Major Mixed-Use in Manchester

[eandslee]

Who are these mysterious people that intervene in architectural designs and affect the outcome of developments?

[wrldcoupe4]

But isn't it important for the public or city planners for that matter to be involved in the planning process?

IMO, it's just a part of architecture, planning, development, etc... People must know going in that their plans or designs may need to be altered.

It would be a terrible day if we ever allowed total freedom to developers and architects for projects.

And we're all guilty of being a critic of something or another. Too short, too tall, too boxy, too bland, etc etc, we all do it.

[eandslee]

But isn't it important for the public or city planners for that matter to be involved in the planning process?

IMO, it's just a part of architecture, planning, development, etc... People must know going in that their plans or designs may need to be altered.

It would be a terrible day if we ever allowed total freedom to developers and architects for projects.

And we're all guilty of being a critic of something or another. Too short, too tall, too boxy, too bland, etc etc, we all do it.

[Cadeho]

The only way to have things go up as planned by someone's vision is to get rid of city councils, architecture review boards, zoning etc...

[Shakman]

The only way to have things go up as planned by someone's vision is to get rid of city councils, architecture review boards, zoning etc...

[wrldcoupe4]

I think Shakman skipped a few pages of Jane Jacobs back in school Then again, it seems they plucked Richmond's planning dept. out of a 3rd grade classroom sometimes

Eandslee, I will say this... in the case of a project like Echo Harbour, the restrictions were in place long before this proposal came along. The height is restricted to 150 ft, and then the developer comes along asking for over 200ft. So can you really fault the city for expressing concerns about the request for 200+ ft?

[Cadeho]

Well then be my guest on educating people on architecture, city planning and civil engineering. I am a city planning major and a civil engineer by trade. It is not an easy thing to learn.

[Brent]

It is a beautiful design. Manchester is the only part of town that can get away with this kind of building. Manchester is a blank slate, Richmond's best chance to give to the citizens news landmarks.

[wrldcoupe4]

haha I'm glad I'm not the lone person that is warm to this design...

[Cadeho]

You guys always make me feel like there's something wrong with me.

The only thing I like about it is the top. I'm sure the actual building would look 100% better than the skyscraper of cards.

[wrldcoupe4]

That wasn't targeted towards you. Brent just basically said my sentiments exactly.

[Cadeho]

It's not just you, it's collectively. If I like something everyone else doesn't, whenever I don't like something, everyone else does and then look at me like I'm an idiot, which... c'est vrai.

I had to enlarge the pic and the building. It doesn't look too far off as I said from something I had drawn once, but I'm sure mine is ugly. I'd like it better if the top 4 floors tappered inward and the cube protrusions were more orderly. It could be a really neat building... but come on folks... when do we ever see exactly as planned?

[wrldcoupe4]

We agree for the most part about Echo Harbour...

If you go to SMBW's website, there's also a rendering showing how it would look as you come across the Mayo Bridge. It would save correctly though so I couldn't post it.

[Cadeho]

I saw it. I wouldn't mind seeing Manchester sprouting towers.

You know that Philip Morris building on commerce is BEGGING to be converted for its beautiful view of the city is one of my favorite angles.

[wrldcoupe4]

It was supposed to be converted. It stalled at some point though...or maybe not .... here were the details:

Location: Stockton and Commerce

Pricetag: $25+ million

Completion: 2006-2007

Description: This 300,000sf, former Philip Morris cigarette factory will be converted into 225 apartments and about 40,000 square feet of commercial space.

[Cadeho]

Stalled? It looks dead. And it's a neat-looking building too.

[wrldcoupe4]

Stalled as in work has not started yet.

[Shakman]

Stalled as in work has not started yet.

[ric75]

It is a beautiful design. Manchester is the only part of town that can get away with this kind of building. Manchester is a blank slate, Richmond's best chance to give to the citizens news landmarks.

[Cadeho]

This is closer to the river north of Commerce where all the industrial buildings are.

[gntrphoo]

from SMBW Architects

Does anyone know why this project is called "Manchester Masterplan?" In addition to the tower, the first picture on the website appears to include some very modern looking townhouses in the background. Is there more to this project than just the tower? Also in that first picture, where does the bridge from the tower connect to?

[Cadeho]

Coupe's up on his developments more than I am.. I don't even know people's names, they confuse me. But I think this is just part of the plan to totally revitalize the old city of Manchester.

[wrldcoupe4]

This is not part of the major redevelopment thing in Manchester that this thread is/was originally devoted to. This tower is further east.

[eandslee]

Whatever happened to that condo that was planned for the Manchester area next to the Lee Bridge? Is it still a "go" and if so, when is it to break ground? I almost forgot about this project!

[wrldcoupe4]

I think they are still work on land assemblage or closing alleys or something..