New-look Signature

[nashvol85]

Forgot to mention what I thought of this new design. I love it! I never thought that a 700+ foot tower would look good in our city, but this one might just do it. What I really like about this design is that the building is not a square or rectangular boxy shape. It is sleek and the facets give it an almost round look. The geometry is the number 1 thing about this building. I like the colors alright...it'll be nice to have something different from the blue/green glass concrete structures that we seem to be so used to. Most of the skyscrapers today are built to "face" the south. That is by far the most common view of town, and for good reason...it's beautiful. The great thing about Signature is that it will be tall enough to be seen from any side since it will rise 2-300 ft over even the tallest buildings around it. The other design was nice, but bland and generic imo. This one could get us national recognition (at least from people who follow this type of thing) much like the recognition that the Batman building has...

The only comment that I will make about colors is that I would love to see more red brick/marble/granite at street level. I don't know, I've just always been attracted to such buildings.

[nashvol85]

Another thought...this is gonna be a 700-800 ft tower completely dedicated to residential use...wouldn't that make it the largest tower of it's type in the southeast? Hell, wouldn't it make it one of the taller residential towers in the country?? I mean, I know New York and Chicago have some big ones...but outside of there?

[Guest]

If true it looks to be #2 in the US after one in NYC

http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/ty/rs/

But oh my gosh look at Honk Kong...that is crazy beautiful

[DaddyYo]

What's wrong with going to UT, MTSU, or Auburn?

The same thing that is wrong with going to Columbia, Yale or Cornell if you live in New York. Inbreeding.

The majority of student who graduated from my high school (Overton) went to MTSU or UT. I called MTSU John Overton State University. Why go to school in the area where you grew up with the people you grew up with? If it costs more to go somewhere else, borrow the money. It will be worth it. Otherwise move to another city or state or join the military or something to shake yourself out of what you know and what you are comfortable with. Believe me you will be less inclined to be shocked by criticism of your city if you have ever seen it from the outside. Nothing is more enlightening than visiting your home town as a tourists.

I'm allowed to criticize Nashville because I am family. I have probably lived here longer than any other forum member (except Uncle Dave). I have probably lived longer outside of Nashville than any other forum member (even Uncle Dave). I think I have lived longer anywhere than any other forum member (I'm not sure about Uncle Dave but he may have me beat in this category).

I am a big fan of TG and welcome what he has accomplished here. It is too bad that the architectural influences (NCDC) that he is responding to (supposedly) are so backasswards. There are plenty of regional architects that could do a good job on the Signature. TG just didn't happen to pick one. The NCDC is rewady to roll over to anything that means that the suburbs would suffer.

I have plenty to say about the design. It is not too far away from a good design. At least the middle portion doesn't suck too badly. But, it should have some set backs and a distinctive top. The little fins don't cut it.

The base is terrible. Unfortunately it is what most people will experience. It is just tacky. The entrance looks like a mall or some Vegas casino or some local state fair mirrored funhouse. Where is the context with the rest of the street? Where are the plazas? Where is there anything of a human scale or natural materials.

The Planning Department is insistent upon forcing every new building in this city up on the sidewalks (West End (Too) Close Condos is a good example). Why? Mainly because our Mayor is a not so closeted communist who wants our city to be like the Peoples Republic of Portland, OR but also because he has appointed a Planning Director who has hired planners that think that is how Manhattan is and they want to be like the ultimate pedestrian city. New York learned a long time ago that squeezing people into concrete canyons is inhuman. People don't live cheek to jowl because they want to, they live like that because they have to. Anyone who has spent time in New York knows that the first things you get when you make enough money is a weekend house outside the city, a car and a garage to keep your car in so you can get to it quick to get to your weekend house outside the city. Either that or you move to Westchester.

New York zoning codes give air right exemptions to buildings that provide public access plazas in front of their buildings. I guess we'll do that in 12 years after we finally hear that is what they do in NYC. By that time NYC will have done something else that we will want to emulate but won't know about for another 12 years. Remember I said the value of spending time in New York is se what to do and what [bold]not[/bold] to do.

I believe Nashville has the taste to establish its own identity. I just don't think it has the self-confidence.

