Buildings Uploaded on July 3, 2007

Looks like we have a new city in Cities In Development. Say hello to Astana, Kazakhstan!

Also, Mason Thrall from Google contacted me today to let me know of a huge update that has been uploaded by the Google modelers. I hope to post most of them, but to make sure you see them all, check out this link.

Astana, Kazakhstan

Majilis and Maslikhat (Parliament Buildings)


The Palace Of Peace and Concord (Pyramid)

Description
The Pyramid of Peace (also called "Palace of Peace and Reconciliation”) has been conceived and designed by architect Sir Norman Foster and inaugurated in September 2006. That Pyramid contains accommodations for different religions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism Hinduism, Taoism and other faiths. It also houses a 1,500- seat opera house, a national museum of culture, a new “university of civilization”, a library and a research centre for Kazakhstan’s ethnic and geographical groups. This diversity is unified within the pure form of a pyramid, 62 meters high with a 62 x 62-metre base. The building is conceived as a global centre for religious understanding, the renunciation of violence and the promotion of faith and human equality. The Pyramid of Peace expresses the spirit of Kazakhstan, where cultures, traditions and representatives of various nationalities coexist in piece, harmony and accord. Bathed in the golden and pale blue glow of the glass (colors taken from the Kazakhstan flag), 200 delegates from the world’s main religions and faiths will meet every three years in a circular chamber — based on the United Nations Security Council meeting room in New York. ; Height: 77m, total area: 25,500 sq.m.; Accommodates: Opera Hall for 1,500 seats, The Museum of National History, The Research Center of World Religions, Library of Spiritual Religious Literature, Exhibition and conference rooms.

House of Government of Kazakhstan


Khan Shatyry

Description
The Khan Shatyry Entertainment Centre will become a dramatic civic focal point for the capital of Kazakhstan. The soaring structure, at the northern end of the new city axis, rises from a 200m elliptical base to form the highest peak on the skyline of Astana. The name warns inhabitants and visitors of capital of that magnificent show which should be seen: the transparent bulk of steppe tent as though put by a hand of the nomad-giant. Grasped the mast, in height of 150 meters, cable mesh structure will stand before an amazed look of a visitor. Being the most spacious entertaining center of the Central Asia, Khan Shatyry will accommodate comfortable square meters it will be given under every possible restaurants, cinema multiplex and shops. Here it will be possible to have a rest in an exotic climate of tropics and the Mediterranean. ; Height: 150m ; Tent’s elliptical base: 200m; Total area 100,000 square meters; Concept: 40,000sq.m: an urban-scale internal park, a viewing platform, shopping, restaurants, cinemas and entertainment centers.; The landscape indoor concept: The Mediterranean climate - Tropical climate
http://www.khanshatyr.com

Nursaya & Zhansaya Residential Houses


The Ministries House


Bucharest, Romania

Casa Armatei (The Military Club)

Description
Build in 1913 downtown Bucharest , known as Bucharest Military Club for almost a century or cultural center, now become 'the best restaurant for regal wedding'

Romarta Copiilor

Description
Placed in old downtown Bucharest is was the Child Store, under the name of Romarta Copiilor. Presently is branch of BRD Bank.

Hotel Capitol Bucharest

Description
Nice Bucharest Hotel placed on old downtown Buchatest, 3 stars status, waiting for his clients interersted for Little Paris culture


Sevilla, Spain

Edificio Expo


Hamburg, Germany

3dHH-Ballinstadt-2


Chicago, Illinois

309 West Washington

Description
Completed in 1922 by John Archibald Armstrong; this fine example of the "Chicago School" of architecture stands at 174 ft tall and includes beautiful limestone and marble detailing. Model created by Nathan Kohrmann.

Holy Name Cathedral

Description
The Holy Name Cathedral, located on North State Street & East Superior Street in Chicago, IL, was built in a Gothic revival architectural style and completed in 1875. The church is 233 feet long, 126 feet wide and can seat 1520 people. The ceiling is 70 feet high and has a spire that stands at 210 feet. The Architecht was Patrick Charles Keely. Model by Lars Zimmerman.

