PHILADELPHIA | The Development Thread VIII

[volguus zildrohar]

The issue of park maintainance has been coming up in the past few years, mainly because of how little effort the city puts into it according to Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The Xmas lights, for instance, are usually paid for by that organization.

I can tell you from experience that park upkeep is on the decline. At my previous job we made nearly daily use of The Square and I remember the plantings and grassbeds being in much better condition even earlier this decade than they have been over the past two or three. It hasn't become terrible by any means but the upkeep has slipped from what it used to be.

I'm not immediately opposed to ideas to generate revenue for Rittenhouse Square. I have something of a gag reflex when it comes to old world, old school Philadelphia crying foul when anyone presents an idea to inject a touch or modernity (or realism) into Philadelphia institutions. History is our bread and butter, of course, but this city does not exist in a time capsule - it isn't historical Williamsburg and has to function and grow like the actual metropolis that it is. Our collective reluctance to try anything different or new is, as you're all aware, one of our biggest obstacles.

That said, Rittenhouse Square performs so many functions that I think it's wrong to try to pigeonhole it as just one thing. It is a respite from the hustle of Center City, a gathering place, a de facto urban beach, a performance venue, a promenade and the neighborhood's collective lawn. Comparing it to Bryant Park is apt. That park is such a marvel - Rittenhouse Square is no less of one - so I would at least give ear to the man responsible for making it what it is.

[thenbagis]

You just have look straight across town, Franklin Square, to see what privatizing and generating some revenue for a park can do. Franklin square is incredibly nice now.

I don't think I'd like to see as much privatization in Rittenhouse, but at the same time, I doubt it needs as many features to generate the same kind of revenue. A Squareburger in Rittenhouse would generate a ton more money than the one in Franklin square does and I think it would fit in very well.

[Londonee]

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

That said, Rittenhouse Square performs so many functions that I think it's wrong to try to pigeonhole it as just one thing. It is a respite from the hustle of Center City, a gathering place, a de facto urban beach, a performance venue, a promenade and the neighborhood's collective lawn. Comparing it to Bryant Park is apt. That park is such a marvel - Rittenhouse Square is no less of one - so I would at least give ear to the man responsible for making it what it is.

One of the great things that Bryant Park has that i've always longed for in Rittenhouse is a quaint outdoor cafe/refreshment stand w/ cafe seating. There's plenty of space for it, especially along some of the southern portions of the square. Every cup of coffee/espresso or whatever sold --a portion (say 10 percent) goes to fund Square initiatives. London also has a cozy outdoor cafe in almost all of its major (and even smaller) city parks.

Not saying this will bridge a huge gap, but it would serve a lot of purposes.

[PhillyRising]

Originally Posted by Londonee

One of the great things that Bryant Park has that i've always longed for in Rittenhouse is a quaint outdoor cafe/refreshment stand w/ cafe seating. There's plenty of space for it, especially along some of the southern portions of the square. Every cup of coffee/espresso or whatever sold --a portion (say 10 percent) goes to fund Square initiatives. London also has a cozy outdoor cafe in almost all of its major (and even smaller) city parks.

Not saying this will bridge a huge gap, but it would serve a lot of purposes.

I really enjoy sitting in Bryant Park when in New York...but I must say Rittenhouse Square is better and I do like this idea of yours.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by Londonee

One of the great things that Bryant Park has that i've always longed for in Rittenhouse is a quaint outdoor cafe/refreshment stand w/ cafe seating. There's plenty of space for it, especially along some of the southern portions of the square. Every cup of coffee/espresso or whatever sold --a portion (say 10 percent) goes to fund Square initiatives. London also has a cozy outdoor cafe in almost all of its major (and even smaller) city parks.

Not saying this will bridge a huge gap, but it would serve a lot of purposes.

As you said not a huge gap, especially considering a wide range of coffee options already existing within a half block or so: La Colombe, Cosi, Metropolitan Bakery, Le Bus, Manhattan Bagel, 7-11 and that cafe at the Locust St corner to name a few.

[Ih8NaziModer8ers]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

As you said not a huge gap, especially considering a wide range of coffee options already existing within a half block or so: La Colombe, Cosi, Metropolitan Bakery, Le Bus, Manhattan Bagel, 7-11 and that cafe at the Locust St corner to name a few.

