I am thrilled with the Philly Temple.
My family and I lived in Smyrna, Delaware and traveling to DC was a challenge. However, that Temple was busy most of the times we went there. Any Temple built in the Former Washington DC Temple district will lessen the burden on the DC Temple.
The residential tower is a recent move within the Church to provide for the needs of local city residents. It may have also been a means to provide affordable housing for temple visitors as well as suitable housing for assigned temple workers. 32 stories and 4 apartments per floor is a 128 residencies of various sizes - pretty impressive.