Seattle, Washington

Experience Music Project

Description
A unique building that demonstrates the creative, abstract, and rebellious nature of American music throughout the decades, the Experience Music Project is a symbol to Seattle. Designed by architect Frank O. Gehry, this museum contains the largest collection of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia in the world. The museum is a great attraction for people of all ages. The buildings groundbreaking took place in June of 1997.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1500 Walnut Street

Description
This building located at 1500 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was originally the home of The First National Bank. It is 23 stories tall and has an addition, build in 1963, on the south side. The ground level is stone, and the entrances are large, framed by glass. The upper part of the building is brick and has vertical features. This building is a good example of a successful design that has lasted nearly 100 years. Model created by Adam Hecht.

U.S. Custom House

Description
This building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is home to the US Custom House. This is a governmental building that houses such agencies as the Treasury Department and the Passport Agency. This building was constructed in 1934 and was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1984. It has a largely radial plan, symmetrical on both the vertical and horizontal axis. The lower footprint of the building is stone while the middle brick. The upper setbacks revert stone. The setbacks allow for outdoor spaces accessible from the upper floors of the building. Model created by Adam Hecht

The Drake

Description
The Drake Tower was constructed in 1929 as a hotel. This historical building was once the tallest in Philadelphia at 30 stories. It has since been converted into an apartment building, housing 280 units, the upper 16 penthouses featuring fantastic views of the Center City Philadelphia. The architecture is a mixture of Spanish baroque and Art Deco styles. Model created by Adam Hecht.

1528 Walnut

Description
This building located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a mixed use office tower. It has 22 floors. The lower floors are home to retail and commercial outlets, such as Starbucks, Q’doba and the Cingular Store. Although this building was constructed in 1932, a good use of brick, stone and vertical lines helps it to maintain a contemporary look in this area of new and old buildings. Model created by Adam Hecht

Architect's Building

Description
Located in downtown Philadelphia, PA the Architect's Building is home to the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The building itself is 313 feet tall with a 245 foot tower atop the building which is owned, operated and rented out by SEPTA. The Architect's Building was completed in 1931, designed by Zantzinger, Borie & Medary architects. Model by Alex Juhola.

The St. James

Description
The St. James is the tallest residential tower in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It contains one, two, three, and studio apartments along with a residents only parking garage. The building was completed in 2004 by Architects Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates, and Bower, and Lewis Thrower Architects. The modern style St. James reaches a height of 498 feet tall. Model by Austin Metzger.

The Versailles

Description
The Versailles is located in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This high-rise building of Fredrick Webber was completed in 1921 at a height of 15 floors or 192 feet tall. The Versailles is an apartment building and holds 1-3 bedroom housing. Model by Austin Metzger.

Benjamin Franklin House

Description
The 222 feet Benjamin Franklin House was designed by Horace Trumbauer, Warren Powers Laird and John Gill & Sons. Its “E” shaped building was complected in 1925 and is located at 834 Chestnut Street in Center City, Philadelphia. The building the last hotel build in Philadelphia before the depression and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Then in 1990 it was remodeled to hold 412 apartments and 120,000 square feet of office space. Model created by Geoffrey Berlin.

Mellon Bank Center

Description
The 792 foot 54 story Mellon Bank Center was completed in 1990 and is the third tallest building in Philadelphia. This building is also known as Nine Penn Center because it is located in the Penn Center office complex. The architect was Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The building is unique for its tapering edges on its four extruded faces and the pyramid that sits on the top. A private club known as the Pyramid Club occupies the this 52nd floor penthouse. Model created by Geoffrey Berlin.

801 Market

Description
The 13 story, 801 Market Street building was completed in 1928 by Simon & Simon Architects for Strawbridge & Clothier Department Stores. The anchor store, attached to a 1,100,000 square foot “Gallery at Market East” shopping mall, has been recently acquired by PREIT (Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust) following past acquisitions by Federated and May Department Stores. Model created by Matt Brown.

