Some Controversy Over Building Materials Selected For Conversion Of Old YWCA Building

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some members of the City Planning Commission express concerns about the materials to be used in the development of a new building to replace the former YWCA Annex, near 20th and Chestnut Streets. But, its members want the project to move forward.

Developer Len Poncia wants to put up a 12-story building with street level retail, where the four story YWCA sits vacant. The $35-million project will include 110 luxury apartment units.

City Planning Commission member Pat Eiding, the President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO obviously wants the construction jobs, but has misgivings about the exterior treatment, including the window louvers.

"And if you start off with stuff that's only being done because of economics, then, where do you go from there?"

Design architect Michael Ytterberg told the Commission says that stretch of Chestnut is not Rittenhouse Square, but rather an extension of luxury residential and retail found around the Square.

"We honestly feel that the solutions we offered are appropriate and aesthetically pleasing."

He says the facade appointments fit into the commercial corridor of Chestnut Street.