody! :) :) :)

[Don098]

We have liftoff!

[We Got Five]

Could one of the Sr. Forumer's answer this question --

Is the lot on the opposit side of this site (behind 1706 on 18th street, where there is a parking lot) large enough for a 1706 size proposal?

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-10-1.jpg

[clubbster]

Could one of the Sr. Forumer's answer this question --

Is the lot on the opposit side of this site (behind 1706 on 18th street, where there is a parking lot) large enough for a 1706 size proposal?

The parking lot at 1716-28 Rittenhouse Sq is 7056 sq ft, while the 1706 Rittenhouse Sq site is 6741 sq ft. So it could certainly support a project of the same size, at least in theory.

However, give the site is mid-block on two narrow side streets consisting largely of rowhouses, I'd imagine there might be strong objections from the neighbors with regard to scale, and from the new residents of 1706 having their views blocked. It would also likely require a number of zoning adjustments before it could happen.

[We Got Five]

Thanks Clubster - I'm hoping we see some type of development there, it's just another eye sore and could be home to a nice restaurant/hotel lowrise proposal.

[Don098]

Thanks Clubster - I'm hoping we see some type of development there, it's just another eye sore and could be home to a nice restaurant/hotel lowrise proposal.

I think a lowrise proposal would be nice...I'd like to see 1706 retain it's future presence in the neighborhood.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-10-1.jpg

I think the major concrete pour might happen this week/end. Not 100% sure on that though with the holiday. The rebar looks like its almost 100% in place though. I'll get some update pics shortly.

[Hendi]

Yeah, I too was thinking that the 4th would push things back a bit, between the holiday and the traffic it creates they might have to be crazy to try it. I'm thinking this thing will be going in two weeks.

[Lincolndrive]

yup....I talked to a guy on site today who said the large 6 ft. foundation concrete pour will happen on Saturday July 12th as long as everything goes according to plan.

Yeah, I too was thinking that the 4th would push things back a bit, between the holiday and the traffic it creates they might have to be crazy to try it. I'm thinking this thing will be going in two weeks.

[Don098]

They're still laying rebar...it's looking pretty complex
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2634920113_01389a553a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2634921319_cf4b332ac9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2634926469_3af0858569.jpg?v=0

Today was the first time I was able to visit the site in person. The neighborhood in this block is gorgeous and quiet...future residents are definitely getting their money's worth. Nice small cafes, quaint Zagat-rated restaurants. I can't wait for this to start rising. I love the design.

[Johnland]

I think the major concrete pour might happen this week/end. Not 100% sure on that though with the holiday. The rebar looks like its almost 100% in place though. I'll get some update pics shortly.

I love this shot because it perfectly captures one of the great things about Philadelphia's urban nature. On each of the three corners currently occupied by buildings, different eras and style are represented in a tight knit fabric - sort of a classical look on the left, a spendid Victorian in center and a routine 20th century on the right. Once 1706 is completed, the fouth corner of this compact intersection will be occupied by a tall, sleek modern tower, rounding out the complete diversity of styles.

[Johnland]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-10-1.jpg

I love this shot because it perfectly captures one of the great things about Philadelphia's urban nature. On each of the three corners currently occupied by buildings, different eras and style are represented in a tight knit fabric - sort of a classical look on the left, a spendid Victorian in center and a routine 20th century on the right. Once 1706 is completed, the fouth corner of this compact intersection will be occupied by a tall, sleek modern tower, rounding out the complete diversity of styles.

[detmi7mile]

I see philly is pretty busy these days...looks great.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-11-1.jpg from this a.m.

[bryson662001]

I see philly is pretty busy these days...looks great.
I think these last few projects will be the end for the forseeable future, and they are all super luxury, money is no object type deals at that. Between the cost of construction and the credit crunch, new projects are pretty much impossible to get off the ground. It is also the reason that downtown Philly real estate prices remain flat or are increasing instead of going down. There is no chance of this market becoming over built.

[Hendi]

Haven't been by yet this week, does anyone know if the concrete pour happened over the weekend?

