PHILADELPHIA | The Development Thread VIII - Page 198

teeheee · #**3941** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 1:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swinefeld

Justanotherrandomguy has been given the old heave-ho!

Please resume your normal discussions and have a wonderful day.

Many thanks.

aro1419 · #**3942** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 3:19 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swinefeld

Justanotherrandomguy has been given the old heave-ho!

Please resume your normal discussions and have a wonderful day.

Even though I never got in any arguments with him, it gives me great pleasure to see his username in red

http://planphilly.com/planning-commi...wn-ave-project
Anyway, the project on 8200 Germantown Ave in Chestnut Hill has been pushed ahead and will hopefully be approved and under construction soon. I am personally very excited about this project since I go to Chestnut Hill quite frequently. (I love myself a good old McNalley's sandwich)
Here is a new rendering...

Source: Newsworks.org-http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/l...200-planphilly
Also,
http://planphilly.com/no-neighborhoo...ing-callowhill
Why would you vote against a neighborhood improvement district. So what about the extra taxes, it makes your neighborhood a better place. Chinatown nimbys are the worst

summersm343 · #**3943** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 4:28 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aro1419

Why would you vote against a neighborhood improvement district. So what about the extra taxes, it makes your neighborhood a better place. Chinatown nimbys are the worst

That is just down right ridiculous. Something needs to be done for Callowhill.

hammersklavier · #**3944** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 4:34 AM**

Blunt truth: the Chinese-owned business interests in the area are being cheap. They don't want any further fees assessed than they have to deal with--even if it is to improve QOL.

summersm343 · #**3945** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 7:07 AM**

Makes sense.... but it's still frustrating. The rest of the city wants to see Callowhill get some significant development. It is a key gateway to North Philadelphia and has some prime spots for some high rise development.

pwp · #**3946** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 3:54 PM**

Quote:

Philly Live!? No, Xfinity Live!

Comcast and its NBC brand will be amply represented at the new Xfinity Live! sports/entertainment complex on the former site of the Spectrum in South Philadelphia.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/t...#ixzz1gcSAu3NL
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

Quote:

Announced moments ago:

An Xfinity On Demand Theater, an outdoor viewing experience that will feature everything from sports games to family movies.
The NBC Sports Arena, featuring an indoor 32-foot diagonal, 6 mm, million-dollar Sony LED screen
The NBC Sports Field, which will play host to numerous outdoor activities and sports leagues
NBC Sports Fantasy Board with stats
NBC Sports Game Experience, in the Broad Street Bullies Pub, featuring video games
A 100-foot LED Comcast SportsNet Ticker inside a venue called the Philly MarketPlace, a gathering place with food vendors including the Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co., Chickie’s & Pete’s, and Nick’s Roast Beef; more will be announced.

Sounds pretty cool, surprisingly. Beer hall? Score. Can't wait for updated renderings!

pwp · #**3947** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 4:06 PM**

Grants allow city planners to study transportation on Washington Ave., transit-oriented development in East Kensington

Quote:

December 14, 2011
By Kellie Patrick Gates
For PlanPhilly

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission will next year study the future of transportation along major corridors in two changing neighborhoods.

http://planphilly.com/grants-allow-c...pment-east-ken

summersm343 · #**3948** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 5:00 PM**

What's going on at the CHOP hole? there seems to be some activity.

McBane · #**3949** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 7:06 PM**

Thank you Swine.

I'm liking that more local restaurants/bars are being incorporated into Ixfinity Live! I thought it was going to be a bunch of TGI Friday-type restaurants.

But, what's with all stadium development marching further and further away from the subway? It is ludicrous to have all the stadium area development separated by the subway with enormous parking lots. It's definitely annoying/frustrating to take the subway to a game, and then have to trek through blocks of parking lots. Is it that hard to build the development immediately adjacent to the subway station and then build the parking on the opposite side?

