Across economically diverse Philadelphia, the poorest big city in America, convincing residents that they should buy into having a seat at the table — literally — would likely be a tough sell outside of Rittenhouse. Still, Gross said, it was an effective strategy with Southern Land. In initial meetings, the company stressed it wanted to create something "extraordinary," Downey said, and build a tower tall enough to provide a financial return. The stakeholders wanted improved architecture, a different parking entrance, and the historic buildings saved. Most notably, the committee told Southern Land, they wanted some affordable housing.