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Case in point: Encore's new black awnings.
Check this photo courtesy of my good friend, and built environment madman, Ron Brewer.
Now compare the black awnings — and how they nicely meld with the blue-tinted glass and light gray concrete — to the red, green and blue awnings that previously pockmarked Encore.
The black awnings offer a uniform, sleek and cosmopolitan vibe. Conversely, the multi-colored awnings delivered a garish and hodgepodge aesthetic that rendered a slightly Crayola crayon effect. As a resident of Encore, I am, admittedly biased. But the improvement is significant, both for the building and for this particular pocket of SoBro.
I actually liked the colored ones better!
ReplyDeleteMost of the folks I've talked to prefer the black. More dignified and sleek. But it is very subjective.
DeleteSomewhat better, but the colored awnings were actually not bad at all.
ReplyDeleteThe problem was the red awnings were fading and, as such, taking on a slight pinkish hue. When black fades, it looks like medium gray, which is acceptable.
DeleteWW, well of course you prefer black on everything! I would not say the colored version "pockmarked" the building.
ReplyDeleteThe important thing would be that the retail space at street level is filled with businesses. What's going into that space?
Are there any plans to build on the parking lot across from the Encore? It would be a pity for a tall building to block the views.
Another restaurant next to Etch. Should be announced very soon.
DeleteI assume your talking about the lot bordered by Second, Third, Demonbreun and Molloy. Tony Giarratana plans a 32-story apartment tower. Views will always be blocked by tall buildings. The L&C Tower, when it opened, blocked some of the views of those in the Noel Building. But I'm glad the L&C Tower was built.
Tony Giarratana owns that parcel and has plans for a 17 story hotel on that property. If a hotel is not built, then something else will be at some point.
ReplyDeleteAgree.
DeleteDo they still have the stupid exclamation point as part of the logo?
ReplyDeleteYes, and I'm not a fan either. Seems cartoonish.
DeleteI've always thought the Encore was a bland structure. It reminds me of a Holiday Inn built in the 1970s. Agreed about that exclamation point too.
ReplyDeleteEncore is like the Empire State Building compared to any Holiday Inn of that era. You can say the Encore exterior is bland (and many might agree with you). But to compare Encore to a Holiday Inn is a rather bold statement.
DeleteIt reminds me so much of the old Holiday Inn Rivermont in Memphis on the bluff near downtown. The balconies especially remind me of that Holiday Inn.
DeleteNever mind awning colors, how about some street trees ? How can a modern high rise get built without them ?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the city code requires trees for new construction. But good point.
DeleteThe black awnings just draw attention to the fact that there is no retail in the building.....way too many vacant store fronts.
ReplyDeleteAnother restaurant is on the way. Will be next to Etch. What draws even more attention to the vacant storefronts is the massive surface parking lot.
DeleteSorry for the delay in responding to everybody. I took off the weekend from this blog site. Some interesting dialogue here. I appreciate the feedback.
ReplyDeleteWW
Awnings = Yawnings.
ReplyDeleteBasic black: yay!!
ReplyDeleteFunny, but the Encore does resemble the old Rivermont Holiday Inn in Memphis. I think it was converted to apts or condos years ago.
ReplyDeleteAMous,
DeleteYou've got me intrigued. I'll try to take a look.
I love it with colors! :)- www.cccanvasinc.com
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ReplyDelete