There is a new proposal to replace one of my favorite Clayton buildings. Sadly, this has sat vacant for a few years and was destined for a higher and better use.
[EDIT] 4 story 42 unit condo w/86 parking spots in the basement
LAME. If any building in downtown Clayton is worthy of preservation, it's this one. Sleek, distinctive, rare... A developer with an ounce of creativity could convert the existing building into unique living spaces. Maybe add a penthouse on top or rooftop deck... Just imagine what what new lighting, landscaping and energy-efficient windows could do for this beauty. The proposed replacement is a glorified box-- fitting for Clayton to be sure, but certainly won't do a thing to elevate Clayton's aesthetics or uniqueness. Come on, Clayton- have some vision and taste. Keep the good stuff. Keep this. Here’s a great photo thread courtesy of Toby Weiss: https://www.flickr.com/photos/15395815@ ... 564644166/
this building seems ideal for repurposing as the entry/amenities space for residential tower—similar to the Optimist or the Engineers' Club. really dumb to needlessly demolish it. lots of dumb.
this building seems ideal for repurposing as the entry/amenities space for residential tower—similar to the Optimist or the Engineers' Club. really dumb to needlessly demolish it. lots of dumb.
I agree. I like the curve on the building and thought that it would be nice to see it redeveloped as-is without a floor being added. I imagine some one bedroom/small apartments with walkup units on the first level would do well here.
This proposal will be discussed at the next Clayton Architectural Review Board meeting on 12/20 at 5:30pm (via zoom). The meeting is open to the public, so please join if you care to chime in.
I joined in on tonight's architectural review board meeting via Zoom, so here's a brief recap...
Tonight was just a preliminary review of the proposed redevelopment, so they did not open it for public comment, no vote was taken and no statements made tonight are binding. The developer made a very general presentation that was very thin on substance or details, but here's a summary of what the developer said:
-They determined that reusing the existing "office building" (as he called it) was not economically feasible, but gave no specifics. It's seemed obvious that he referred to it as an "office building" in an attempt to make it sound like a nondescript utilitarian building that no one would miss.
-The "office building" has been vacant for many years, is in bad shape and is past its useful life (no specifics whatsoever)
-Since the proposal includes two parcels (the "office building" and the former gas station), both buildings must go and both parcels combined to accommodate a single development
-They didn't feel that this section of Forsyth was viable as a retail corridor, thus opting for a residential-only building with no retail component (even though this district is currently zoned as commercial)
-The proposed residential building will create vibrancy and would enhance the Forsyth streetscape
I was so impressed with the commentary from several board members- they really did call out the B.S. Among points raised by the board members:
-The current building is elegant and distinctive and is part of the Clayton cityscape
-Owners kept the current building vacant on purpose with the intent of eventual demolition/replacement
-Preserving the existing building is strongly preferred
-Retail potential exists and will increase as adjacent developments are completed
-Board sentiments about the proposed new building: could be built anywhere; not site-specific, doesn't hug the curve of the street, looks like separate buildings stuck together, doesn't appear to be a cohesive whole, nothing special (among many other mostly negative comments)
-Depth and shape of building is a definite concern
In short-- the board made it clear that the developer has a lot of work to do before they'd even consider this plan. The developer acknowledged that they have work to do, but that saving the building would probably be a deal-breaker and the building would just end up sitting vacant for a long time to come. The board did good tonight- I was impressed by their collective acknowledgement of the existing building's architectural and cultural value. Maybe there's hope for this one after all.
Just a reminder about the upcoming community conference on Tuesday, 3/8 about the proposed replacement of one of downtown Clayton's coolest midcentury buildings:
Forsyth Curve
8220, 8260 Forsyth Blvd.
New mixed-use structure with condos, retail, and parking.
Status Update: Received final approval from the Board of Aldermen. Preparation for submission of construction permit applications has begun. Construction to begin Q1 of 2023.
