Two Troubled Towers

by Tasha Kates

What started as a construction partnership has turned sour, pitting would-be developers against each other and the city's Zoning Board. In the middle are two new skyscrapers and an argument over city views.

Both the Arden Group and Mariner Commercial Properties plan to develop two of the tallest residential high-rises in the city on parking lots at South Penn Square and Chestnut Street. Arden's lot originally housed One Meridian Plaza, a 38-story office building that burned to the ground Feb. 23, 1991, in a devastating blaze that left three firefighters dead. The wreckage from the blaze — it was then called the most significant fire of this century — remained for nearly a decade until a lot was paved in its place.

Arden and Mariner plan to erect residential buildings with separate parking facilities that will be visible at street level. Arden's Residences at Ritz-Carlton envision a 60-story hotel and condominium building that will stand 22 feet higher than William Penn's hat. Mariner's plans include a 50-story condominium building on a site adjacent to Arden's that would also offer views of City Hall.

The two firms had worked together for more than a year with architects to plan a total space that would be visually appealing. However, the collaboration broke down and both groups have since drafted separate plans. Mariner's plan was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in January 2003, but was challenged two months ago by the Arden Group.

Tim Mahoney, president of Mariner's parent company, Mahoney Realty Group, originally secured permission from the board to build its tower, even though the zoning ordinance disallows buildings taller than 528 feet. Craig Spencer of Arden filed an appeal to the board's decision. In late May, a Common Pleas Court judge ruled in favor of Spencer and blocked Mahoney's plans to build his tower.

But Mahoney says he will meet with the Zoning Board on July 21 to oppose the height of Arden Group's planned structure. Arden will again meet with the board sometime this month to defend its plans.

Both designs are approved by the City Planning Commission.

Leaders from the Design Advocacy Group (DAG), a nonprofit organization of architects and designers, argue that the developments could mar the urban landscape. When it comes to street-level aesthetics, DAG chair Bill Becker says the garages that face City Hall could be camouflaged with facades and other resourceful measures.

"We encourage developers to come up with a creative design that does not visually blight an important space," Becker says.

Arden officials met with DAG members last month to share design plans, and Mariner representatives are scheduled to attend the group's meeting July 1 to do the same.