PHILADELPHIA | The Bridge | 197 FT | 17 FLOORS

[summersm343]

http://www.brownhilldev.com/the-bridge-philadelphia-pa/

Title: The Bridge
Project: 128 Apartments, ground floor commercial space
Architect: Peter Gluck & Partners
Developer: Brown Hill
Location: 205 Race St., Philadelphia, PA
Neighborhood: Old City
District: Center City
Floors: 17
Height: 197 ft

Developer Jeffrey Brown is hoping to transform the vacant lot he owns at 205 Race Street into a 16-story, 128-unit apartment building with commercial uses on the ground floor, he and project architects explained to Old City Civic Association’s developments committee Tuesday morning.

At ~200 feet, this building would be one of the tallest in Old City. The set back tower from the street may grant the developer permission to develop the project.

Article 1
http://philly.curbed.com/archives/20...-city.php#more

Article 2
http://planphilly.com/developer-revi...05-race-street

[volguus zildrohar]

The facade treatment is a keeper for sure. Something beyond the usual brick echo or curtain wall.

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

The facade treatment is a keeper for sure. Something beyond the usual brick echo or curtain wall.

I agree. Even if the height is denied, I hope they keep the same facade.

[SkyscraperGuru]

Originally Posted by summersm343

I agree. Even if the height is denied, I hope they keep the same facade.

The chance the height gets denied... what is it?

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by SkyscraperGuru

The chance the height gets denied... what is it?

Not sure at this point. The Old City Civic Association opposes it... naturally... as they oppose everything that is over 4 floors because of "shadows" and "views." However, the tower being set back from the street may grant the developer the variances he needs to build this.

[Flyers2001]

I would love to see them get rid of the lot that sits there now. This is a prime location for some upscale apartments/condos.

If they can add some retail to the lower level it would be great.

[volguus zildrohar]

That is an all kinds of nice design - looks a lot like some of what's going up in The Meatpacking District in Manhattan near The High Line.

[Austinlee]

I like the design; Looks very european.

[summersm343]

This is recommended for approval by the Planning Commission

[volguus zildrohar]

Score one for thoughtful design. Even Inga loved it.

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

Score one for thoughtful design. Even Inga loved it.

So happy about this

[summersm343]

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission lent its support Tuesday afternoon to the developer of a proposed 16-story apartment building at 2nd and Race streets, despite opposition from some community groups. The developer, Brown Hill, is seeking relief from the old zoning code, under which its application was submitted, in six areas: height, gross floor area, parking, maximum building width, minimum open lot area, and minimum depth of loading space.

http://planphilly.com/planning-commi...-race-proposal

[Kidphilly]

http://www.archdaily.com/277985/205-...luck-partners/

[summersm343]

Originally Posted by Kidphilly

http://www.archdaily.com/277985/205-...luck-partners/

Good read.

[summersm343]

Brown Hill Development inches closer to constructing the 197' condo towers at 205 Race Street. First District Councilman Mark Squilla introduced a bill in the City Council Thursday that would amend the Center City Zoning overlay to allow larger construction projects in the area surrounding the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The bill adds a "Bridge Approach" area to the Old City subsection of the Center City Overlay. The new area is bounded by Race Street, 4th Street, and Interstate 95.

http://phillyshark.blogspot.com/2013...ht-of-day.html

[summersm343]

Another article on the matter from Plan Philly

http://planphilly.com/articles/2013/...rger-curb-cuts

[summersm343]

Article on this today from PlanPhilly. Looks like this may end up being taller. OCCA is still having a hissy-fit about it.

According to Squilla and Greenberger, the developers have negotiated with Keystone since withdrawing their zoning application earlier this year, and have agreed to make some changes to the design. The project will keep 128 residential units, but the portion fronting on Race Street will be lowered, according to Squilla, and the tower will be slightly raised. Greenberger said the design changes will—and our fingers resist even transcribing the phrase—“open up the view corridor to the billboard.”

Representatives of Brown Hill Development and their attorney were not immediately available for comment. An attorney for Keystone Outdoor Advertising could not be reached Tuesday morning.

Richard Thom, chair of Old City Civic Association’s developments committee, said it isn’t about how nice the design of the project is—he likes it—but about the purpose of zoning.

http://planphilly.com/articles/2013/...illboard-owner

[mPhilly]

Wow. Its too bad the Old City Civic Association didn't spend as much time fighting that hideous billboard as they have this beautiful growth spurring project.

[summersm343]

Looks like most in Old City SUPPORT the project... contradictory to what the OCCA is saying.



What a useless NIMBY organization.

http://planphilly.com/articles/2013/...t-by-any-means

[wally]

An article by Inga in yesterday's inquirer about the holdup with this project. I'm usually against haphazard changes to the zoning code (the recent parking and lot size changes come to mind, passed by our city councimbeciles). But, in this case, it seems to make sense.

Any number of obstacles can kill a high-rise project in Philadelphia. Usually it's money. Construction costs can run as high as New York's, yet rents remain much lower here, the margins smaller. Tall towers frequently get ensnared in politics, especially when a neighborhood group is nervous about having more people around.But the forces that have delayed the construction of a much-praised skyscraper design at Second and Race Streets are of a different sort entirely.

This time, the building is being held up by a billboard.

http://www.philly.com/philly/home/20...building_.html