I don't know the history of the Davis site and I don't have any training in architecture but it's easy to see by looking at that building why it's so problematic. The color and materials are just flat out cold looking. The massing is awkward and overactive, a very weird mix of styles. From some angles it even looks like a giant gable colonial, except devoid of any of the charm normally associated with that style (owing to materials). In terms of curb appeal to a potential resident, it does not look like an inviting place live. On top of that you have the awkward retail space, which juts far onto the sidewalk, pushing pedestrians out onto the street. There are nice big windows but no room to admire them from the street as you are walking by. I don't know what kind of business can be expected to succeed here. Davis is pretty well represented by restaurants, bars, boutiques, thrift shops etc. Whose gonna walk all the way to the edge of the square to patronize something here when there are so many other options?
Then on top off all that you have that massive American flag, which gives off the impression of the crushing power of the state, which kinda says it all. It basically feels like a giant bank vault, which is probably the only business I can see working here. With Winter Hill and Citizens right near by it's not like the area needs another but might as well stick 'em all in the same place. Of course like I said, I don't know the history of the place. Maybe the way the parcel works is the only way that residential plus retail can work here. It's still amazing to me how lousy the building is. Compare it to the one in Teele Square, above Soul Train. There is nothing especially fancy about that place but some simply color/massing differences seems to make a huge difference, it's like night and day. I do think that's a bigger parcel but I just find it hard to believe this building was the best the developer could do.
All that said I agree with your point about buildings not needing to fit in with the area. While there are some nice houses in the area the strength of Davis is not in it's architecture but more it's layout. I don't mind developers taking risks with new styles but if the end result is more buildings like the one being discussed here I might have to change that view. More than anything the area needs housing and density - I'd be much happier with more inoffensive buildings like the one in Teele than some architect trying to be "edgy" and just failing miserably.
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Date: 2014-04-22 05:59 pm (UTC)Then on top off all that you have that massive American flag, which gives off the impression of the crushing power of the state, which kinda says it all. It basically feels like a giant bank vault, which is probably the only business I can see working here. With Winter Hill and Citizens right near by it's not like the area needs another but might as well stick 'em all in the same place. Of course like I said, I don't know the history of the place. Maybe the way the parcel works is the only way that residential plus retail can work here. It's still amazing to me how lousy the building is. Compare it to the one in Teele Square, above Soul Train. There is nothing especially fancy about that place but some simply color/massing differences seems to make a huge difference, it's like night and day. I do think that's a bigger parcel but I just find it hard to believe this building was the best the developer could do.
All that said I agree with your point about buildings not needing to fit in with the area. While there are some nice houses in the area the strength of Davis is not in it's architecture but more it's layout. I don't mind developers taking risks with new styles but if the end result is more buildings like the one being discussed here I might have to change that view. More than anything the area needs housing and density - I'd be much happier with more inoffensive buildings like the one in Teele than some architect trying to be "edgy" and just failing miserably.