On top of that, bankers and investors are notoriously careful and wary about anything daring.
After I got tired of retirement (having financed a lot of RE as an investment banker), I worked for my brothers RE appraisal and consulting firm.
My experience tells me that a funky building like the one here is going to be a yuuge problem.
I actually like new ideas in architecture, but change comes slowly and carefully.
I have seen (as you have) a lot of funky buildings get torn down because they quickly became eyesore and laughingstocks.
I am a former Nooo Yawker BTW.;-)
...with heavy emphasis on "former" I hope? :)