And they couldn't be more blatant could they? "Come get loaded at Ixfinity Live! We have free parking!"

summersm343 · #**3950** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 7:56 PM**

YESS!!!!!!!!!!

City Council adopted the new zoning code today and it will go into effect 8 months from today's date.

Story here.

http://planphilly.com/news/notebook/...ed-unanimously

riccardo426 · #**3951** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 7:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBane

Thank you Swine.

I'm liking that more local restaurants/bars are being incorporated into Ixfinity Live! I thought it was going to be a bunch of TGI Friday-type restaurants.

But, what's with all stadium development marching further and further away from the subway? It is ludicrous to have all the stadium area development separated by the subway with enormous parking lots. It's definitely annoying/frustrating to take the subway to a game, and then have to trek through blocks of parking lots. Is it that hard to build the development immediately adjacent to the subway station and then build the parking on the opposite side?

And they couldn't be more blatant could they? "Come get loaded at Ixfinity Live! We have free parking!"

You're right, but part of that was simply constraints. The Vet and the Spectrum were right there when you got off the subway, so they had to build the Wells Fargo Center, the Linc and CBP farther away. Then they demolished the Vet and made it a parking lot. (and granted, didn't extend the BSL at all).

I don't like how Xfinity Live!'s corridor doesn't match up with the subway exit. Though I am not sure if it would have been better to do that or keep it the way it is, lined up catter corner to CBP. I guess we'll see when it opens.

One thing they could do is put a row of 50-70 foot long or so buildings right there on Pattison, across the street from Xfinity live. It would only cost a small part of the parking lots, but increase the walkability from the subway to CBP and the Linc.

Anyway, I don't have high expectations for Xfinity Live but plan to visit it at least once or twice. I still haven't visited McFaddens on a non-game day, though, so I may never get around to it. Which is the problem to begin with.

Skintreesnail · #**3952** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 8:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

What's going on at the CHOP hole? there seems to be some activity.

I think it's the ambulatory care center. Is this it, or was this an older plan?

http://www.mchen-arch.com/projects/0...scription.html

I think it's the smaller building.

summersm343 · #**3953** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 8:53 PM**

^^ That is an old plan as far as I know.

summersm343 · #**3954** Posted: **Dec 15, 2011, 11:35 PM**

Suck it NIMBY's!!

NID for Callowhill approved by City Council depending on verification of vote tally...

http://planphilly.com/updated-counci...ion-vote-tally

theWatusi · #**3955** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 2:07 AM**

Hammer, you may appreciate this.

TOD proposal for Lansdale. It's to be built next to the Septa Regional Rail Station on what has been a municipal parking for for the past ~60 years. 54 Townhomes, 200 condos, 30,000 sf retail, and a 430 space parking garage.

More photos and article: http://lansdale.patch.com/articles/m...-retail-condos

mmikeyphilly · #**3956** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 12:46 PM**

Hi everyone, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. But wanted to thank Swinefeld for giving "what's his face" the boot!

Anyway, did 2116 Chestnut go back to the "balcony" design? I hope they included the balconies, if not, to me it would just look plain, in a sense.

PS: Off topic, but has anyone heard from Brad, if so please give him my best! I sure miss his Phillyskyline website.

Aaamazarite · #**3957** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 1:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

What's going on at the CHOP hole? there seems to be some activity.

Funny you should mention that...

http://philaphilia.blogspot.com/2011...mber-15th.html

Pennsgrant · #**3958** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 3:28 PM**

The CHOP hole is for a 5 story underground parking garage per PBJ.

Liam · #**3959** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 3:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by riccardo426

I am just trying to imagine this in my head. The sunken plaza closer to 32nd/Mikeys/Left Bank? And building over the area where the student union and bookstore are?

Yeah, they're supposed to building around and on top of the student union there (Crease, I think?) I thought I had heard that this was going to be dorms (i.e. Drexel-owned and -run) but some of the news I've read lately makes it sound like it's semi-private? Like the Radian at Penn: private, but clearly endorsed. Anyone know?

