26 replies to this topic

[AUDevil]

It is my belief that 302 Stadium Drive is the first modern multi-family residential building constructed in Tallahassee in many years.  Is the modern and urban architectural language presented on the exterior something that you welcome in Tallahassee or something that you find offensive in this area?

[TD]

AUDevil, on Jan 28 2008, 02:19 PM, said:

It is my belief that 302 Stadium Drive is the first modern multi-family residential building constructed in Tallahassee in many years.  Is the modern and urban architectural language presented on the exterior something that you welcome in Tallahassee or something that you find offensive in this area?

We welcome it, This should be zoned University Transition and therefore we want mid rise developments in this area..

Welcome to the Forums by the way.

Are you the developer of this property? or a speculator wanting to know if the market will bear a similar development possibly in the area?

Its a great location right next to FSU and the inside looks nice as much as i can see through the large windows.

Thanks for posting

[Florida]

Welcome to UrbanPlanet | Tallahassee AUDevil


Three Zero Two

Here's an image of the project for all of you who are unfamiliar with it.





I know we've covered it in UPdates but have yet to truly discuss this project, so I thank you for starting this conversation.

Three Zero Two in certain ways reminds me of a Booth Property that we have grown accustomed to seeing in Tallahassee. Why? Because of the housing above the parking, the fact that its student housing, and the fact that there is slight usage of siding, it also makes use of a boxy design. However, for me, that's where the similarities stop. Three Zero Two is superior because there is some architectural uniqueness to it. The Gumby-style roof, the unique use of brick, the balconies with views of the campus, and even the "Three-Zero-Two" signage itself has a certain quality rarely seen throughout the community, one that I personally appreciate and wouldn't mind seeing more of (along Gaines Street Perhaps).

[TD]

I pass by this building every day on my way to school, and i watched it go from a pile of dirt to a completed project....

I like it, It is different, it appears very upscale inside, a change from the mega apartments that are all cheaply made and the same.

[Florida]

TallahasseeDowntown, on Jan 28 2008, 03:05 PM, said:

I pass by this building every day on my way to school, and i watched it go from a pile of dirt to a completed project....

I like it, It is different, it appears very upscale inside, a change from the mega apartments that are all cheaply made and the same.

You make a good point. This is a nice escape from the "Mega Complexes" that are now popping up all over town. I've not seen any pictures of the inside nor do I know how much the rents are. I would classify this project as a very positive form of Urban Infill. It's function and design are well suited for small sites.

[josefk]

AUDevil, on Jan 28 2008, 02:19 PM, said:

It is my belief that 302 Stadium Drive is the first modern multi-family residential building constructed in Tallahassee in many years. Is the modern and urban architectural language presented on the exterior something that you welcome in Tallahassee or something that you find offensive in this area?

Personally, I like the "modern and urban architectural language presented on the exterior," but this is simply a matter of individual taste.  I think that there are many other people in Tallahassee who also would welcome this type of architecture, and even though some others may not like it, I don't know that their dislike would rise to the level of finding it "offensive" unless it was a much more drastic design and in an area with a much more traditional aesthetic.

As for your belief that 302 is the first modern multi-family residential building constructed here in many years- I do think that it is not ordinary by any means, but I would also encourage you to drive through the All-Saints area off of Gaines and check out the buildings on St. Michael's and in the Cloisters in addition to the modern/urban rehab of the Adams Street Lofts.

Overall, I really like the project and I'm sure that it will do well in terms of leasing and/or eventual sales in light of the location across from the new FSU Medical School.  Out of curiosity, are you an architect that worked on this project AUDevil or in any way associated with the developer   Nothing wrong with that at all if you are, I'm just curious

[AUDevil]

I am the sole designer and project manager for 302.  This was my first substantial project and am curious what kind of feedback I could get from "anonymous" sources.  People give me compliments to my face, but I don't always know if they really mean it.  We overcame many obstacles to get this building built and actually did it on a "Booth" type budget.  I tried to create a unique environment through color, form, and materials (cheaper materials) because the budget would not allow any extravagancies.

There is some good architecture happening at the All Saints area, much of which I would not classify as strictly modern, due to some of the ornate or decorative features exposed in parts...at least I view them as decorative...but I've not interviewed the architect.  I love that area and hope to contribute to it one day.

Thanks for the comments guys, and I hope that further interest in architecture can be generated in our city for the years to come, and I believe that starts with interesting structures.