TG had the chance to make a classic building like the Public Library or the Symphony Hall, instead we are getting something more like Hickory Hollow Mall. Again, I remind you - the firm that designed the Signature also designed the Church Street Center. The Signature will be much more difficult to demolish.

[Hankster]

The same thing that is wrong with going to Columbia, Yale or Cornell if you live in New York. Inbreeding.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I feel that it's dangerous to make blanket statements like that. What's bad for some may be good for others.

I have plenty to say about the design. It is not too far away from a good design. At least the middle portion doesn't suck too badly. But, it should have some set backs and a distinctive top. The little fins don't cut it.

The base is terrible. Unfortunately it is what most people will experience. It is just tacky. The entrance looks like a mall or some Vegas casino or some local state fair mirrored funhouse. Where is the context with the rest of the street? Where are the plazas? Where is there anything of a human scale or natural materials.

I appreciate your point of view on this, but I really do believe that most people love this design, as do I.

[DaddyYo]

Oddly enough, it's people like you that keep the growth and developement in Nashville in check.

Really, how do I do that?

Aren't you the guy that thinks that everyone needs to move to the suburbs anyways?

What guy? No I just think the Purcell Planning Department shouldn't try to make everyone live in the CBD or East Nashville.

I think you need to find another forum more suited to your ideals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you need to review the Terms of Service of this forum.

[satalac]

The same thing that is wrong with going to Columbia, Yale or Cornell if you live in New York.  Inbreeding.

The majority of student who graduated from my high school (Overton) went to MTSU or UT.  I called MTSU John Overton State University.  Why go to school in the area where you grew up with the people you grew up with?  If it costs more to go somewhere else, borrow the money.  It will be worth it.  Otherwise move to another city or state or join the military or something to shake yourself out of what you know and what you are comfortable with.  Believe me you will be less inclined to be shocked by criticism of your city if you have ever seen it from the outside.  Nothing is more enlightening than visiting your home town as a tourists.

I'm allowed to criticize Nashville because I am family.  I have probably lived here longer than any other forum member (except Uncle Dave).  I have probably lived longer outside of Nashville than any other forum member (even Uncle Dave).  I think I have lived longer anywhere than any other forum member (I'm not sure about Uncle Dave but he may have me beat in this category).

I am a big fan of TG and welcome what he has accomplished here.  It is too bad that the architectural influences (NCDC) that he is responding to (supposedly) are so backasswards.  There are plenty of regional architects that could do a good job on the Signature.  TG just didn't happen to pick one.  The NCDC is rewady to roll over to anything that means that the suburbs would suffer.

I have plenty to say about the design.  It is not too far away from a good design.  At least the middle portion doesn't suck too badly.  But, it should have some set backs and a distinctive top.  The little fins don't cut it.

The base is terrible.  Unfortunately it is what most people will experience.  It is just tacky.  The entrance looks like a mall or some Vegas casino or some local state fair mirrored funhouse.  Where is the context with the rest of the street?  Where are the plazas?  Where is there anything of a human scale or natural materials.

The Planning Department is insistent upon forcing every new building in this city up on the sidewalks (West End (Too) Close Condos is a good example).  Why?  Mainly because our Mayor is a not so closeted communist who wants our city to be like the Peoples Republic of Portland, OR but also because he has appointed a Planning Director who has hired planners that think that is how Manhattan is and they want to be like the ultimate pedestrian city.  New York learned a long time ago that squeezing people into concrete canyons is inhuman.  People don't live cheek to jowl because they want to, they live like that because they have to.  Anyone who has spent time in New York knows that the first things you get when you make enough money is a weekend house outside the city, a car and a garage to keep your car in so you can get to it quick to get to your weekend house outside the city.  Either that or you move to Westchester.

New York zoning codes give air right exemptions to buildings that provide public access plazas in front of their buildings.  I guess we'll do that in 12 years after we finally hear that is what they do in NYC.  By that time NYC will have done something else that we will want to emulate but won't know about for another 12 years.  Remember I said the value of spending time in New York is se what to do and what [bold]not[/bold] to do.

I believe Nashville has the taste to establish its own identity.  I just don't think it has the self-confidence.