Quote:

Originally Posted by aro1419

Here is a new rendering...

Oooh that doesn't look half bad. Much better than the vacancy there now. I guess it does counteract the village feel they so diligently cultivate though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by riccardo426

I don't like how Xfinity Live!'s corridor doesn't match up with the subway exit. Though I am not sure if it would have been better to do that or keep it the way it is, lined up catter corner to CBP. I guess we'll see when it opens.

One thing they could do is put a row of 50-70 foot long or so buildings right there on Pattison, across the street from Xfinity live. It would only cost a small part of the parking lots, but increase the walkability from the subway to CBP and the Linc.

Definitely on board with you here. Any development in the area needs to better link the stadiums to the subway station. It's not a terribly long walk, but it sure feels like it. Anything built along Pattison would have to be a little Disney in design -- it's never going to feel like a "real" part of the City -- but there is a huge opportunity there to create a district that is used more than 200 (?) days a year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theWatusi

TOD proposal for Lansdale. It's to be built next to the Septa Regional Rail Station on what has been a municipal parking for for the past ~60 years. 54 Townhomes, 200 condos, 30,000 sf retail, and a 430 space parking garage.

I don't know much about Lansdale, but that looks great.

EastSideHBG · #**3960** Posted: **Dec 16, 2011, 4:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liam

Oooh that doesn't look half bad. Much better than the vacancy there now. I guess it does counteract the village feel they so diligently cultivate though.

I spend a lot of time in Chestnut Hill as well, and I can see so many sides to this...on one hand, it would be nice to have a few more modern developments to give the area some contrast. On the other, you'd hate to risk creating a trend that could possibly destroy the charm. That proposal seems like a decent contrast, though, but maybe the color scheme needs to change a little?

Some interesting/positive news today:

Posted: Thu, Dec. 15, 2011, 3:15 PM

Fox Chase to merge with Temple University Health System

By Stacey Burling
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Fox Chase Cancer Center will become part of the Temple University Health System, officials announced Thursday.

The combination, which is expected to close next summer, will join two prominent Philadelphia health-care institutions, both of which have faced fiscal difficulties lately.

Temple, based in North Philadelphia, will get a nationally recognized research partner that could help it compete with other academic medical centers in the region. Fox Chase, which will keep its name, will get a bigger referral base for patients, room to expand at Temple's Jeanes Hospital next door, and a chance to save money as health-care reform further squeezes the dollars available for clinical care and research.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/health/...#ixzz1giL8OCwF

*******************************

Posted: Fri, Dec. 16, 2011, 3:01 AM

PhillyInc: Region on the rise in new economic ranking

By Mike Armstrong
Inquirer Columnist

The Philadelphia region reminds no one of a Sun Belt boomtown.

Still, sometimes slow and steady can place pretty high in the rat race, particularly when a deep recession is involved.

No, Philadelphia will probably not brag about placing 49th on the Milken Institute's Best Performing Cities index of 200 large metropolitan areas.

What's notable for an index that was designed to be steady year in and year out is that the region climbed 34 places in one year - the most of any big region. Its only peer making such a move was Los Angeles, up 23 places.

"Philadelphia has done very well among the major metro areas," said Ross DeVol, chief research officer of the economic think tank based in Santa Monica, Calif.

DeVol, who used to live in the Philadelphia area before heading west, knows that the outsize education and health-care sectors play a stabilizing role in the economy here.

Those sectors were among the only ones to add jobs throughout the recession and this weak recovery. Another net job-gainer that tends to get less credit is tourism, DeVol said.

Sometimes, it's what's not here that matters. For as much hand-wringing that's been done over the diminution of Philadelphia's financial sector over the last two decades, that low exposure meant less carnage here when the financial crisis erupted in 2008.

That New York still suffers from a financial hangover can be seen in its decline on the Milken ranking to No. 75 from No. 48 in 2010.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/busines...#ixzz1giLLcqTi