This is unbelievably disappointing news about the Ritz Block. Opus had the chance to do a once in a lifetime project and bring a huge amount of energy and life to a part of downtown that could use a little more. They could have built a tower, or towers, that defined the skyline for generations to come, those projects don't happen very often. But instead Opus decided to do a project that just "good enough" sure it's a solid urban infill project but compared to what it could be it is kinda sad.
I'm not one to believe every rumor he heard on SSC but I thought they had enough detail and inside info to be pretty credible and at least based in some level in truth. IF all the rumors were/are true that makes today's article even more disappointing.
The one piece of positive news I did read in the article was that both towers were going to be at least 30 stories which means something bigger could be built but I would have a hard time believing either project would be significantly taller.
I'm confused why everyone seems to think that Opus is somehow pissing away some grand opportunity here. If there was interest from others for a larger mixed-use tower, it would be happening. I can't imagine that Opus would simply want to build another infill residential tower if there was interest in doing more.
I too am baffled as to why other cities seem to have little trouble cobbling together a mixed-use building. This block is certainly prime for that. Office, hotel, residential, retail. Perhaps we'll all be pleasantly surprised when they do approach the city with their plans.
But I don't fault Opus for building what they know the market can sustain. They may be "small" and "conservative", but they are still about making money.