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If you are going to all that trouble of getting the manpower and machinery on tiny Chestnut St why not make it worth the hassle. This should be a 30 story project minimum. Unbelievable.
The city had a momentary grasp on what works in the late 80's early 90's height boom but they have lost their way since. These are projects that belong in Conshohocken or Norristown not Center City.
Heck - why not go for 200 floors (minimum)! Any moron can see the Philly market here is strong enough to absorb the units. Unbelievable.
Just to pre-empt any further remarks along these lines, I call shot gun -
What is this - 6 floors? Are they nuts? This should be at least 50 floors, if not more ! They knew how to do tall buildings in the old days. Nowadays they're just a bunch of wussies. 6 stories: pshaw.
Which is better for Center City, a 100-story tower in a superblock set back 20 feet from the nearest street? Or a 10-story building built to the lot line with shops along the ground floor and lots of pedestrian traffic? Which feels lively? Which feels desolate? Which feels like the Center City you would want to live in?
Which is better for Center City, a 100-story tower in a superblock set back 20 feet from the nearest street? Or a 10-story building built to the lot line with shops along the ground floor and lots of pedestrian traffic? Which feels lively? Which feels desolate? Which feels like the Center City you would want to live in?
Screw urban context!!! 1 trillion floors or bust, baby.
Of course you must realize I am kidding - but can folks quit this endless "this development sucks it should be 40 floors taller" commentary?
Would love to hear thoughts on our urban opinions...
Cro, I remember when I was always in the "40 flrs or bust" club, but I think some of our forumers could be fixated on that feature without looking at the comprehensive impact of what a building like that produces in that part of the city. And I don't mean to talk about people as if they're not in the conversation as well, but it is an evolution of thinking about urbanity and the appealing physical qualities large population centers possess.
Traveling to more and more places without blockbuster skylines--but lovely and lively communities--I've come to appreciate highrises and downtowns in a more neutral tone. More from the perspective of economic density and development.
With that in mind, are people that seek higher-storied buildings doing so out of the fact that these developable lots are in Center City, which is arguably the place where taller buildings should be?
__________________ It's a Sophie's Choice, really...
Cro, I remember when I was always in the "40 flrs or bust" club, but I think some of our forumers could be fixated on that feature without looking at the comprehensive impact of what a building like that produces in that part of the city. And I don't mean to talk about people as if they're not in the conversation as well, but it is an evolution of thinking about urbanity and the appealing physical qualities large population centers possess.
Traveling to more and more places without blockbuster skylines--but lovely and lively communities--I've come to appreciate highrises and downtowns in a more neutral tone. More from the perspective of economic density and development.
With that in mind, are people that seek higher-storied buildings doing so out of the fact that these developable lots are in Center City, which is arguably the place where taller buildings should be?
After living in DC I have a very strong appreciation on mid-rise buildings. I think a mix of high-rise and mid-rise is perfect for the downtown or center city area as it allows for very high density levels that I believe are the key to being prosperous.
DC is an excellent example of a city that makes good use of midrise buildings. I guess it helps that it is a very powerful city and has no highrises, which means no vacant lots, parking lots, drive thrus, gas stations, stand alone tire shops, etc. in their downtown. If every empty/underutilized lot in Philly was replaced with a 12 story building, with decent architectural design, and ground floor retail, I wouldn't miss the skyscrapers.
The reason Dilworth Plaza doesn't work (in any form) is because of the over saturation of plazas in the immediate vicinity. Philly just doesn't have the population (non-homeless) to make use of three adjacent parks - Dilworth, Love, and Municipal Services. I'd rather have one good plaza than three lousy ones, which is what we have now. I don't see how replacing the concrete with grass will make difference. The problem is too many plazas, not enough people.
I've lived in Center City, and now live in DC (Capitol Hill), and I completely agree that Philly should focus on 6 - 12 story infill. I mean, another huge skyscraper or two near Comcast would be great, but what would really fill in the parking lots and empty lots would be smaller scale construction.
The reason Dilworth Plaza doesn't work (in any form) is because of the over saturation of plazas in the immediate vicinity. Philly just doesn't have the population (non-homeless) to make use of three adjacent parks - Dilworth, Love, and Municipal Services. I'd rather have one good plaza than three lousy ones, which is what we have now. I don't see how replacing the concrete with grass will make difference. The problem is too many plazas, not enough people.
It's interesting due to the sheer amount of activity in the general area. Aside from Dilworth, there is the Court building being built in full swing, two new parking lots (with other components) being built on Arch, across from the convention center. The convention center expansion itself which just finished relatively recently (though I agree it is of dubious value. It would be great if the northern end of Love Park could be somehow developed, though I don't see that happening. I have high hopes for Dilworth, the design will help alot, IMO, but your underlying point does stand.
...said Monday it is set to start construction this spring on a planned $37.4 million addition.
The Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, as the 53,000-square-foot project will be known, will include an education-and-conference center, a permanent exhibition called “Your Brain” and a gallery for changing exhibitions. It is expected to open in the summer of 2014.
New Norris/Diamond PHA houses. Notice the new Diamond Green Student Housing going up behind it.
PHA Houses
Diamond Green Student Housing
Diamond Green lot (Phase two)
Norris/ Diamond PHA homes. Diamond Green in the foreground
Paseo Verde lot (sorry I couldn't get a good pic)
A random cool shot of Center City
Pearson-McGongile Hall
New Rowhomes with retail on the bottom floor on Cecil B.
Rehab on Carlisle South of Campus
New Temple Nest Apartments
New Apartments on 15th next to Elmira Jeffries Dorm
Another new one on 15th
Large Development on 17th Street
2 going up on Berks Street
Two more on 17th Street
There is not much activity currently at the site for the New Parking Garage on Montgomery. All work on the Wanamaker redevelopment site has halted. Haven't seen any action in a few weeks.
There are also a TON of other rowhomes going up in the area and new zoning notices popping up everywhere everyday.
Pictures of the new 24 floor residence hall will be posted on the thread for it.
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