A proposed waterfront apartment building received final approval from Philadelphia's Historical Commission last week, disappointing waterfront advocates and preservationists who claim its design violates the city's new waterfront master plan.
If, as Inga Saffron claims, "The 180-unit project, designed by BLT Architects, was seen as a test of the Nutter administration's commitment to the waterfront master plan," than surely the administration has failed. With a low-budget facade and inadequate space for ground-floor retail, the building falls short of "the basic goals" of the waterfront master plan, passed in March after nearly a decade of hard work, including the involvement of hundreds of city residents.
Astonishingly, "The project's weaknesses were acknowledged even by the lawyer representing the building's developer. 'I don't think anyone expects this to be a triumph for the waterfront,' Carl Primavera said before arguing that the design was the best developer Louis Cicalese could afford in the current economic climate."
"'What's most upsetting about this decision is that it sets the bar so low,' said Richard Thom, who handles zoning issues for the Old City Civic Association. 'Everything else will be made of Dryvit,' he added, using the brand name for a low-cost stucco finish."
FULL STORY: Changing Skyline: Proposed Delaware waterfront apartment complex gets approval
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)