Wishful thinking, I’m afraid, that there will eventually be a phase II to to add 2 more floors and that this is a costly teaser of what’s to come. I think it’s a committee’s failed attempt to mitigate inappropriate 1-story infill. The banner doesn’t help the failed concept. In Quebec City there is an interesting similar attempt that I think works a little better–a plastic 3-D tromp l’oeil image of a former firehouse that was partially sacrificed to build a performing arts center. Part of the historic building remains, and the part that was demolished has a modern glass-walled performing arts wing with the street facade left in place, albeit partially real and partially plastic.
Reminds me of the phony supposedly-art-deco-influenced design of the “Mall at Bay Plaza” in the Bronx that we saw yesterday. Minimalism at its most ghastly.
Preservation in Pink 
Wishful thinking, I’m afraid, that there will eventually be a phase II to to add 2 more floors and that this is a costly teaser of what’s to come. I think it’s a committee’s failed attempt to mitigate inappropriate 1-story infill. The banner doesn’t help the failed concept. In Quebec City there is an interesting similar attempt that I think works a little better–a plastic 3-D tromp l’oeil image of a former firehouse that was partially sacrificed to build a performing arts center. Part of the historic building remains, and the part that was demolished has a modern glass-walled performing arts wing with the street facade left in place, albeit partially real and partially plastic.
just a question – as I don’t know the answer: Would an empty lot be better, since the owner couldn’t afford or didn’t see a market for 2 more floors?
Reminds me of the phony supposedly-art-deco-influenced design of the “Mall at Bay Plaza” in the Bronx that we saw yesterday. Minimalism at its most ghastly.