I really don't understand why people don't like the drop after Columbia? I really really like it.
For one thing, the skyscrapers on that side look ginormously tall, because, well, they are! And if the skyline kept going South after Columbia then it would have to be built into Chinatown because there is no way the city is going to allow skyscrapers in Pioneer Square.
If skyscrapers were also built to the South the skyline would look weird because all the buildings would be far away from the water, like East of 5th Ave.
Plus not allowing skyscrapers in the South means more skyscrapers in the North, where the skyscrapers follow the Elliot Bay outline and "hug" it. This creates a larger looking skyline because there are less things obstructing views of downtown than in the South, where we have the stadiums, Pioneer Square, Port of Seattle, etc... That means more density in the North, where we need it. I'd rather see those ugly parking lots go than an ugly apartment building in Chinatown.
One thing I do agree on though is that we need more density within the CDB. We need to get rid of some ugly parking garages, a couple blocks with 2 or 3 floor buildings, and some ugly hotels facing I-5.
Also, skyline needs developements too but I'd like to see 10 story buildings instead of skyscrapers. Traffic is bad enough as it is and unless we get a trolley or something I don't want to see more density. Specially along James and Madison.
For now I'm happy with the developements in Belltown and the Denny Triangle,. I'd like to see more parking lots gone though, and maybe more green areas. Oh, and some more density in the CBD. Oh, and the final reasons why I like the Columbia drop, it gives the city an unique skyline and it doesn't compete with the beautiful Smith Tower.
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