Quote:
Originally Posted by BnaBreaker
I got really excited when I saw that picture, then realized that it's in Toronto. I couldn't agree more though. Though I'm grateful for all the new development, it is frustrating to see box after box after box proposed.
|
Sorry for the false hope, but you're reaction is exactly the reason why I posted the photo. Yes, we've seen some decent designs for Nashville but realistically nothing that truly gets us excited other than the fact that another tall building is being built. Nashville developers have to be about more than just expanding the skyline, at least they should be. The MCC doesn't impact the skyline at all, but it has such a visual impact when you see it. It's a design that was out of the box for Nashville and it breathes life into its mundane surroundings. I still like the design of the Bridgestone Arena and for that matter even Municipal Auditorium. Why? Because they are iconic structures. Even if you dislike them, you easily identify them. Imagine James Robertson Parkway without the Municipal Auditorium. Imagine Bridgestone Arena being just another big box like so many other sports venues around the country. Imagine the MCC also being just another big square box, like the old convention center. If you get where I'm going, now imagine that building that is being proposed for Toronto being built in SoBro or Midtown, or the Gulch. Imagine it sparking development along the east bank. Imagine if HCA had done something unique in the North Gulch rather than go with a design that is duplicated all across this country.
There is absolutely no reason why Nashville should be void of architecturally stimulating modern design. I like several of the old and new buildings in Nashville. Two of Tony's designs for Church Street (Signature Tower and 505CST Office Tower) wowed me but neither are on the table. I want to be wowed by something new. The MCC wowed me when I finally saw it in person. I want to experience that wow factor again. For all the creativity in Nashville, why isn't that being conveyed through its new architecture?