[Hendi]

Sorry to double post, but I walked by the site on my way home to answer my own question: no concrete yet but my god is that a lot of rebar.

[theWatusi]

Patience...it will happen.

[wally]

I walked by the site this afternoon, and wow, there were concrete trucks everywhere. So, it looks like today's the big day. They must not have been able to do it last Saturday, which forced them to push it back one week. It makes sense that they would have to do it on a weekend rather than a busy weekday, since they closed off part of 17th street for the pour.

Does anyone have pictures?

[tua21506]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010183.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010184.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010185.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010186.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010187.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010188.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010190.jpg
:banana:

[theWatusi]

:jester: it looks like they poured the scaffolding stairs right into the slab.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-12-1.jpg

[tua21506]

this project looks to be moving right along...How long do you guys think till its out of the ground?

[theWatusi]

It will probably take a while. They have to install the robotic parking garage.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-13-1.jpg

I wonder if they will pour the concrete for all these support columns before starting installation of the self-parking garage.

[wally]

I wonder if they will pour the concrete for all these support columns before starting installation of the self-parking garage.

I would assume so. They probably want to get all of the support structure in place before installing the mechanical parking, which I assume is non-structural.

I'm very interested in how they're going to build and operate this parking system. Maybe it's going to be the moving mechanical section placed into the concrete parking decks, or maybe they build it in place piece by piece so that the parts are interconnected. Maybe the whole thing will be steel, decks and all. I wonder...

[theWatusi]

we shall see very soon :banana:

[LittleMike]

i hope we get some good views of them installing the robotic car garage! This project seems to be moving along well

[tua21506]

I walked by tonight and saw Amquip setting up a large crane.....They had the whole street blocked off...I didn't have my camera with me...It would be worth someones while to swing by and take a pic though.

[theWatusi]

tower crane?

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-14-1.jpg

[cubanChris]

i hope we get some good views of them installing the robotic car garage! This project seems to be moving along well

Mark my words, Robotic Car Garage is going to turn against us on Judgement Day when Skynet goes online...

Otherwise, I got out of my way when I walk twrd rittenhouse just to get a peak at the progress - I'm eager to see it rise :)

[tua21506]

tower crane?

I think lincolndrive answered your question lol...I'm glad to see it up...

[tua21506]

I walked by today and thought a i saw some structural steel going in along with the re-bar....might be a part of the funky parking system......should be worth someones while to take a photo....

[Lincolndrive]

Looks like a few steel pieces have gone in on the north side there

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-1-2.jpg

[bluemartini]

Lincolndrive - you kick ass. Thanks for keeping us all up to date on this project.

[tua21506]

some pictures I took today......
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010202.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010201.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010200.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010199.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010198.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010197.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010195.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010196.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/tua21506/P1010193.jpg

[volguus zildrohar]

I caught the installation last weekend, totally unaware things had progressed to that point.

If its mark is Spring 2010 then work should start coming out of the ground no later than spring '09 and then proceed at a rapid clip much like RATR.

Funny, though, the sit of all these cranes near Rittenhouse Square. Two now with the option for Castleway. Busy.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-2-3.jpg

[Swinefeld]

Good work on the updates, Lincolndrive. Thanks. :tup:

[Lincolndrive]

Glad to know the pics are appreciated Swiney. This is from the am. Notice they are continuing to pour concrete up the walls while keeping the steel exposed. I can only imagine that this steel is being used to support the automatic parking garage so it will be interesting to see how everything else fits in.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-3-2.jpg

[CondoGuru]

This is just an incredible piece of engineering to be happening here in Philadelphia. I heard that this will be only the second residential community in the country with a robotic parking system!

[philliesphinest]

Found this online. Check out the CNN video. Pretty amazing. :cheers:

http://www.robopark.com/home_broadband.php

[theWatusi]

Good updates.

Thanks Lincoln

[McBane]

Lincoln, your pics are always appreciated. You're the man when it comes to keeping us updated on Rittenhouse Sq. projects. Here's to you and all upcoming Rittenhouse projects: cheers: :cheers:

[Lincolndrive]

Thanks McBane!

