MIDTOWN?Though all was recently quiet at the new foundation for developer Extell's International Gem Tower in the Diamond District, over the weekend a tower crane was assembled at the West 47th Street site. Yep, SOM's blinged-out 32-story commercial tower will indeed rise. Per a press release, "This first phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year will include three below-grade levels that will house retail space, a state-of-the-art vault operation, secure valet parking facilities and underground loading docks. The tower is expected to open in the fall of 2011." [CurbedWire Inbox]
FIDI?Fulton Street's District, which in another time and place represented the new world of Financial District amenity overdrive, tells us that after a switch in brokerages last month nine new contracts have been signed. Guess hot tubs are still all the rage. Plenty of good seats still available in the 163-unit building. [CurbedWire Inbox]