Independence Hall

Description
Historic Independence Hall, completed in 1756 by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania, is the site of the origins of the United States of America during the American Revolutionary War. The State House was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, the adoption place of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, the selection of the American flag, and the drafting site of the United States Constitution. Its tower once held the famous "Liberty Bell", but now holds the “Centennial Bell” donated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976. In 1948, the Hall was restored and added to the greater Independence National Historic Park that has been deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, Independence Hall is run by the National Park Service, and is open to the public year-round.

Adelphia House

Description
The Adelphia House, located in Center City, was completed in 1914 by the prominent guilded age architect Horace Trumbauer. Once a hotel, the current Adelphia House is home to 20 floors of luxury apartments. Model created by Matt Brown.

1830 Rittenhouse Square

Description
Completed in 1912 1830 Rittenhouse Square has remained one of the most sought after properties in Philadelphia. It's bay windows overlooking Rittenhouse square have become a hot commodity and its simple yet elegant architectural details have made it a residential icon in it's neighborhood. Model created by Nathan Kohrmann.

Doubletree Hotel

Description
The Doubletree Hotel was built in 1983 and is located in Philadelphia's Center City. It is on the Avenue of the Arts and is across the street from the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and the Merriam Theater. Model by Noel Nemcik.

Grand Masonic Lodge of Pennsylvania

Description
The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia is a combination of several different syles of architecture, ranging from Norman to Romanesque to Gothic. The Temple was designed by Brother James H. Windrim and dedicated to the Freemasons in 1873. The SW tower is 250' high. Model by Zach Moore.

United Methodist Church

Description
This is a Christian church located in downtown Philadelphia, just adjacent to the Grand Masonic Lodge. The church welcomes openness, community building, and includes members of all international descents. Model created by Zach Moore.

Elfreth's Alley North

Description
An historic site home to the oldest street in America that is still residential, Elfreth's Alley is an attraction to people visiting Philadelphia. Once a year, Fete Day takes place, where all the residents open their doors to the public, and dress according to 18th century attire. The Alley is 16 feet wide, and contains a single, one way lane for pedestrians and cars. Model created by Zach Moore.

Elfreth's Alley South

Description
An historic site home to the oldest street in America that is still residential, Elfreth's Alley is an attraction to people visiting Philadelphia. Once a year, Fete Day takes place, where all the residents open their doors to the public, and dress according to 18th century attire. The Alley is 16 feet wide, and contains a single, one way lane for pedestrians and cars. Model created by Zach Moore.

Old Philadelphia Exchange

Description
Also known as the Merchants Exchange building, the Old Philadelphia Exchange was a center of business for a group of successful merchants in the 1800's. It was built between 1832 and 1834 and designed by architect William Strickland of the Greek Revival style. The National Historic Park Service bought the building in 1952. Model created by Zach Moore.

Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Description
This hotel is 22 stories high and reaches a height of 250 feet. It sits right on the banks of the Delaware River, at Penn's Landing. The building was completed in 2000, designed by architects Brennan Beer Gorman / Architects. Model by Zach Moore.

Christ Church

Description
The Christ Church, also known as 'The Nation's Church' in Philadelphia was completed in 1754 in a Georgian architecture fashion. The Church has been active since 1695 and was the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church in the United States. The baptismal font use at Christ Church; was sent to Philadelphia in 1697 from All Hallow's Church in London. Christ Church is a National Historic Landmark and a unique historic site that continues its original function as an Episcopal parish. More than 250,000 tourists visit the church each year. Model by Lars Zimmerman.

Aramark Tower

Description
This 412 foot tower was constructed in 1984. The building was originally called One Reading Center and was designed by Architects Bower Lewis Thrower Architects and Cope Linder Architects. The office tower facade is a mix of deep blue glass and tan brick. Model created by Geoffrey Berlin.

