I'd say at least 10 years. Clayton is more likely to see a 30 story tower than downtown and I hate to admit that.
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So it looks like KC will be approving the incentive package for the Power & Light Building conversion to residential and will make it Missouri's tallest residential building at 481' and 36 stories (beating out another historic KC building).
Park East is currently our tallest at 330' (26 stories) although I suspect 700 Olive/Laclede Gas Building (401') and the old Southwest Bell Building (399') will be converted at some not too distant point. So where is our 500' residential tower going to go?
Kansas City also has Missouri's tallest office building at 624". I say we blast that with an iconic mixed-use building anchoring a new 22nd Street financial district. Bookend the mall with an iconic 21rst c. structure complimenting our 20th c. masterpiece.
Park East is currently our tallest at 330' (26 stories) although I suspect 700 Olive/Laclede Gas Building (401') and the old Southwest Bell Building (399') will be converted at some not too distant point. So where is our 500' residential tower going to go?
Kansas City also has Missouri's tallest office building at 624". I say we blast that with an iconic mixed-use building anchoring a new 22nd Street financial district. Bookend the mall with an iconic 21rst c. structure complimenting our 20th c. masterpiece.
The tallest tower west of the Mississippi will be getting an observation deck and restaurant
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Downtown Los Angeles’ 72-story U.S. Bank Tower -- the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, is getting an observation deck, which is expected to draw half a million visitors each year.
The deck will be the first of its kind in the Southland and will offer wide-ranging views of the region, from of Los Angeles, the hills of Glendale to Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles Times.
I say an observation deck and restaurant atop a 600'+ tower at 22nd St. interchange area would be the best setting for Saint Louis.
Downtown Los Angeles’ 72-story U.S. Bank Tower -- the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, is getting an observation deck, which is expected to draw half a million visitors each year.
The deck will be the first of its kind in the Southland and will offer wide-ranging views of the region, from of Los Angeles, the hills of Glendale to Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles Times.
I say an observation deck and restaurant atop a 600'+ tower at 22nd St. interchange area would be the best setting for Saint Louis.
36 story apartment tower opening in Minneapolis next week:
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top floor view:
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top floor view:
I find the differences in cities' skyline identities totally fascinating. The range of opinions I form about a city's skyline can totally change depending on the angle and perspective. I suppose that is reflective a certain tier of city or size of downtown.
The differences between a distant view and an internal view of a downtown can be highly variable.
For example, I wonder how many people around the country have seen the shot looking east over Clayton and Forest Park all the way to Arch. That shot makes STL look like a totally different city (and does the city so much more justice) compared to the standard humdrum "headshot" style photo of the Arch.
The differences between a distant view and an internal view of a downtown can be highly variable.
For example, I wonder how many people around the country have seen the shot looking east over Clayton and Forest Park all the way to Arch. That shot makes STL look like a totally different city (and does the city so much more justice) compared to the standard humdrum "headshot" style photo of the Arch.
^Exactly. I lived on Union and Lindell, we had a 17th story rooftop patio. Was very cool to see the city looking East. I'm also a pilot and coming down the river from the North at low altitude the city looks HUGE because the central corridor is buildings along a very long east west stretch, granted it's relatively narrow but it is very deep. Just imagine if that can all fill in... I'll try and grab some pictures.
I think the picture of the Arch from the river doesn't do our city justice since its usually looking up, or straight on, and the city is on a hill. Our taller buildings overshadow our many mid-high rise buildings as well.
I think the picture of the Arch from the river doesn't do our city justice since its usually looking up, or straight on, and the city is on a hill. Our taller buildings overshadow our many mid-high rise buildings as well.
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blzhrpmd2 wrote:I find the differences in cities' skyline identities totally fascinating. The range of opinions I form about a city's skyline can totally change depending on the angle and perspective. I suppose that is reflective a certain tier of city or size of downtown.
The differences between a distant view and an internal view of a downtown can be highly variable.
For example, I wonder how many people around the country have seen the shot looking east over Clayton and Forest Park all the way to Arch. That shot makes STL look like a totally different city (and does the city so much more justice) compared to the standard humdrum "headshot" style photo of the Arch.
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City zoning code for the downtown has a very complex formula for height of new buildings... Few people I talked to at the zoning office aren't sure how it works
26.52.040 Height regulations.
Buildings may be erected to such height that the cubic contents of said building above the established grade shall not exceed the volume of a prism having a base equal to the projected horizontal area of the building and a height of two hundred (200) feet. In the case of buildings occupying a lot having frontage on intersecting streets and which buildings are so designed as to provide a setback or open space at one (1) corner or corners where such street intersections occur, or when such setback begins below the two hundred (200) foot height above the established grade, the volume determined by the above rule may be exceeded by an amount equal to the volume so taken out of the reference prism of two hundred (200) foot height; provided, however, that the total volume of the actual building shall not exceed by more than twenty-five percent (25%) the volume of said reference prism of two hundred (200) foot height.