[poonther]

Not to be a mean, but the vinyl siding just kills the entire project for me and makes it look "Boothish."

[TD]

I See where you tryed to make the project look as pleasing as possible, but i can also see where you were on a budget..

I like how the porches are offset on the street scape and the pitched roof...

But The drab blue fused with the brick does sort of make a mis-match.

All in all, i think its good, out of the ordinary, and I look forward to a project when you have more funds, and can let your ideas become fully developed.


My suggestion. When you refresh the property in 5-10 years, slap a nice hunter green paint on the thing, it will blend with the pines and forest around it,

Edited by TallahasseeDowntown, 28 January 2008 - 06:20 PM.

[AUDevil]

poonther, on Jan 28 2008, 07:06 PM, said:

Not to be a mean, but the vinyl siding just kills the entire project for me and makes it look "Boothish."

There is no vinyl siding on it...Hardie siding.

[AUDevil]

TallahasseeDowntown, on Jan 28 2008, 07:18 PM, said:

I See where you tryed to make the project look as pleasing as possible, but i can also see where you were on a budget..

I like how the porches are offset on the street scape and the pitched roof...

But The drab blue fused with the brick does sort of make a mis-match.

All in all, i think its good, out of the ordinary, and I look forward to a project when you have more funds, and can let your ideas become fully developed.


My suggestion. When you refresh the property in 5-10 years, slap a nice hunter green paint on the thing, it will blend with the pines and forest around it,

Thanks for the critique.  It definetly is not blue...I think the photograph is making it look that way.  It's actually a deep grey with little bit of brown in it. http://www.pmitchell.com/302/

[TD]

AUDevil, on Jan 28 2008, 07:47 PM, said:

Thanks for the critique.  It definetly is not blue...I think the photograph is making it look that way.  It's actually a deep grey with little bit of brown in it. http://www.pmitchell.com/302/

It looks like a grey blue to me, whatever

[stjoe]

AuDevil,

I generally like it.  You can tell the budget was limited, but given that....it is better than many of the structures around it.  I really like how parking was put under the structure, great use of land.  I generally worry about modern looking structures over time.  Often they look fine  at first and over time......not so good.


Personally, I REALLY like the All Saints area type of architecture MUCH more.  It is timeless, classy, and has a north Florida feel.  I would be disappointed if you put a strucutre like this in All Saints.

[mracca]

I think the design is decent.  Reminds me of some of the down-town housing in Houston Texas.  Kinda has an Industrial type look to it.  I am glad that you sent the link for the Open House, I might stop by to see the interior.  If I was to live here though I think I would appreciate it more if there were more windows  besides the small box window and the Patio Door especially on the End, which I am sure are more expensive to live in.  I am sure once the exterior Land scaping and all the Banners are cleaned off, I think it will look even better.

After watching the framing process on the website, I was wondering if the upstairs has a loft design to the ceiling?  Also, I don't care for the color too much ether.

I like the design of this place in Ljubljana, Slovenia.  It was designed using a program that we teach called Revit Architecture.  Not sure why I am putting this link on here just wanted to share with anyone that isn't familiar with it.

Ofis -  Social Apartments

Edited by mracca, 28 January 2008 - 08:57 PM.

[josefk]

AUDevil, on Jan 28 2008, 05:38 PM, said:

I am the sole designer and project manager for 302. This was my first substantial project and am curious what kind of feedback I could get from "anonymous" sources. People give me compliments to my face, but I don't always know if they really mean it. We overcame many obstacles to get this building built and actually did it on a "Booth" type budget. I tried to create a unique environment through color, form, and materials (cheaper materials) because the budget would not allow any extravagancies.

There is some good architecture happening at the All Saints area, much of which I would not classify as strictly modern, due to some of the ornate or decorative features exposed in parts...at least I view them as decorative...but I've not interviewed the architect. I love that area and hope to contribute to it one day.

Thanks for the comments guys, and I hope that further interest in architecture can be generated in our city for the years to come, and I believe that starts with interesting structures.

I couldn't agree more AUDevil regarding the architecture dialogue and interesting structures, and I think that (notwithstanding the budget and footprint limitations) the project looks great and turned out very nicely.  