Corn Exchange National Bank

Description
The Corn Exchange Bank Building is a historical building located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This building was originally home to the Corn Exchange National Bank out of New York. The building is currently home to Citizens Bank. This Building is brick in construction, with stone accents and details. One prominent feature is the clock tower on the 2nd and Chestnut side. Model created by Adam Hecht.

St. Louis, Missouri

Basilica of St. Louis IX, King of France

Description
Formerly known as the Cathedral of St. Louis and colloquially known as the Old Cathedral, The Basilica of St. Louis, King of France sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River on the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the Gateway Arch. In 1961, Pope John XXIII decreed the Cathedral a basilica, the highest honor ever afforded an American Church. A small museum adjacent to the Old Cathedral features historical artifacts as well as the tomb of the builder, Bishop Joseph Rosati. Model created by Catherine Moats.

South Side Tower

Description
This small Art Deco tower in southern St. Louis was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is 108 feet tall, 9 stories, and was built in 1928. The building is being converted into 13 condominiums and retail currently. Modeled by Mason Thrall.

Boston, Massachusettes

Edward W. Brooke Courthouse

Description
The Edward W. Brooke Courthouse was completed in entirety in 1999. It conists of the modern addition designed by Kallman McKinnell & Wood Architects, Inc. and the older part completed in the mid 70's. Model by Alex Juhola.

Bulfinch Hotel

Description
The Bulfinch Hotel is located in downtown Boston, just north of the Edward Brooke Courthouse, in the historic Bulfinch Triangle/North Station neighborhood. The 1904 building was originally a six stories, constructed of brick to form the distinct flatiron shape. It was a factory and furniture warehouse, and then later a boarding house with a restaurant on the first floor. In 2004, the owners of the building, Cresset Merrimac LLC, turned this industrial building into a boutique hotel. Local architects Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Inc. designed the exterior of the building, seamlessly blending the new three stories with the original six. Campion A. Platt from Manhattan designed the interior, creating a simple but modern experience. The doors of the Bulfinch Hotel opened in December of 2004, featuring 80 rooms, each one different from the next. The first floor houses the Flatiron Tapas Bar and Lounge that serves cocktails, wines, and local beers as well as small plates created by Chef Thomas Ciszak. Model by Noel Nemcik.

Marketplace Center

Description
Just east of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and across the street from Boston's waterfront is Marketplace Center, a 16-story office building attached to a two-story retail space. Some businesses located here include, but are not limited to Wellington Management, Parthenon Group, GAP, Banana Republic, Brookstone Co., and Ann Taylor Loft. Model by Noel Nemcik.

Old State House

Description
Located in the heart of Boston is the Old State House, the oldest surviving public building in the city. It was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Old State House plays a major role in the history of our country. The area beneath the balcony on the east side of the building was the site of the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. On July 18, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was first proclaimed from that same balcony. Today, the Old State House holds museum and is a major transportation connection point, as it sits above the State Street station on the MBTA’s Blue and Orange subway lines. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and is part of the Freedom Trail. Model by Noel Nemcik.

Massachusetts State House

Description
The Massachusetts State House is the state capitol of Massachusetts. It is located on Beacon Hill in downtown Boston, and is the oldest building in that area. The Massachusetts government was originally held in the old State House, located at the corner of King and State Streets. After the American Revolution, however, a new building was needed to have enough room for the expanding government. The State House was completed on January 11, 1798. The successful local architect, Charles Bulfinch, designed the original red brick building with an elevated portico and Corinthian columns. The dome was made out of wood shingles, but, due to water leaks, was later covered with copper in 1802. In 1861, it was gilded with 23 karat gold leaf. The pinecone atop the dome symbolizes the importance of the forests in Massachusetts. In the late 19th century, the yellow-colored annex was added to the State House. In 1917, the white marble wings were added. Model by Noel Nemcik.

75 State Street

Description
Containing 31 floors and rising to a height of 390 feet, 75 State Street sits adjacent to Faneuil Hall or Quincy's Market. Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill LLP designed the building and it was completed in 1988. Model created by Zach Moore.