None of which actually reside in the park. Having a refreshment stand in Rittenhouse Square to sit and drink coffee, etc would target a different market then say the ones walking into 7-11, MBagel, Cosi, to pick up a coffee on the way to work

[3rd&Brown]

Per the Philadelphia Business Journal (from Friday)...Unit 3100 at 10 Rittenhouse has gone to settlement.

The price tag: $12.5 million. That's surely a record for the city.

Most surprisingly...the transaction was listed under an individual's name...and not a partnership. I've always been under the impression that homes of that value are typically purchased by some sort of legal entity set up by the owners.

Good news for us then. Easy to be nosey.

[pwp]

$12.5 million should be the highest ever paid in the city. This time last year a condo was sold for $7.7 million in Two Liberty Place. Granted 10 Rittenhouse is a new building, a sales price of $12.5 is more than a third higher than the price tag of last year's highest priced apartment. This seems like good news for the city.

Also, I heard Ben Francisco from the Phils lives in 10 Ritt. There was a discussion here several weeks ago about a lack of athletes living in the city. Ross Gload was looking in the city as well but settled for the suburbs. Maybe some of the new Eagles draft picks will choose the city

[Londonee]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

As you said not a huge gap, especially considering a wide range of coffee options already existing within a half block or so: La Colombe, Cosi, Metropolitan Bakery, Le Bus, Manhattan Bagel, 7-11 and that cafe at the Locust St corner to name a few.

And there are no coffee options near Bryant Park? or near any of London's Parks?

I think a "refreshment stand" is more in line w/ what i'm suggesting. Coffee, espresso, bottled water, sodas, juices, small eats, etc. And it should be noted that, like Bryant Park, the stand would/should be fitting for Rittenhouse square (ie not a shack).

[3rd&Brown]

Originally Posted by pwp

Also, I heard Ben Francisco from the Phils lives in 10 Ritt. There was a discussion here several weeks ago about a lack of athletes living in the city. Ross Gload was looking in the city as well but settled for the suburbs. Maybe some of the new Eagles draft picks will choose the city

A number of Phillies players live in the city (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, etc). I'm sure there are more. I used to see Cole out walking his foofy little dog on a regular basis.

Historically, your statement is correct. But, for whatever reason, Center City seems to be the new locale of choice, at least for the Phillies players without children.

The Flyers and Eagles players have always gravitated toward South Jersey. In the case of the Flyers, it is obvious why, as their practice facility is over there. In the case of the Eagles, I'm sort of befuddled by it, especially because the income taxes are so much lower in PA, but to each his own.

There are so many fewer 76ers, but every single one I know of lives in Lower Merion. Perhaps because they practice at PCOM on City Avenue, if I'm not mistaken.

[Londonee]

Originally Posted by 3rd&Brown

A number of Phillies players live in the city (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, etc). I'm sure there are more. I used to see Cole out walking his foofy little dog on a regular basis.

Historically, your statement is correct. But, for whatever reason, Center City seems to be the new locale of choice, at least for the Phillies players without children.

The Flyers and Eagles players have always gravitated toward South Jersey. In the case of the Flyers, it is obvious why, as their practice facility is over there. In the case of the Eagles, I'm sort of befuddled by it, especially because the income taxes are so much lower in PA, but to each his own.

There are so many fewer 76ers, but every single one I know of lives in Lower Merion. Perhaps because they practice at PCOM on City Avenue, if I'm not mistaken.

You should go back and read the discussion. In fact Cole now lives in the burbs. Most of the prominent Flyers (think of the big names) live in Old City (much to the chagrin of the coaches and management) and have for several years now. In fact, i was told that they traded Scottie Upshaw to set an example to the guys that if they continued to party hard in Old City nightly, they'd get their a$$ shipped out of town.

Also, our lamest but most popular 76er (and perhaps the most pathetic "superstar" in all of sports) -Andre Uggghhhhadala lives at 2 Liberty.

[theWatusi]

Howard owns an obscenely large house in Blue Bell off of Walton Road.

