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^^^I'm a big fan of 12th and Midtown, actually. However, was using that and AS to point out that CityCenter DC is a very similar, master-planned, single-ownership, standard glass clad, contrived retail/mixed-use development.
MDAllStar keeps speaking so highly of it in a similar context as the shopping one finds in a few other cities. There is no comparison and instead of focusing on how the retail at City Center is going to make downtown DC shopping world class and somehow comparable, he should focus on the other positive attributes of City Center (takes over one of the last remaining development sites downtown, adds residents, provides some shopping period, etc etc), or focus on some of the many more interesting things going on now in the area.
On a sidenote, one that thing that pissed me off about 12th and Midtown was the final result of the Cafe Intermezzo. I went to the DRC meeting when the initial design was proposed, but what resulted is pretty abominable.
Why are you so surprised? He's always been a huge booster of DC. I simply gave up debating with him a while ago about his incredible exaggerations about everything and anything D.C.
^^^I'm a big fan of 12th and Midtown, actually. However, was using that and AS to point out that CityCenter DC is a very similar, master-planned, single-ownership, standard glass clad, contrived retail/mixed-use development.
MDAllStar keeps speaking so highly of it in a similar context as the shopping one finds in a few other cities. There is no comparison and instead of focusing on how the retail at City Center is going to make downtown DC shopping world class and somehow comparable, he should focus on the other positive attributes of City Center (takes over one of the last remaining development sites downtown, adds residents, provides some shopping period, etc etc), or focus on some of the many more interesting things going on now in the area.
On a sidenote, one that thing that pissed me off about 12th and Midtown was the final result of the Cafe Intermezzo. I went to the DRC meeting when the initial design was proposed, but what resulted is pretty abominable.
OMG!why don't you like Cafe Intermezzo desi.I happen to think it breaks up the minotony.I tought it was kinds elegant.
It's almost good, and it does break up the monotony (the monotony aspect is what I find similar about City Center, and the reason why shopping in such environments will never compare to Back Bay, SF, Chicago, New York, Miami Beach, Georgetown, LA, Seattle, or Philadelphia).
However, it's *way* over the top and looks a little cheap/plasticky. Something simpler would have sufficed. It reminds me a bit of the Cheesecake Factory in Buckhead...it's also not as intimate as either the old location or the downtown franchise.
Actually, you can ask Kidphilly, I have been saying this for years about old buildings. I know you're new here. He will vouch for me.
Yes I think you have always liked new. I dont dislike new I just prefer a mix and some design elements that break monotony. Regardless DC has a ton of development going on and like other cities some is better and some is worse.
This just popped up today - more infill but will be a mix of new structure and leveraging some old.
Yes I think you have always liked new. I dont dislike new I just prefer a mix and some design elements that break monotony. Regardless DC has a ton of development going on and like other cities some is better and some is worse.
This just popped up today - more infill but will be a mix of new structure and leveraging some old.
Thanks Kidphilly. Yes, I know what you like. I think that is why we disagree so much. I like buildings to look uniform. I also like glass and modern designs. I'm not a fan of older looking architecture. Give me City Center DC with all glass. When people use words like character for an older building, I also see dirt and outdated elements. To each his own. I will never live in a building with wall unit air conditioners or fire escapes. That's what sprinklers in each unit are for. Also, buildings without a 24 hour concierge, roof top pool, and movie theater for $3,000 a month for a one bedroom, forget about it. I just don't see what people get out of living in old buildings. What are the perks?
^^^I'm a big fan of 12th and Midtown, actually. However, was using that and AS to point out that CityCenter DC is a very similar, master-planned, single-ownership, standard glass clad, contrived retail/mixed-use development.
MDAllStar keeps speaking so highly of it in a similar context as the shopping one finds in a few other cities. There is no comparison and instead of focusing on how the retail at City Center is going to make downtown DC shopping world class and somehow comparable, he should focus on the other positive attributes of City Center (takes over one of the last remaining development sites downtown, adds residents, provides some shopping period, etc etc), or focus on some of the many more interesting things going on now in the area.
On a sidenote, one that thing that pissed me off about 12th and Midtown was the final result of the Cafe Intermezzo. I went to the DRC meeting when the initial design was proposed, but what resulted is pretty abominable.
See, here is where we disagree. I like City Center DC. I don't like brick or stone buildings that don't have a lot of glass. If a building doesn't have floor to ceiling windows, what does it have? I don't really like row homes or brown stones so that whole intimate thing doesn't work for me. Kidphilly and many other people on here will tell you, I would rather have large new buildings cover the entire 61.4 sq miles of Washington DC. No single family homes or rowhouse's anywhere. Low intensity development is not my thing.
I don't mind older brick or stone buildings as long as they have all the new stuff inside and out. It's the lack of amenities that gets me about old buildings. What are they good for in comparison to class A new buildings?
It's almost good, and it does break up the monotony (the monotony aspect is what I find similar about City Center, and the reason why shopping in such environments will never compare to Back Bay, SF, Chicago, New York, Miami Beach, Georgetown, LA, Seattle, or Philadelphia).
However, it's *way* over the top and looks a little cheap/plasticky. Something simpler would have sufficed. It reminds me a bit of the Cheesecake Factory in Buckhead...it's also not as intimate as either the old location or the downtown franchise.
I will tell you some old buildings I like. The Old Post Office in DC. The Plaza in NYC. If you're going to have an old building, to me it needs to look like that. These cheap renovated buildings with fire escapes though? Just no...
What do you think is more important, what is inside the building or how it looks from the outside? I ask that because it seems like you have very low standards on what you expect out of a building. Just curious because I never hear you talk about what is inside of these buildings you talk about. I think both are equally important, but most of the old buildings don't have any of the stuff I have talked about.
I will tell you some old buildings I like. The Old Post Office in DC. The Plaza in NYC. If you're going to have an old building, to me it needs to look like that. These cheap renovated buildings with fire escapes though? Just no...
What do you think is more important, what is inside the building or how it looks from the outside? I ask that because it seems like you have very low standards on what you expect out of a building. Just curious because I never hear you talk about what is inside of these buildings you talk about. I think both are equally important, but most of the old buildings don't have any of the stuff I have talked about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MDAllstar
Thanks Kidphilly. Yes, I know what you like. I think that is why we disagree so much. I like buildings to look uniform. I also like glass and modern designs. I'm not a fan of older looking architecture. Give me City Center DC with all glass. When people use words like character for an older building, I also see dirt and outdated elements. To each his own. I will never live in a building with wall unit air conditioners or fire escapes. That's what sprinklers in each unit are for. Also, buildings without a 24 hour concierge, roof top pool, and movie theater for $3,000 a month for a one bedroom, forget about it. I just don't see what people get out of living in old buildings. What are the perks?
Old buildings don't have to be without amenities - and also have large windows in many cases
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