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Addick · 11-15-2013, 09:41 AM

First and foremost, this is an exceptional design and this quality only comes from a truly dedicated effort by both the architect and developer. It also looks like the City and Rollin are putting in a shift to allow this design to take-off. I was able to talk to Marc Boutin last night and he addressed most of my concerns. In particular, I really like how they worked with Rollin to get flexibility built into the DC. This flexibility will allow the developers to adjust the second phase according to the local conditions created by the first phase in regards to what uses will be allowed in the podium.

Unfortunately, I walked away without being fully convinced with the need to include the +15's and the design of the south-facing podium on 2nd Ave. Currently, one of the area's issues is that the market/building opens up to the river and turns its, blank, back to the rest of the core, which should be a major source of people. The south side of this development has the important task of opening itself up to the rest of the core and inviting people to enjoy what the development is providing on both 2nd Ave and the waterfront.

From what I can tell, the relevant section of the podium is currently designed to function as pleasant high street with a wide sidewalk. Personally, I think the sidewalk needs to be expanded along the avenue and anchored by two bulbs at each end that function like small/medium-sized plazas. Hopefully, this would help create an inviting public realm. Also, I think it would be helpful if the hotel lobby was a glass atrium as this would increase permeability and allow it to function like a porch.

In regards to the +15's, I'd rather not include them as they have a habit of sucking life away from street-level. However, I feel that this problem could be designed out of this project. If they did not include replacement retail at the +15 level or simply designed the north end of the bridge to funnel people back down to ground floor, I could live with the +15's being included.

Nevertheless, this project is more than promising. More please!

11-15-2013, 09:41 AM	#724
Addick Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: East London Exp:	First and foremost, this is an exceptional design and this quality only comes from a truly dedicated effort by both the architect and developer. It also looks like the City and Rollin are putting in a shift to allow this design to take-off. I was able to talk to Marc Boutin last night and he addressed most of my concerns. In particular, I really like how they worked with Rollin to get flexibility built into the DC. This flexibility will allow the developers to adjust the second phase according to the local conditions created by the first phase in regards to what uses will be allowed in the podium. Unfortunately, I walked away without being fully convinced with the need to include the +15's and the design of the south-facing podium on 2nd Ave. Currently, one of the area's issues is that the market/building opens up to the river and turns its, blank, back to the rest of the core, which should be a major source of people. The south side of this development has the important task of opening itself up to the rest of the core and inviting people to enjoy what the development is providing on both 2nd Ave and the waterfront. From what I can tell, the relevant section of the podium is currently designed to function as pleasant high street with a wide sidewalk. Personally, I think the sidewalk needs to be expanded along the avenue and anchored by two bulbs at each end that function like small/medium-sized plazas. Hopefully, this would help create an inviting public realm. Also, I think it would be helpful if the hotel lobby was a glass atrium as this would increase permeability and allow it to function like a porch. In regards to the +15's, I'd rather not include them as they have a habit of sucking life away from street-level. However, I feel that this problem could be designed out of this project. If they did not include replacement retail at the +15 level or simply designed the north end of the bridge to funnel people back down to ground floor, I could live with the +15's being included. Nevertheless, this project is more than promising. More please! __________________ “Such suburban models are being rationalized as ‘what people want,’ when in fact they are simply what is most expedient to produce. The truth is that what people want is a decent place to live, not just a suburban version of a decent place to live.” - Roberta Brandes Gratz