Is there a reason (apart from looking cool) to put the keys/player at the top, rather than have the keys at the bottom, with the strings going up?

The only thing I can think of is player comfort. I imagine that huge soundboard is extra loud. Best to not place it directly in front of the player's face.

Being not a fan of the sound of church organs, I think this might be a proper replacement.

I'm not a fan of church organ recordings but to hear them in person is amazing (and to play them even more so).

That was the first one I thought of when I saw the size of the Alexander Piano. I was looking to see if Nils had shown up to have a go on it!