Quote:
Originally Posted by BTinSF
Solution: Don't let 'em "value engineer" it. Make 'em build it like it's approved, including the color of the glass.
I too am pretty upset at the notion that Trinity Place might be allowed to replace some of the metal facade panels with precast concrete (suggested by John King in his article on that building). The Planning Dept. should routinely "just say no" to such changes after approval is given.
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I couldn't agree with you more. Time after time, projects here and elsewhere get VE'd to the point where the community is stuck with a finished building that doesn't look like what was proposed or approved. I really think it should be illegal. Examples that come to mind (both recent and "ancient"):
> One Hawthorne was stripped down to a glass and concrete box with an over sized mechanical penthouse.
> Argenta is a joke, even when compared to the scaled down rendering issued after the good original one. From my viewpoint on Twin Peaks, it is the worst of the new projects--a two-tone cheap box constructed amongst its ugly neighbors. The whole collection is entirely unworthy to be next to Civic Center and across Market from the Mart.
> Ritz-Carlton Residences - Enough was previously said about that cheap box stuck on top of a fabulous Burnham facade restoration.
> Intercontinental Hotel - Another one of our fun threads while it was active! It looks nothing like its rendering, was vilified by many (including me) and turns its back on downtown. Perversely, it now looks bright and interesting from my viewpoint up here.
> San Francisco Marriott - A sham foisted upon the City for its main convention hotel at Moscone Center. Polished granite was limited to the lower floors while a cheap composite material was substituted above. They've paid a price ever since as the equally cheap black window frames have bled black streaks that have marred the fake stucco panels (or whatever they are). The whole thing is a giant POS imo. The City should never prostitute itself by not demanding the highest standards for the most desirable projects and locations.
> 525 Market - This huge shoebox with its giant floor plates was allowed to add three additional floors of height in exchange for a direct connection to the BART/Metro station. The floors were built; the connection wasn't.
You get the picture...
Trinity Place must be built as originally approved, especially considering its massive size. Other controversial projects must also be built to high standards or San Francisco will end up with ugly to mediocre buildings in the wrong locations yet again.
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IMHO San Francisco needs to get over pyramid worship. If we build a TransBay tower that's taller and put this thing next to it, both will help. Right now, though, we are still in the "Oh, you can't build anything taller, near, impairing the view of . . . the pyramid." Why not? It's what, an ~45 year old building?
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