Still, it almost seems as if Rendell is more interested in what happens to the old Family Court building than the details surrounding the new one. But then, the governor has a thing for tourist districts. Having branded the Avenue of the Arts for theater and music, and remade Independence Mall as the city's history district, he is now turning his gaze to the parkway's museum row. The idea of a rundown courthouse one block from the Barnes Foundation must drive him crazy.
Changing Skyline: What happens to Philadelphia's old Family Court building?
(Page 3 of 3)
Story continues below.
The Barnes, which opens in 2012, should transform the neighborhood. So could the Mormon Temple, at 18th Street, if the city ever allows the project to go forward.
It's easy to imagine that Family Court, smack between the two, would make a great hotel. But wishing it doesn't guarantee it will be a hotel.
It could also end up a white elephant.
Anyone remember the Metropolitan Opera House? The Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co.? The Boyd Theater? William Penn High School? Or, the abandoned Ridgway Library before it became a performing arts high school?
Big old buildings are hard to reuse, as Philadelphia well knows. It already has plenty of exciting, glamorous buildings on its hands.
Contact architecture critic Inga Saffron at 215-854-2213 or isaffron@phillynews.com.
|
|
|
|
|