Some of the source of the confusion is that most purchasers have customized their units, choosing different room configurations as well as upgrades in finishes and appliances. In addition, some units were pre-purchased by investors who determined the price and time of sale. I get the feeling that some investors were willing to sell for less than the Orens themselves, which may explain the differences you see. My husband and I just purchased a unit on the 11th floor that we bought from an investor a year ago. To keep our monthly mortgage payments down we paid for upgrades in advance, so the actual cost of the unit won't be reflected in the sale price. Guy Orens has said that they have paid off their mortgage, so they're under no pressure to sell the rest of their units. The 11th floor is virtually done and they're going to work on the 12th floor penthouse units when purchasers come along.

I can't comment about why the progress of work was (seemingly) slow, not having much to compare it with. But the work proceeded floor by floor, so if something came up to slow work on one floor, such as a delay in delivery of flooring, everything that came after was delayed. I can say that the quality of work has been very good and that the final product is well worth waiting for.