TG had the chance to make a classic building like the Public Library or the Symphony Hall, instead we are getting something more like Hickory Hollow Mall.  Again, I remind you - the firm that designed the Signature also designed the Church Street Center.  The Signature will be much more difficult to demolish.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

lol, i will agree about the john overton state university. what year did you graduate overton? i graduated there in 2001. i don't think it's a problem going there though. they have one of the best flight programs in the country and the music program there is top notch (especially the recording industry program).

[nashvol85]

The same thing that is wrong with going to Columbia, Yale or Cornell if you live in New York.  Inbreeding.

The majority of student who graduated from my high school (Overton) went to MTSU or UT.  I called MTSU John Overton State University.  Why go to school in the area where you grew up with the people you grew up with?  If it costs more to go somewhere else, borrow the money.  It will be worth it.  Otherwise move to another city or state or join the military or something to shake yourself out of what you know and what you are comfortable with.  Believe me you will be less inclined to be shocked by criticism of your city if you have ever seen it from the outside.  Nothing is more enlightening than visiting your home town as a tourists.

I'm allowed to criticize Nashville because I am family.  I have probably lived here longer than any other forum member (except Uncle Dave).  I have probably lived longer outside of Nashville than any other forum member (even Uncle Dave).  I think I have lived longer anywhere than any other forum member (I'm not sure about Uncle Dave but he may have me beat in this category).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I honestly don't care what other people think about us. Most of them seem pleasantly surprised when they actually get here anyways. Why should I go out to see what other people think about my hometown? I've been exposed to that anyways, I've been all across America. Most people that I've talked to have never been here.

And I respect your right to criticize Nashville, that's your right. I don't care how long you have lived here. I am younger than you, but my family extends back 7 generations on one side, and 6 on the other in Middle Tennessee. I'm a Tennessean and a Nashvillian through and through. I take great pride and interest on what goes on there, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time with this forum.

[nashvol85]

Really, how do I do that?

What guy?  No I just think the Purcell Planning Department shouldn't try to make everyone live in the CBD or East Nashville.

I think you need to review the Terms of Service of this forum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

*Yawn*

[nashvol85]

If true it looks to be #2 in the US after one in NYC

http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/ty/rs/

But oh my gosh look at Honk Kong...that is crazy beautiful

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Holy Sh#t. And not only this, but how many cities' tallest is a residential tower? As far as big cities go, I bet we would top that list.

[it's just dave]

DY makes some good points. We've expressed our acceptance of his right of opinion. I may not agree with everything anyone says, but I do read into DY's points, bless his heart (lol), the positive twist he's trying to give this thing. Not every building is going to ever be able to please all the people. That's a given. It pleases me, hopefully, subsequent projects will provide even more stunning statements. I hope so. But I do love this building. It's a good start into a new era for us. But let's keep it in perspective.

I don't have the energy to argue right now on the other side of the discussions, but I don't think I have to. DYo knows much of what we're accusing him of not knowing. He doesn't hate this town, but the "tough love" he gives it seems to rub many the wrong way. As we learn the art of argument, we understand that's how we improve. We aren't blind-sided by only our own views, but pick up the positive points by having to examine ourselves and how we and others see us. That is, in fact, a reason for many redesigns of buildings everywhere.

[nashvol85]

Dammit dave, must you always be this rational?

[Lexy]

You know what is increadible right now in Nashville? The fact that we are really starting to have a diverse skyline with old and new. Signature will really sling shot us in the right direction when it gets built.

Here is an impressive picture from today (8-22) of the skyline immediatly next to the The Signature Tower lot and in front of the Financial Tower.

Just a really impressive example of what is really going on in downtown. Everything is starting to blend.

[DaddyYo]

lol, i will agree about the john overton state university. what year did you graduate overton?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1971. I hold the record for being the first person to not attend my graduation ceremony. I remember principal Stanfield shaking his finger and saying I had to attend because nobody had ever declined attendance in the history of the school. I gave him my address and told him to mail me my diploma.

I was on the way out of town at the time and couldn't be stopped.

[DaddyYo]

Yikes, I know this was some time ago but I just had to respond to this post. Does everyone know Mr. Williams? He is the writer for the City Paper on the "Built Environment" (I guess that means things that are built rather than grown).

I have heard from a respected downtown insider

Oh man! Is everyone as impressed with Mr. Williams he is with himself?

