Serious Discussion-Stress and Psych Disorders — Page 11

Philosophically, I understand what you are saying, DG, but it's a difficult philosophy to subscribe to when establishments that contribute to the history and personality of neiborhood are disappearing and being replaced by yet another big, impersonal hotel. Yes, another hotel may be good for the tourist business, but once all those people get here, there's less and less left of the little things that have been part of a Broadway experience, beside the actual shows, of course. It's not a stretch to envision an area populated by only chain restaurants or those truly upscale establishments that most of us can't afford.

---

". . . an area populated by only chain restaurants or those truly upscale establishments that most of us can't afford."

Iflit - that sounds eerily like where I live!

Something I've seen done - and like a LOT - is using the existing structure as part of the foundation for the new building. I don't know exactly how Barrymore's sits exactly (as an example) but it would be wonderful if they could have incorporated that into the new building and gotten the best of both worlds. history as it plays a part in our expanding needs, wants and desires. I know it isn't always possible, but some amazing things can be done these days architecturally.

"Something I've seen done - and like a LOT - is using the existing structure as part of the foundation for the new building."

Which is what many developers are trying to do now, with new zoning regulations in NYC regarding "air rights" in transferring the maximum allowable heights from one lot to another to increase the height the new building can reach. The new developments over the Biltmore Theatre are a reflection of that, with the looming high rise next to it. But given this is in Times Square, such a building does not appear out of place. And the Biltmore was restored as a result.

Theatre for a New City down in the East Village, however offers a greater disparity. In return for selling its air rights, the high rise luxury condos that were built are completely out of character with the lower lying buildings. The East Village is not really a high rise zone...

and DG, LAUSD needs the land for a school....and somehow I would think Robert Kennedy would be ok with that.

---

E - in response to a post of yours the other day, we have the gorgeous Uptown Theatre in Chicago which sits in decay. The problem is that it is in a neighborhood where it is easier to get herion than a Starbucks.

I watched the destruction of the Granada Theater on North Sheridan. At one point of the demolition the back wall of the stage was gone and you could see into the theatre looking up the audience - a haunting view.

DG: "Something I've seen done - and like a LOT - is using the existing structure as part of the foundation for the new building."

What you are describing, DG, is the architectural practice called "adaptive reuse," in which old buildings are re-developed for new uses while retaining their historic features.

It's a very excititng alternative to tearing down buildings that give a neighborhood or a city it character--or even just for making an exciting public space out of an unlikely older structure, the way the Tait Modern in London was created out of an old power station.

---

NY has been able to keep the old Bowery Savings Bank building intact, now as the Capitale Grille (though I dunno if the restaurant still exists anymore). The ceiling of the BSB is amazing.

Kiss my cookie raised a good point. The gorgeous old structures no longer look "in place" with the more modern look of a neighborhood. So I'm conflicted in this issue. Well, after giving it some thought (one second's worth) I decided so what if they don't look in place. We have that mix of architectural styles all over Manhattan and I think it's part of its charm.

---

To some degree, though, Jane2.

It's one thing to have the a mishmash of styles, as that does contribute to a more interesting mix of architecture. Being able to juxtapose the neo-Gothic aspects of the Woolworth Building in the financial district goes well with something more modern, like the World Financial Center. But seeing a high rise apartment complex dwarf brownstones in Park Slope is both jarring and completely out of context.

I think the Trump Tower over near the UN looks atrociously out of sync with Tudor City and the UN Building itself in that area.

Yes, Cookie, but are those instances you just cited cases of the preservation of very old landmark buildings, or are they cases of disregard on the part of the newer developers?

---

Wow... this has been my rant for the past few months. Not only the demolition of landmarks and older buildings that add character to a city, but the disappearance of local establishments with their own flavor in favor of homogenized national chains.

Beautiful old apartment buildings all over Seattle are being torn down to make way for the HUGE and modern mega-block condos. (the whole disappearance of apts. and proliferation of super-expensive condos is another topic I could go off on.) Apartments with hardwood floors, living spaces one can actually live in, details in the mouldings, facades that are more than a flat wall. Gone. In their place you get these air-tight, sterile looking condos, with rooms you can barely fit a queen size bed in.

And the disappearance of local stores and shops, landmarks on their own, is even sadder. And I'm not even talking about malls, but main streets. Shopping in downtown Seattle is not that different than shopping in some areas of Manhattan or LA. Same stores. Same restaurants. Some of the appeal of going to different citites for the shopping is gone. Go to NY for Macy's? Why... we have it in town. Go to Seattle for Nordstrom? No longer something special.

Even small, boutique stores. My trips to Vancouver were always something special. It always meant we got to go to 'Lush.' Pick bath bombs, scrubs, etc. We so looked forward to walking down Robson, smelling the aromas as we approached. Guess what? There's now a 'Lush' in the mall down the street. And the appeal of it has gone WAY done.

If you read all this, you get a chocolate martini on me.

---

It is so important to have zoning commissions that are free of corruption to save historic buildings. DD - we still have many great neighborhoods with nice buildings. I can think of a Blockbuster on Irving Park that did an excellent job of keeping the facade and upper floors of an old bank.

C - I saw a story on that building. I agree with you - keep it as a part of history.