It has taken the organisers of the Hundertwasser project some time to come to the reality that the former NRC building cannot be "reinvigorated through the application of significant interventions", which some say was Hundertwasser's vision. It seems the significant intervention has now become a demolition, or in the language of Mayor Mai, "a careful deconstruction".

Another reality is that this is far from an ordinary building project, on a site with its own challenges. The town basin, and much of the CBD, is reclaimed land, which has major implications for the foundation work required. The problem is exacerbated in the case of the Hundertwasser building because of its size and weight, due to its earth roof.

Registrations of Interest are currently being sought for the construction of the project. The promoters believe the work can be carried out within the current cost estimates, but the reality test will come when the contract prices are in.