Philadelphia's Skyscraper Boom

"Although some Philadelphians will object to any tall building, it's hard to deny that the recent crop of high-rises in Center City and along the rivers has brought an infusion of new glamour and vigor. Tall buildings concentrate a lot of people in a small area, helping to support shops, restaurants and lively street life. Densely populated neighborhoods are a great deterrent against crime - the hot-button issue of the summer - because all those eyes on the street make it harder for criminals to do business.

Still, there is also no denying that big buildings leave big footprints. That's why Philadelphia's towers should be reviewed by someone other than an overworked permit examiner sitting in a basement cubicle at the Department of Licenses and Inspections. A high-rise design must do more than simply conform to a generic zoning code; it needs to adhere to Philadelphia's cherished urban values."