[3rd&Brown]

Originally Posted by Londonee

You should go back and read the discussion. In fact Cole now lives in the burbs. Most of the prominent Flyers (think of the big names) live in Old City (much to the chagrin of the coaches and management) and have for several years now. In fact, i was told that they traded Scottie Upshaw to set an example to the guys that if they continued to party hard in Old City nightly, they'd get their a$$ shipped out of town.

Also, our lamest but most popular 76er (and perhaps the most pathetic "superstar" in all of sports) -Andre Uggghhhhadala lives at 2 Liberty.

I really don't care to. I was just addressing the sentiment that *all* of our sports players live out in the burbs. My point is that that is simply not the case. In fact, as you point out, more live downtown than even I realized, which is certainly more than in the past, when the number was typically none, or at least no one of stature.

So we all agree, then, that Center City is a more prominent alternative for our professional athletes than we realized.

[We Got Five]

Cole Hamels moved out of Two Liberty over the winter. He lives in Newtown Square now, arms distance from Roy Halladay.

Speaking of high prices, didn't the penthouse at 1706 go for something in 12M range?

[3rd&Brown]

I believe the Penthouse at 1706 is in contract for upwards of $14 million. And, from what I can remember, it was the FIRST (or at least, one of the first) units to go into agreement in the building.

This really does speak volumes about the real estate market in the city. To be setting these records when the market is the way it is is nothing short of miraculous.

That being said, I recall reading that the buyer of the pent at 1706 is very private. So I doubt I'll be reading his or her name in the back pages of the Philadelphia Business Journal any time soon, as I'm sure he or she will be sure to shield his or her identity. I think the buzz was that it was a 40ish entrepreneurial type. (I was thinking, perhaps, Josh Kopelmann. Or someone along those lines. But it is all speculation at this point).

The buyer at 10 Ritt runs his own investment fund/firm. I think he's a relo from the burbs.

[We Got Five]

Correction - the record deal is at 1706 and it's for just under 12.5M, not 14... This transaction was rumored just after groundbreaking in December 2007. 10 Rittenhouse has yet to sell a unit at that level to my understanding.

Link below:

By Alan J. Heavens

Inquirer Real Estate Writer

http://www.philly.com/philly/busines...residence.html

[thenbagis]

Franklin Institute update....

Planned Franklin Institute Expansion Will Include Brain Exhibit

http://www.kyw1060.com/Planned-Frank...Needed/6908430

This may be a no-brainer: the Franklin Institute plans a major expansion starting next year -- a three-story addition on the building's south side that would include a new exhibit devoted to the brain.

The architectural committee of the Philadelphia Historical Commission on Tuesday approved a 54,000-square-foot addition for the renowned science museum -- an expansion of about 15 percent of the museum's total floor space. The new wing is to be built on Race Street, west of 20th Street.

render from article

[3rd&Brown]

Originally Posted by We Got Five

Correction - the record deal is at 1706 and it's for just under 12.5M, not 14... This transaction was rumored just after groundbreaking in December 2007. 10 Rittenhouse has yet to sell a unit at that level to my understanding.

Link below:

By Alan J. Heavens

Inquirer Real Estate Writer

http://www.philly.com/philly/busines...residence.html

Yeah, I flubbed that. I apologize. I thought it was written with an 18th St address, so I assumed it was 10 Ritt. It turns out neither is true. Maybe I was thrown off by the height (31 floors). 1706 certainly doesn't look THAT tall to me, so I supposed I was letting my assumptions color the actual writing.

[spyguy]

I'm not sure if these renderings of the Hillman Center project have been posted before.

[cubanChris]

THAT is going to be rentals?

Wow... I mean, maybe these look better than I think... or its been so long since I've seen new dev plans, but these look snazzy for rentals/parking/retail.

Still, I think its nice. From what I remember the developer already made adjustments in the design to satisfy the church next door's concerns. Hopefully those clinging to the structure that is currently there's existence don't chase this thing away. Would be nice to add that kind of density and investment Chesntnut.

Hopefully the Hotel/Theater Reno at the Boyd theater rises from the dead with it (they aren't related in anything more than general location). Would liven up that whole stretch of Chestnut!

PS, dude in the last picture on the gardeny terrace looks like he is about to bite it off the edge. Guardrail is up to his ankle!