But Commission Chairman Moe Brooker told project architects EwingCole to talk to neighbors about how to spruce up the roof. Current drawings show a plain surface with a small, unadorned "penthouse" that will house mechanical equipment.
The additional height will mean that residents at the Metropolitan, a recently rehabbed apartment building across 15th Street, will look directly at the court's penthouse from their deck.
Metropolitan owner Jeff Reinhold, chief executive of Reinhold Residential, commended the Art Commission members.
"They are in a difficult position, but the dialogue has been good," he said, "and I expect that over next 30 days, we will work out something that is acceptable to all."
Reinhold said it was unfortunate that the commission ended up as the public's only forum to discuss the project.
The state courthouse initially was turned over to a private developer and designed in secret, with 2009 City Council legislation aiding the process by exempting the building from typical zoning requirements for height and bulk. The Council legislation was passed without fanfare and drew little public input.
Neighbors also complained that the construction site itself was unsightly. Portable toilets are visible from the street, for example.
Adi Altman, assistant general manager of Le Meridien Philadelphia hotel in the 1400 block of Arch, said his guests had complained about the appearance of screens surrounding the site.
Traffic flow and aesthetics are of particular concern because city planners and others are trying to promote Cherry Street, the court's northern border, as a thoroughfare to lead visitors from the Convention Center to the Parkway. Half of Cherry between Broad and 15th is now a public plaza.
A representative from Tishman Construction said the company would work to create a more appealing site. The project is expected to take two years.
Contact staff writer Miriam Hill at 215-854-5520, hillmb@phillynews.com or @miriamhill on Twitter.
