PHILADELPHIA | W Hotel & Element by Westin | 617 FT | 51 FLOORS

[Redddog]

Haha. I know someone who bought a condo in that building that will now be facing directly into that hotel.

Forgive my laughter, but that person is a total douchebag. I'm dying ova hea.

[McBane]

It was obvious to everyone on this forum, but not sure to what degree RATR folks were sharing with prospective buyers the inevitable fact that another, taller building would be going up next door. Perhaps those units were priced accordingly? Who knows.

[PHL10]

Originally Posted by McBane

It was obvious to everyone on this forum, but not sure to what degree RATR folks were sharing with prospective buyers the inevitable fact that another, taller building would be going up next door. Perhaps those units were priced accordingly? Who knows.

Have to agree here. These projects at one point were neck-and-neck about which would break ground first. It was no secret that a similarly sized building would go up on this plot. Further, RATR was specifically designed around this reality. While I bet the condo owners were hoping the other building would never rise, I don't think anyone was surprised that it did or didn't take that into account when purchasing their unit.

[Marcos]

that's an awful big gamble, I'm wondering how much of a 'break' they got in the price to agree to the very real possibility of living in forever cramped & ugly darkness

[Knight Hospitaller]

Originally Posted by PHL10

Have to agree here. These projects at one point were neck-and-neck about which would break ground first. It was no secret that a similarly sized building would go up on this plot. Further, RATR was specifically designed around this reality. While I bet the condo owners were hoping the other building would never rise, I don't think anyone was surprised that it did or didn't take that into account when purchasing their unit.

I'm still a bit down about cancellation of the Waldorf project. The RATR owners hopefully followed all of the fuss about the Center City Tower project which required the acrimonious lot owners to reach a deal and consolidate the parcels. When that failed, cheek by jowl twin towers was the inevitable outcome.

[jsbrook]

Originally Posted by Marcos

that's an awful big gamble, I'm wondering how much of a 'break' they got in the price to agree to the very real possibility of living in forever cramped & ugly darkness

It's only two of the many floorplans that are impacted and only some of the views for those units. Most of that side of the RATR is an elevator shaft. The building was purposely designed that way with an expectation that another highrise would eventually be built adjacent.

[GtownFriend]

Originally Posted by PHL10

Further, RATR was specifically designed around this reality. While I bet the condo owners were hoping the other building would never rise, I don't think anyone was surprised that it did or didn't take that into account when purchasing their unit.

Here's the floor plan, to illustrate.. The W's setback off 15th st will preserve much of the H units corner window view to the SW.
The A units loose their bedroom views, but also have livingroom SE (corner) views over the old Girard Bank. The bulk of the
south side is not part of any condo. B-G units are all unaffected.
,
on Flickr

[Marcos]

well that's a relief for them, guess it's kind of a mirror image of the north facing side of the W with its big blank wall...

[Ritz48]

Originally Posted by GtownFriend

Here's the floor plan, to illustrate.. The W's setback off 15th st will preserve much of the H units corner window view to the SW.
The A units loose their bedroom views, but also have livingroom SE (corner) views over the old Girard Bank. The bulk of the
south side is not part of any condo. B-G units are all unaffected.
,
on Flickr

The A unit is the most affected. Windows from the hotel are directly across the way from the A unit RARC Living Room. Virtually the entire view is gone. The layout of the A unit is also a trapezoid so that at least there is an angle to the west that has a little light. The H unit above the 12th floor has a pretty clear view. During pre-construction of the RARC there were plans of the Waldorf shown to the buyers. The discount was about 15% for the southern view per sq foot. It did not seem like a reasonable offer. Today the discount is more like 35% for those selling. The larger issue for the A unit is its odd layout and wasted space more so than the view.

Regardless of whether the view is North or South the RARC was poorly constructed. It was a marketing ploy. Slap a Luxury Brand on a poorly designed and constructed building. Balfor Restoration practically is a resident here with pipes bursting regularly. The 2nd floor fitness center, lounge and media room has been shut for nearly 4 months because of a Pipe Burst smf flood in September. The Ritz Carlton/Marriott brand has not lifted a finger to help.

[Knight Hospitaller]

^ That's depressing. You probably get increased condo fees to add insult to injury.

[PhilliesPhan]

Sorry for the zoom, but this building is looking pretty prominent from near the corner of 33rd and Chestnut!

[TechTalkGuy]

You really get around, PhilliesPhan!!

[JohnIII]

From the Avenue of the Arts and points south this building is becoming very noticeable at night. I can't wait to see the lighting scheme and the full affect of the building at night.

[thisisforreal]

Here's a closer look at what's happening on the inside:

[PHL10]

Saturday:

[WALCIII]

Mr. Saturn64, you posted an image (#2623) of the W/E Hotel on December 11, 2017 that reflected an interesting angle- perspective of the building's growing height. Any consideration of an update given that I am a WPHS guy residing in Texas?

[Mr Saturn64]

Originally Posted by WALCIII

Mr. Saturn64, you posted an image (#2623) of the W/E Hotel on December 11, 2017 that reflected an interesting angle- perspective of the building's growing height. Any consideration of an update given that I am a WPHS guy residing in Texas?

If I find myself in the area any time soon, sure.

[thisisforreal]

I'll be there tomorrow. If I remember I'll take it.

[WALCIII]

Thanks!

[WALCIII]

Originally Posted by thisisforreal

I'll be there tomorrow. If I remember I'll take it.

Thanks!