Also, a belated "Welcome" to the forum.  With your area of expertise, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on some of the other issues we kick around on the board.  If you don't mind posting a little info about yourself in our Welcome thread, it would be great to learn a little more about your background, etc. and what brings a creative new architect (presumably from Arizona, no? I guess that would be ASU, though) to our great, growing city

[AUDevil]

mracca, on Jan 28 2008, 09:52 PM, said:

I think the design is decent. Reminds me of some of the down-town housing in Houston Texas. Kinda has an Industrial type look to it. I am glad that you sent the link for the Open House, I might stop by to see the interior. If I was to live here though I think I would appreciate it more if there were more windows besides the small box window and the Patio Door especially on the End, which I am sure are more expensive to live in. I am sure once the exterior Land scaping and all the Banners are cleaned off, I think it will look even better.

After watching the framing process on the website, I was wondering if the upstairs has a loft design to the ceiling? Also, I don't care for the color too much ether.

I like the design of this place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was designed using a program that we teach called Revit Architecture. Not sure why I am putting this link on here just wanted to share with anyone that isn't familiar with it.

Ofis - Social Apartments

There were many things that were value engineered out of the project, including window sizes, patio doors, storefront systems versus the cheap residential windows that were ultimately installed.  The balcony systems were changed.  A loft for the front unit was a proposed, but not affordable as well.  Originally the building was all corrugated metal, stucco, and brick...but the stucco system we wanted to use was too expensive.  I originally had a much warmer color scheme for the building's exterior...but out of respect for some FSU folks we didn't put any orange on the exterior.   If you know anything about FSU facilties politics...NO ORANGE!  (which breaks my heart).

The program used to design the building was Sketchup and ArchiCAD (which is where autodesk got the idea for Revit).  We build everything in 3D and take our plans, sections, elevations, and even some details straight out of the model for construction documents.

[AUDevil]

josefk, on Jan 29 2008, 09:21 AM, said:

I couldn't agree more AUDevil regarding the architecture dialogue and interesting structures, and I think that (notwithstanding the budget and footprint limitations) the project looks great and turned out very nicely.

Also, a belated "Welcome" to the forum. With your area of expertise, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on some of the other issues we kick around on the board. If you don't mind posting a little info about yourself in our Welcome thread, it would be great to learn a little more about your background, etc. and what brings a creative new architect (presumably from Arizona, no? I guess that would be ASU, though) to our great, growing city

Thanks josefk.  I will do that once I get a chance.  I was born and raised in Tallahassee and have lived here all of my life except the 5 years I attended Auburn University.  I don't know how much longer I plan to stay here because our city doesn't seem to have the workload to support the things I enjoy designing, but hopefully that will change.

[poonther]

AUDevil, on Jan 28 2008, 07:42 PM, said:

There is no vinyl siding on it...Hardie siding.

Unfortunately in my book, siding is siding.  I ASSume that Hardie is better than vinyl?

I must say you are good sport Devil for coming to this place for comments on a personal project.  We are a tough crowd and can find fault in the simplest of things, hey that's why I like it here.   Anyway I admire you for bringing this to the group and for providing full disclosure of your involvement in the project, however I most admire you for being civil and professional in your replies even if the comment wasn't a glowing one.

I agree w/SJ that this project is better than many going up in the FSU area (Booth Booth Booth.)  However like SJ, I question how this project will look/hold-up in 20 years w/its modern appearance?  What do you think about that Devil?

[Florida]

... And how do you like us calling you "Devil", Devil?

[AUDevil]

poonther, on Jan 29 2008, 10:35 AM, said:

Unfortunately in my book, siding is siding. I ASSume that Hardie is better than vinyl?

I must say you are good sport Devil for coming to this place for comments on a personal project. We are a tough crowd and can find fault in the simplest of things, hey that's why I like it here. Anyway I admire you for bringing this to the group and for providing full disclosure of your involvement in the project, however I most admire you for being civil and professional in your replies even if the comment wasn't a glowing one.

I agree w/SJ that this project is better than many going up in the FSU area (Booth Booth Booth.) However like SJ, I question how this project will look/hold-up in 20 years w/its modern appearance? What do you think about that Devil?

As far as the long term maintenance, I don't worry about the modern appearance as much as I do some of the construction methods.  The project was a fight the whole way through.  I don't want to publicly bash anyone or company, so I'll stop there.  The owner and I had to spend an unordinary amount of time overlooking this project and I don't think some items and practices have met our expectations.  There is also a little more to be done, exterior porch lights need to be switched out, the front entry element is an incorrect size, some of the exterior doors need to have glass lites, and various other issues, which I consider minor after all we've gone through.  If there is a private message function for these boards then I will be happy to divulge more.