Classic Salt Lake City. - Page 17

SLC Projects · #**321** Posted **Feb 22, 2009, 5:33 PM**

What? We HAD the largest ballroom in America? Why didn't they kept that? What a waste.

TANGELD_SLC · #**322** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 2:25 AM**

We lost way too much cool stuff in the "Urban Renewal"

Ronald-Dregan · #**323** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 5:05 AM**

I think you have to look at it with generational perspective...

Sure we can look back and wonder what the hell were they thinking. It was a different time, people didnt care too much about preservation. People were more worried about the next big thing. What seems drab and boring today, was hip and futuristic back then. My point is what seems 'awesome' today will look ugly or retro tomorrow, but the difference will be the next gen will hopefully preserve our 'boring' 'drab' buildings... just a thought

cololi · #**324** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 2:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLC Projects

What? We HAD the largest ballroom in America? Why didn't they kept that? What a waste.

Because people stopped going to it. Those types of venues started to lose their flavor after the 1950's and many closed shopped because they became unprofitable. Most of the large ballrooms sat vacant and began to decline. After 20-30 years or so, they were demolished. Very few across the country were given the chance to be adapted to new uses. That area of Main St had several of these venues and it is reflected in the artwork at the Courthouse trax station.

shakman · #**325** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 4:39 PM**

I think "Ronald" summed it up quite well. Relative to preservation, it was a different perspective back then as compared to today.

When I see a new building under construction, I wonder if it will be preserved by future generations or will the same cycle to repeat itself. In some city downtowns, like DC, there is a very limited space to build. Therefore buildings that are only 20 to 30 years old are raised to make way for a more "modern" structures. When I see a building come down, I think about all the past problem solving and headaches that went into it during construction.

Hopefully I will never have to see any of the projects I was on be demolished.

DMTower · #**326** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 6:54 PM**

I think the biggest factor in whether a building is preserved is the quality and craftsmanship that is put into it in the first place. If the building was crappy to begin with, why preserve it? If it was a gem the day it opened, it will likely still be considered one down the road.

MetroFanatic · #**327** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 6:57 PM**

I was thinking about the blade signs that used to be rampant on main street. In all honesty, with the city trying to revitalize the cities core, adding a crapload of blade signs is going to help out quite a bit. It's visually appealing and enhances nightlife.

shakman · #**328** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 9:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroFanatic

I was thinking about the blade signs that used to be rampant on main street. In all honesty, with the city trying to revitalize the cities core, adding a crapload of blade signs is going to help out quite a bit. It's visually appealing and enhances nightlife.

I think other means of signage can be used in lieu of blade signs and provide just as much flair.

Some here and there but not everywhere. Besides, during the daylight hours, balde signs maybe a distraction to the austhetics of structure.

jtrent77 · #**329** Posted **Feb 24, 2009, 11:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakman

I think other means of signage can be used in lieu of blade signs and provide just as much flair.

Some here and there but not everywhere. Besides, during the daylight hours, balde signs maybe a distraction to the austhetics of structure.

I agree with the Shak...I know everyone else on here for some reason seems to love their Blade signs, but frankly I think they look tacky. Sure they would be great in a town that that is their thing--i.e. say if Payson redid their mainstreet to make it like a 50's/60's era with blade signs, and other things nostalgic of that age. But for a big city commercial district...not my thing.

Future Mayor · #**330** Posted **Feb 25, 2009, 3:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtrent77

I agree with the Shak...I know everyone else on here for some reason seems to love their Blade signs, but frankly I think they look tacky. Sure they would be great in a town that that is their thing--i.e. say if Payson redid their mainstreet to make it like a 50's/60's era with blade signs, and other things nostalgic of that age. But for a big city commercial district...not my thing.

I have to disagree, I really think Blade signs can create some great character within a commercial and retail business district. Maybe just a couple on Main, but they could really help to create a vibrant mid-block street. Payson's historic downtown is just to small and the buildings are simply to low to effectively use blade signs.

I posted it earlier but this picture is a perfect example of mixing old restored and reused architecture with entertainment, while using blade signs. I don't think these take away from the architecture of the feel of the street at all. This would be ideal for Regent Street, Market Street, Pierpont or any other mid block street.

I'm sure there are many other fine example in large cities across the country, this just happens to be one from my own collection.

MetroFanatic · #**331** Posted **Feb 25, 2009, 4:59 PM**

It doesn't necessarily have to be blade signs. One reason why people go to Tokyo, Time Square, and Vegas is just to view all the glowing lights and signs. I mean, a bunch of people are downtown near Christmas just to see the lights on temple square. I just think we need some color vibrancy in the downtown area.

jtrent77 · #**332** Posted **Feb 25, 2009, 10:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future Mayor

I have to disagree, I really think Blade signs can create some great character within a commercial and retail business district. Maybe just a couple on Main, but they could really help to create a vibrant mid-block street. Payson's historic downtown is just to small and the buildings are simply to low to effectively use blade signs.

I posted it earlier but this picture is a perfect example of mixing old restored and reused architecture with entertainment, while using blade signs. I don't think these take away from the architecture of the feel of the street at all. This would be ideal for Regent Street, Market Street, Pierpont or any other mid block street.

I'm sure there are many other fine example in large cities across the country, this just happens to be one from my own collection.

I'd be more okay with blade signs on a mid-block street--just wouldn't want them on a major streets such as Main, State, or even West Temple.

As far as having colors returning, I think that could be good. I always like the American Stores (even years later I hate to call it the Wells Fargo building, even though it is...) blue lights circling the top of the building, it definitely adds some character to the skyline at night. The giant Wells Fargo letters that now cover that...well...let's just say I liked it more without the lettering haha.

T-Mac · #**333** Posted **Feb 28, 2009, 12:33 AM**

Found this on flickr. Photo posted by wild mercury.

Lunt Motel - 525 East 400 South

T-Mac · #**334** Posted **Feb 28, 2009, 10:35 PM**

Found this photo on the web. Taken 1970 by Michael Rougier.

WASDEN · #**335** Posted **Feb 28, 2009, 11:25 PM**

Wow- so did The Salt Palace predate the COB? Or maybe thats not The Salt Palace in the photo? That looks just like my public health teacher, something he would do too.