(Oh Lord, I'm sorry I said that. Please forgive me an bless the little pigmies in New Guinea.)

(and a person who has a very impressive knowledge of the built environment)

Let's see, that means Mr. Williams' "Deep Throat" is either someone form the NCDC or Kristine Kreyling. Nobody else would impress Mr. Williams with their knowledge of the non-grown, human-manufactured, collection of assembled interior space containers.

that the new-look Signature design is an improvement compared to the original look.

Now this had to come from the NCDC. How else could it have been pre-approved. What was even the point to having the NCDC forum review. Just a rubber stamp? The Nashville urban planning mavens are so easily manipulated.

Now the hope is that the tower will be built.

Who hopes the tower will be built now? Those "in the know"? The Mayor? You? Me? Who didn't want it built before?

This is the kind of reportage that the next day turns into the headline "Nashvillians want the new re-designed Signature Tower".

[southsideJ]

Yikes, I know this was some time ago but I just had to respond to this post.  Does everyone know Mr. Williams?  He is the writer for the City Paper on the "Built Environment" (I guess that means things that are built rather than grown).

Oh man.  Is everyone as impressed with Mr. Williams he is with himself?

Let's see, that means Mr. Williams's "Deep Throat" is either someone form the NCDC or Kristine Kreyling.  Nobody else would impress Mr. Williams with their knowledge of the non-grown, human manufactured collection of assembled space containers.

Now this had to come from the NCDC.  How else could it be preapproved.  What was even the point to having the NCDC forum review.  Just a rubber stamp?  The Nashville urban planning manvens are so easily manipulated.

Who hopes the tower will be built now?  Those "in the know"?  The Mayor?  You?  Me?  who didn't want it built before?

This is the kind of reportage that the next day turns into the headline "Nashvillians want the new designed Signature".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

DaddyYo, you must have been beaten as a child or something.

[DaddyYo]

DaddyYo, you must have been beaten as a child or something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, you are right. I always got in trouble for poking people in the eye. You are probably the one that always tattled on me.

People never change, they just get more so.

[sleepy]

Yeah, you are right.  I always got in trouble for poking people in the eye.  You are probably the one that always tattled on me.

People never change, they just get more so.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, I think it goes without saying that the real estate development biz is a mean game--a lot of PR, a lot of money on the line, a lot of jockeying with the public and government, etc.

So, I find your statements to be refreshing.

[DaddyYo]

Well, I think it goes without saying that the real estate development biz is a mean game.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am sure you are so right. That is why I admire TG so much. He is a master at the game. His taste in architects leaves much to be desired but I guess you can't have everything.

Can you imagine how difficult it would have been to pre-sell 400 residential units without the enlisting the NCDC as a volunteer sales force? Shoot why pay a PR firm when you can get people to do it for free.

[southsideJ]

Yeah, you are right.  I always got in trouble for poking people in the eye.  You are probably the one that always tattled on me.

People never change, they just get more so.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's a good point considering the junior high mentality of your posts--reminds me of the attitude of many people I met when I worked in the film industry in Hollywood--very vindictive, juvenile and rather pathetic.

[GaTechGuy]

Lets not let this fall into a mudslinging contest....

[satalac]

1971.  I hold the record for being the first person to not attend my graduation ceremony.  I remember principal Stanfield shaking his finger and saying I had to attend because nobody had ever declined attendance in the history of the school.  I gave him my address and told him to mail me my diploma.

I was on the way out of town at the time and couldn't be stopped.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yeah, i think you had already left by the time i got there . that's an excellent record to hold there. haha.

[sleepy]

1971.  I hold the record for being the first person to not attend my graduation ceremony.  I remember principal Stanfield shaking his finger and saying I had to attend because nobody had ever declined attendance in the history of the school.  I gave him my address and told him to mail me my diploma.

I was on the way out of town at the time and couldn't be stopped.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, in that vein of thought, my college roommate graduated from the McCallie School in Chattanooga with the most demerits in the history of the school.

[cheeriokid61]

Yeah, you are right. I always got in trouble for poking people in the eye.

Oooooh, I know who you remind me of! There's this really annoying kid who sits in front of me in directed studies. I hate that kid! Just want to give him a back SMACK on the face.

Grr.