26.52.040 Height regulations.
Buildings may be erected to such height that the cubic contents of said building above the established grade shall not exceed the volume of a prism having a base equal to the projected horizontal area of the building and a height of two hundred (200) feet. In the case of buildings occupying a lot having frontage on intersecting streets and which buildings are so designed as to provide a setback or open space at one (1) corner or corners where such street intersections occur, or when such setback begins below the two hundred (200) foot height above the established grade, the volume determined by the above rule may be exceeded by an amount equal to the volume so taken out of the reference prism of two hundred (200) foot height; provided, however, that the total volume of the actual building shall not exceed by more than twenty-five percent (25%) the volume of said reference prism of two hundred (200) foot height.
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Not to be outdone by the 36 story opening, a 40 story proposal is seeking approval in Minneapolis
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Assuming it refers to a triangular prism (the most common type) and since Volume = Area x Height for such geometries assume a proposed building has a uniform cross-section this ordinance seems like it would limit the buildings height to 200 ft. If a proposed building was tapered it could be much taller. Seems like a stupid rule trying to sound smart to me. Also seems like there are already several building downtown in violation of this rule. Then again maybe i am misinterpreting it.Buildings may be erected to such height that the cubic contents of said building above the established grade shall not exceed the volume of a prism having a base equal to the projected horizontal area of the building and a height of two hundred (200) feet.
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I think this sort of code was pretty standard in dense American cities in the twentieth century. The intent was to prevent canyons that were so deep that they never received natural light.
1. You have 200-foot box.
2. If you remove any volume from that box, you can add it to the top.
That's partly why so many buildings stepped back as you reached higher floors. Think Park Plaza.
All that being said, this code is no longer needed in St. Louis. I imagine any tall building seeking a variance would get it ... provided it's not at Lindell and Euclid.
1. You have 200-foot box.
2. If you remove any volume from that box, you can add it to the top.
That's partly why so many buildings stepped back as you reached higher floors. Think Park Plaza.
All that being said, this code is no longer needed in St. Louis. I imagine any tall building seeking a variance would get it ... provided it's not at Lindell and Euclid.
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Property owner in downtown Pittsburgh scaling back plans for 33 story office tower to 20 stories after difficulty finding anchor tenant.
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The Oxford high-rise would represent the third new office building under development Downtown.
PNC Financial Services Group is building its new headquarters, the 33-story Tower at PNC Plaza, on Wood Street between Forbes and Fifth, to be completed next summer. All of that space will be used by PNC employees.
Less than a block away on Forbes, Millcraft Investment is erecting the 18-story, $103 million Gardens at Market Square office, hotel, and retail complex. It currently is marketing up to 128,000 square feet of office space to potential users.
The revised Oxford project is being pitched at a time when top-of-the-line Class A space is becoming increasingly scarce Downtown, with an occupancy rate of 93.1 percent, according to the Newmark Grubb Knight Frank real estate firm.
Gerry McLaughlin, Newmark Grubb executive managing director, said Thursday the market is “as ripe as it’s ever been in the past 10 to 15 years” for new office construction Downtown.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/20 ... z39oeQzpLC
The Oxford high-rise would represent the third new office building under development Downtown.
PNC Financial Services Group is building its new headquarters, the 33-story Tower at PNC Plaza, on Wood Street between Forbes and Fifth, to be completed next summer. All of that space will be used by PNC employees.
Less than a block away on Forbes, Millcraft Investment is erecting the 18-story, $103 million Gardens at Market Square office, hotel, and retail complex. It currently is marketing up to 128,000 square feet of office space to potential users.
The revised Oxford project is being pitched at a time when top-of-the-line Class A space is becoming increasingly scarce Downtown, with an occupancy rate of 93.1 percent, according to the Newmark Grubb Knight Frank real estate firm.
Gerry McLaughlin, Newmark Grubb executive managing director, said Thursday the market is “as ripe as it’s ever been in the past 10 to 15 years” for new office construction Downtown.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/20 ... z39oeQzpLC
Interesting article on the demise of LA's long-standing rule that towers had to have helipads - and by default flat roofs:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/us/ru ... -well&_r=0
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“The helipad regulation has hindered L.A. from having an iconic, memorable skyline in a city that desperately needs a stronger urban identity,” said Brigham Yen, a downtown realtor who writes a blog, DTLA Rising. “Downtown L.A. now has the opportunity to design visually stunning high-rises with spires that will strengthen its position as an urban center.”
The 71 story Wilshire Grand being constructed was the catalyst for finally chaning the rule.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/us/ru ... -well&_r=0
“The helipad regulation has hindered L.A. from having an iconic, memorable skyline in a city that desperately needs a stronger urban identity,” said Brigham Yen, a downtown realtor who writes a blog, DTLA Rising. “Downtown L.A. now has the opportunity to design visually stunning high-rises with spires that will strengthen its position as an urban center.”
The 71 story Wilshire Grand being constructed was the catalyst for finally chaning the rule.
