Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith P.
The mistake the developers made was doing a homage to the original in the first place...
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They pick and choose to what they pay homage: in this case it was streetwall, material types and general arrangement of openings. They did not pay homage to the quality and detail of the original's masonry work.
I think the streetwall/massing was a good call. I appreciate the continuity of material types. The general arrangement of openings - well, I can see it working in the new building. Maybe something else would have been better, but I don't mind the approach to keeping it simple and balanced- should provide a good backdrop to the activity of the street as Barrington becomes more used by people living in the area.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith P.
... I think the new building's lower floors are far less attractive than they could have been if the designers has started with a clean sheet of paper and not decided to do this sort of "inspired by" design.
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I think the dumbing down of the masonry is a missed opportunity. Given this, I don't know that a total reimagining of the building would have resulted in much better.
On the whole, I think it's of net benefit. I also think the tower is attractive from afar while not intruding much to the actual experience once you're on Barrington.
Remains to be seen if sales will ever pick up: I hear this one's been a tough sell for the condos.