Quote:
Originally Posted by Londonee
So, the garage podium isn't going to age well. Unless I'm mistaken, 23rd street, except for that small Retail entrance, and all of the Cherry street frontage are just big, blank garage podium walls like you'd see at a Stamford, CT high-rise. Doesn't seem to be too pedestrian oriented to me. No interaction whatsover with the river trail either.
On top of that, the buildings are vertical rectangle slabs with only minor ornamentation, no setbacks, or grace. The renderings give it a warm glow but in reality it's going to be more imperious, a slightly better version of the mostly putrid 2116 Chestnut.
Outside of getting rid of a big parking lot, what does everyone like about it?
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Hmmm... I have to disagree. If you look at the site in context, I think they actually do a great job of addressing the site for what it is.
This isn't 23rd and Market, or abutting JFK... if it were, then yes I would want more retail and be a little more upset by the outcome.
In this case though? It's on 23rd Street, next to the regional rail and Market Street bridges. Across the street from this site is the parking garage for 2200 Arch, the Westminster Arch building, which has no street interaction, and an abandoned industrial building with ivy growing on it.
This design is also a product of the LSNA neighborhood group, who wanted little retail, little noise, etc.
With that said though, this site does not get a lot of foot traffic now, and will not get a lot of foot traffic in the future, even with 600 apartments here. A grocery store is the perfect choice for here honestly. Most retail probably would not do well here, unless it's a destination type restaurant or grocery store - something people are purposely going there for. I think they do a good job dressing up the retail, garages and 23rd street entrances with glass, paneling, and green space.