Baltimore to add 8 floors of condos to existing 22 story tower with a Four Seasons
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http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/bl ... l?page=all
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/bl ... l?page=all
Kudos to Cleveland if they can pull this one off:
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A residential tower at the nuCLEus project in downtown Cleveland could stand 54 stories -- or 647 feet -- high, making it the city's fourth-tallest building....
At the southeast corner of East Fourth Street and Prospect Avenue, the building would include street-level retail wrapped around a parking garage. Apartments would line the Prospect side of the garage.
Partway up the tower, a six-story bridge would break up the column of residences. That bridge actually is a hotel, which would link the apartment building to an office building to the east. Above the hotel, the tower would hold more apartments and, at the top, potential condominiums.
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index ... cart_river
A residential tower at the nuCLEus project in downtown Cleveland could stand 54 stories -- or 647 feet -- high, making it the city's fourth-tallest building....
At the southeast corner of East Fourth Street and Prospect Avenue, the building would include street-level retail wrapped around a parking garage. Apartments would line the Prospect side of the garage.
Partway up the tower, a six-story bridge would break up the column of residences. That bridge actually is a hotel, which would link the apartment building to an office building to the east. Above the hotel, the tower would hold more apartments and, at the top, potential condominiums.
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index ... cart_river
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^ Check this Manhattan Jenga out!
http://www.architecturebeast.com/56-leo ... k-skyline/
similar but the pieces are flicked out further.
http://www.architecturebeast.com/56-leo ... k-skyline/
similar but the pieces are flicked out further.
Yep, "Jenga towers" seem to have replaced "twisting towers" as the architectural fad of the day. Here's one in Bangkok:
http://www.maha-nakhon.com/images/galle ... ing-11.jpg
http://www.maha-nakhon.com/images/galle ... ing-11.jpg
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^ we should put a Jenga tower by the Union Station train shed and have the roller coaster go through a missing piece.
Cleveland's proposed Jenga tower got initial design approval... while I knew there was more to the project I think the eye candy really took my eye off the fact that there would be another new 23 story tower on the other side of the hotel bridge:
nuCLEus would cost $380 million to $400 million, and would include 500-plus apartments, a smattering of condominium penthouses, 1,600 parking spaces, 200,000 square feet of offices, 140,000 square feet of retail and a 150-room hotel.
The early stage or "schematic" design contemplated for the project calls for inserting the five-level hotel in a bridge over East Sixth Street that would connect a 54-story apartment tower to the west and a 23-story office tower to the east.
http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/i ... cart_river
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so basically 75+ stories of new construction... that's pretty darn sweet. let's have that, please!
nuCLEus would cost $380 million to $400 million, and would include 500-plus apartments, a smattering of condominium penthouses, 1,600 parking spaces, 200,000 square feet of offices, 140,000 square feet of retail and a 150-room hotel.
The early stage or "schematic" design contemplated for the project calls for inserting the five-level hotel in a bridge over East Sixth Street that would connect a 54-story apartment tower to the west and a 23-story office tower to the east.
http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/i ... cart_river
so basically 75+ stories of new construction... that's pretty darn sweet. let's have that, please!
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framer wrote:Yep, "Jenga towers" seem to have replaced "twisting towers" as the architectural fad of the day. Here's one in Bangkok:
http://www.maha-nakhon.com/images/galle ... ing-11.jpg
I like that. It is kind of a post-apocalyptic Phillip Johnson with distressed look.
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Everytime I drive downtown I can't help but dream of what St. Louis should be. I always imagine this image:
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It's nothing more than a daydream at this point though.
It's nothing more than a daydream at this point though.
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^ where did that come from? It looks like the tower south of arch is on the KMOV pad (which has been marketed as a residential possibility recently). Anyway, while certainly the height is rather preposterous for now, we could see smaller towers on both the north and south end of the Arch with the Drury and BPV.... twenty to thirty stories each would have a decent impact on the skyline.
edit: found the thread here
http://urbanstl.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... 67#p212503
edit: found the thread here
http://urbanstl.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... 67#p212503
32 story, 364 unit apartment with ground floor retail set to break ground this year by OPUS in downtown Minneapolis on the site of a current surface lot:
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Phase II is in planning for either a twin residential tower or a 20 story office building:
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... tower.html
And a 54 story hotel complex (with ground floor retail) broke ground on a downtown Philly surface lot.... it will house W and Element hotels, both Starwood brands, with a total of 755 rooms. 54 floors of hotel is pretty remarkable sign of confidence in downtown Philadelphia.
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http://www.philly.com/philly/business/P ... shape.html
Phase II is in planning for either a twin residential tower or a 20 story office building:
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... tower.html
And a 54 story hotel complex (with ground floor retail) broke ground on a downtown Philly surface lot.... it will house W and Element hotels, both Starwood brands, with a total of 755 rooms. 54 floors of hotel is pretty remarkable sign of confidence in downtown Philadelphia.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/P ... shape.html