What Companies Could Call American Commerce Center Home?
The American Commerce Center, a 1,500-foot skyscraper proposed for 18th and Arch streets, received approval for a necessary zoning change this morning from a City Council committee after a three-hour hearing where the developers and opponents asked and answered a lot of questions about the project. The big unanswered question: What companies are flirting with the developers about moving into the $1.1 billion tower if it gets built?
The American Commerce Center, a 1,510-foot skyscraper proposed for 18th and Arch streets, received approval for a necessary zoning change this morning from a City Council committee after a three-hour hearing where the developers and opponents asked and answered a lot of questions about the project. The big unanswered question: What companies are flirting with the developers about moving into the $1.1 billion tower if it gets built?
From discussions with Councilman Darrell Clarke, sponsor of the legislation to change the zoning, and Peter Kelsen, attorney for the developers, it seems pretty clear that three potential lead tenants are in discussions. At least one would be relocating from somewhere else in the city while two might be lured from Montgomery County and/or New Jersey.
"They're household names," Kelsen said, declining to name the companies because the project still needs the approval of the full Council, which could come Dec. 11, for the zoning change. After that, the developers will need approval from the City Planning Commission for their building plan. The City Planning Commission gave the nod two weeks ago for the zoning change. With all approvals in hand, Kelsen said, the developer could break ground by late 2009.