From today...the north wall concrete is finished.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-4-2.jpg

[Junkyrddg1]

Actually, the vertical steel beams that you see at the inside face of the concrete wall are form brackets for the wall placements. This is a vertical slip-forming system that works well in one-sided form applications, where you cannot tie into the blind face of a wall cast against lagging/sheeting (and in this case, against waterproofing, the white sheet) and it eliminates the need for large A-frame type braces that would otherwise be required to resist the head pressure from wet/plastic concrete. About 2 feet of concrete is placed, then allowed to set, then the form facing is pulled upward and the next lift is placed, after the lower concrete has set enough to stay put. This is repeated over and over to place the wall to desired height---kind of like how a concrete farm silo is usually built. The vertical steel beams will be re-set at the next wall segment. They are not part of the "robot parking" system; that will be assembled in-place after the street level slab is placed and enough vertical progress up the building is achieved so as to allow removal of the shoring/reshoring from street level to the mat slab. The assembly of the robot system will, sadly, be out-of-sight......

[Lincolndrive]

Actually, the vertical steel beams that you see at the inside face of the concrete wall are form brackets for the wall placements. This is a vertical slip-forming system that works well in one-sided form applications, where you cannot tie into the blind face of a wall cast against lagging/sheeting (and in this case, against waterproofing, the white sheet) and it eliminates the need for large A-frame type braces that would otherwise be required to resist the head pressure from wet/plastic concrete. About 2 feet of concrete is placed, then allowed to set, then the form facing is pulled upward and the next lift is placed, after the lower concrete has set enough to stay put. This is repeated over and over to place the wall to desired height---kind of like how a concrete farm silo is usually built. The vertical steel beams will be re-set at the next wall segment. They are not part of the "robot parking" system; that will be assembled in-place after the street level slab is placed and enough vertical progress up the building is achieved so as to allow removal of the shoring/reshoring from street level to the mat slab. The assembly of the robot system will, sadly, be out-of-sight......

Junkyard, great to have you on here and I hope you can keep contributing. I have to say, I was surprised about what you were saying but alas, you have been right so far. This is from this morning.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-5-2.jpg

[PhilliesOwnNYMelts]

My Favorite view of Center City has always been at Citizens Bank Park from South Phila. Unlike 10 Rittenhouse, this building will be almost fully visable as it sits next to Medical Tower with nothing blocking its view (from the ballpark point of view). It will deffinately add a nice touch to the skyline for just a 300+ footer.:tup:

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-6-2.jpg

[Swinefeld]

Some pics from this weekend.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/08_23_1706Ritt_01.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/08_23_1706Ritt_02.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/08_23_1706Ritt_03.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Swinefeld/New%20Constructon/08_23_1706Ritt_04.jpg

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-7-2.jpg

[theWatusi]

Looks like the core.

Nice shots of the utilities entering the basement there Swiney.

[Lincolndrive]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-8-2.jpg
From today. Notice the area we were talking about before has had its first concrete pour. Watsui, you may be right that its the core but I'm really not sure. Perhaps Junkyrdog could enlighten us?

[Junkyrddg1]

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/Lincolndrive/1706-8-2.jpg
From today. Notice the area we were talking about before has had its first concrete pour. Watsui, you may be right that its the core but I'm really not sure. Perhaps Junkyrdog could enlighten us?

That is indeed, "the core" area and the slab that is being formed is the passenger and frieght elevator pit slabs for the elevators that will serve the tower above. The core is kinda "E" shaped with the long leg along Rittenhouse St.

[McBane]

Does anyone think it's odd that a residential building is getting a core? In the past few years, we've witnessed a lot of construction and the only other building to be built around a core was our 975 comcast center. None of the residential buildings - SH, WFS, RATR, Murano, St. James, 10 Ritt were built in this fashion and neither was the Cira Centre. I'm not being condescending, but I am curious. It seems that building around a core is reserved for taller office buildings and 1701 - a 300 ft. residential building - is the complete opposite.

[blart]

Does building around a core have something to do with there being only one unit per floor with 360 degree views?
Lots of activity happening and concrete being poured when I walked by today.