Jump to content

The "C" / Circle at SouthEnd by Crescent (Duke)


smuggest

Recommended Posts


  • Replies 153
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Crescent has been having some internal changes for development teams and projects like this. My source would not let out much more, and I didn't press and we didn't talk about this project directly, but there could be some good coming out of it. Or they might just be finding a way to build the same old thing and make more money. I'm hoping they've gotten some presssure to do something better to this important location for Southend, the Rail Line, and South Blvd. This pocket will be very visible from all and will continue to help set the tone for the area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

While I am not certain of this, it appears to me that the grading they are doing now on this site is consistent with the original awful commie block design. Apparently, when Crescent heard the 'market' telling them to do apartments rather than condos, they missed the market telling them not to build total crape.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While I am not certain of this, it appears to me that the grading they are doing now on this site is consistent with the original awful commie block design. Apparently, when Crescent heard the 'market' telling them to do apartments rather than condos, they missed the market telling them not to build total crape.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

For a while it appeared they were doing the "prongs" facing South. It appears to me that they are still doing prongs, but that there is some variation going on - the prongs look like they may be connecting in different places. In any case, its darn near impossible to tell at this point.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been thinking and have decided that I care more about green-ness and density than aesthetics so I retract my previously posted statement that I would rather this doesn't get built. However, I am still assuming it is a similarly trashy design that they posted before and assuming they aren't lying by saying they are getting it LEED certified. However, my fervent hope is that they have completely redesigned it with LEED certification in mind and have improved the pedestrian orientation of the design over the previous design.

It is absolutely scary that it is so private, almost like they know they aren't building something pleasing and don't want to get feathers ruffled while there is a chance to block its construction somehow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I stand by my previous posts that I don't want this built at all if it even remotely resembles the last design released to the public. While LEED is great, I wouldn't put it above a design that engages the streets, provides retail, and offers some architectual variety. The site is more "green" now, sitting fallow, filtering rain water, than any LEED certified building could ever be.....let it stay like that until a design is presented that is both aesthetically pleasing AND LEED certified....I know, wishful thinking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I stand by my previous posts that I don't want this built at all if it even remotely resembles the last design released to the public. While LEED is great, I wouldn't put it above a design that engages the streets, provides retail, and offers some architectual variety. The site is more "green" now, sitting fallow, filtering rain water, than any LEED certified building could ever be.....let it stay like that until a design is presented that is both aesthetically pleasing AND LEED certified....I know, wishful thinking.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

^I emailed them and Crescent. Like you, no response from either. I guess they don't like criticism. Still, it can't hurt for them to see the reaction from the community. I suggest everyone displeased by this project send them an email asking about the design and its status. At least that way they'll know they're not going to sneak by and build a hideous project without some "feedback".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My new position comes from the concept that I am for the green projects that aren't at all urban, like Sanctuary and others. It is a good thing for the city to have buildings with lower environmental impact, and many of those are not the most aesthetic or urban. Imaginon's design was not universally received, but the fact that it is green and located in an urban location has had many benefits for the city. In the end, it is a one-sided, one story building that inefficiently takes up an entire city block (with a windy entrance facing north :) ) but one that has drawn big names to the city and has attracted many into downtown.

While a random apartment complex won't have the benefits a children's library and theater has, its fundamentals are still more important than its aesthetics. It reclaims a brownfield into an active human use, it puts relatively dense housing directly on a transit line, is build within an existing grid of streets and utilities, and will then have the LEED-related improvements in construction process, materials selection, and operating efficiencies.

All that said, I am not taking away my vote that they really need to improve the design, I am only saying that it has mitigating factors now that they are supposedly pursuing LEED certification, which makes me no longer actively opposed to its construction.

I wish you guys the best of luck, though, in giving Duke hell. They really deserve it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The main problem that I see with the original renderings and site plan is that with a chunk of land this large, there should be some internal street network (like 3030 South). I am hoping like the rest of you that this one becomes something more urban that embraces the street. I'm optimistic about the new plan.... if they ever make one...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.