Objections over design for Market Square Gardens (Pittsburgh, Penn: fit in, apartments)

[BrianTH]

Here is the article:

Proposed design of Downtown tower on Forbes Avenue criticized - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As a reminder, here is the current design:



Personally, I think most of the objections are not well-grounded. I think the overall scale of the project is consistent with the current buildings around Market Square (including the Fourth Avenue buildings and Three PNC), and looking at the angles I don't see how it could significantly impact sunlight in Market Square. The materials are of course different from the historic buildings, but I think they have been well-chosen to provide a complementary effect.

But the issue over the design of the parking garage is a legitimate one (the parking portion is the box on the bottom toward Wood). Ultimately I am OK with an above-ground parking garage in this location, but exactly how it looks from various vantages, including Wood, is a real concern and I hope they can reach a reasonable accommodation on the design.

[Evergrey]

As you know, BrianTH, I have objected over the design of "The Gardens"... but certainly not because of its "scale" (If anything, I'd like to see this project much taller... it is actually not offering much beyond tons of parking and is squandering a key Downtown site). These critics are totally off base when they complain about a 242' tall complex dominating the "low-slung" Market Square and blocking out the sunlight. Let's see... the 600'+ PPG Place is located right on the square... taking up 1/4 of its frontage. The 23-story 3 PNC was built a couple years ago and is no further away from the Square than The Gardens. Market Square is surrounded by nearby skyscrapers almost everywhere you look! Ridiculous objection.

That said... I have serious concerns about the merits of this project... which I consider largely a giant above-ground parking garage with a few cosmetic mixed-use elements. Also... the metallic orange look is somewhat bizarre.

[SammyKhalifa]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

Also... the metallic orange look is somewhat bizarre.

That's what I like about it, actually. But then again, nobody's ever accused me of having good taste.

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Speaking of above-ground parking garages, does anyone know if there are enviornmental/health benefits or issues related to whether a parking garage is above or below ground?

I park at the 11 Stanwix garage, which is below grade. Someone a few weeks ago tried to sound a fire alarm on this board at the exhaust that billows out of the garage I park in. They thought there was a fire somewhere downtown, when in reality it was all of the vehicle exhaust being vented out from people who were parking for the St. Paddys parade. I do notice that the ground floor of the building as well as the garage itself seem to have a pretty pungent smell of exhaust at the end of the day, when traffic there is most dense. It can't be good for my health to be breathing the concentrated carbon monoxide and other pollutants.

Does anyone feel strongly one way or the other about above ground vs below ground parking within the Golden Triangle?

[gallacus]

My biggest concern, as others have noted, is the appearance of the garage. Lucas Piatt is claiming that the garage will look fantastic, and will be the nicest above ground garage in the city. I, personally, disagree. While I am not, overall, against having above-ground parking structures, I've always lamented the many that are downtown. The one on the North Shore has always struck me as being very well disguised, and I'd love to see something like that go in downtown. The comment in the article of this garage having a "blank wall effect" is very accurate, in my opinion. I'd love to see a rendering of the corner facing Wood and Forbes, it looks like it'll just be a giant aluminum wall.

[AaronPGH]

These complaints are pretty ridiculous... Like Evergrey said, I think the building could be better looking and bigger. But they have no ground to stand on with the stuff they're saying in this article.

[bradjl2009]

Sigh..........make it as tall as possible but I do hope the parking garage isn't that noticeable. Maybe a portion could be put underground so the parking garage isn't as prominent in the tower and then replace it with more floors of offices and apartments.

[SammyKhalifa]

Originally Posted by bradjl2009

Sigh..........make it as tall as possible but I do hope the parking garage isn't that noticeable. Maybe a portion could be put underground so the parking garage isn't as prominent in the tower and then replace it with more floors of offices and apartments.

Plant super tall trees on top of it!

[Paint It Pink]

I think it's beautiful. I love the look of it, even the odd coloring. It'll be a nice, modern fit in the area.

[AaronPGH]

Everyone should probably write a note to these complainers. Do we have contact information?