Are you kidding? The almost overpowering brick facade can't be saved by the pattern in the brick, (and the concrete block-what's with that?) with the first floor having no remarkable difference from the upper floors...the plain, unadored doors have no impressive features about them to make them look welcoming...the first floor isn't even at street level...and the steps are plain (cheap) wooden steps. Everything about the design is purely functional and cold, nothing open or warm and inviting. Consequently, all these non-features incorporate those purely functional things that one would find on the back of a building. I mean, high tech is one thing, but this is way too much. To me, it either looks like the architect or builder is playing a cruel joke on someone, or said person(s) simply have no concept of good design.
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Marmar wrote:Are you kidding? The almost overpowering brick facade can't be saved by the pattern in the brick, (and the concrete block-what's with that?)...
...the first floor isn't even at street level...and the steps are plain (cheap) wooden steps.
In a few posts earlier, it was already explained that the staircases will completely cover the exposed concrete block. It was also noted that the rendering shows stairs covering the block. The wooden steps are temporary access to the building during construction.
^Sorry, I missed that point, but still that's not going to be enough to change all the other negative things about this building. It is just a poor design for this prime spot, not to mention the neighborhood.
The almost overpowering brick facade can't be saved by the pattern in the brick
I think the material on the third-floor terraces break up the brick rather well.with the first floor having no remarkable difference from the upper floors...
I wouldn't call the doors plain at all. I like the glass cut-outs in the doors and how the transoms match the windows. I think they look sleek and modern, but I guess it's a matter of personal taste.the plain, unadored doors have no impressive features about them to make them look welcoming...
Do you mean b/c of the 9-10 steps to the front door? Most of the lots in GS are somewhat sloped. Nearly all the homes have a comparable # of steps up. You might not notice the steps as much on the homes with setbacks b/c they're staggered.the first floor isn't even at street level...
Have you actually spent much time in the neighborhood recently? From Olive St. I think the building really blends in to the streetscape well. I think it's great that building is brick on ALL sides, that it sits right up next to the sidewalk, and that there will be 13 residences on this awkward lot, instead of 6-7 more townhouses. I would like to see more design like this in the city.To me, it either looks like the architect or builder is playing a cruel joke on someone, or said person(s) simply have no concept of good design.
Good call, Z. The more I look at the GLS pics, the more I like them.
There will be differences in personal taste, but the increase in density and city housing options alone should make us all at least somewhat pleased.
There will be differences in personal taste, but the increase in density and city housing options alone should make us all at least somewhat pleased.
I find the vast majority of new structures in GS of SUPERIOR design and craftsman ship (kudos to the developers and builders)...it's just this one building I hate. Lackluster. Inappropriate. But I have to admit, I have not come into GS lately to actually see this building. So, Zezuz et al, I will make the trek and see for myself and if I should change my mind about it and have to eat my words, I'll be sure to post it, but don't any of you get the salt and pepper out yet!
Oh, yeah...one good point...all brick.
Oh, yeah...one good point...all brick.
Marmar wrote:...it's just this one building I hate.
Me to!
BTW, Zezus, thanks for keeping us up-to-date with all of your Gaslight Square photos. You've got good camera-sense. Maybe you could do some scouting on other CWE projects as well?