Creating Places: A Citizen Observer's Look at Nashville's Built Environment


Writer's Note: William Williams' interest in the manmade environment dates to 1970, at which point the then-young Williams started a collection of postcards of city skylines. The collection now numbers 1,000-plus cards. Among the writer's specific interests are exterior building design, city district planning, demographics, signage, mixed-use development, mass transit and green/sustainable construction and living. Williams began his Creating Places column with The City Paper in February 2005. The column in its original form was discontinued in September 2008 and reinvented via this blog in November 2008. Creating Places can be found on the home page of the website of The City Paper, at which Williams has worked in various capacities since October 2000.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Creating Places: Buckingham proposes VU-area building

Indianapolis-based Buckingham Cos. is looking to develop this mixed-use structure on 21st across from Vanderbilt.  I hope to provide a more detailed assessment within a few days. But for now, let me say that overall, I like the height and mass. Clearly, the building (for which a name has not been announced) could strike a commanding presence at the convergence of 21st Avenue, Broadway and Division Street. A key point: If the exterior design is to be traditional — as the rendering suggests — the materials need to be brick, stone and granite. My concern is simple. If this building is clad in creamy pink, yellow and red stucco — you see lots of these type structures in, for example, Atlanta and Dallas — the effect could be horrendous.  

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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 3, 2012 at 7:37 AM

    And when might we expect to see the promised piece on the West End Summit?

    LT

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  2. AnonymousOctober 3, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    This area is already overcrowded and parking is a nightmare. Just one more reason not to travel that way when possible.

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  3. Josh O.October 3, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    That looks huge. I don't see how it will fit. Also on another topic, I'd like to know who the architect for the West End Summit towers is. Personally I thought the rendering of those towers that has been in the media looked fantastic.

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  4. William WilliamsOctober 3, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    LT,

    I've gotten lazy. Hope to write this weekend. Thanks for staying on me about it.

    WW

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  5. AnonymousOctober 4, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    I agree, William. The massing is thoughtful. The styling is potentially a massive embarrassment, a la the Strings tower but with less justification for the kitsch. This architecture looks like the sort of thing one might do in Brentwood--add extra e's at the end of words like town and shop because that's how the nouveau riche get classy. Study the ground level of the rendering and try to picture yourself buying anything but argyle sweater vests and and then remind yourself that you are in Midtown Nashville and then hope this never happens.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 4, 2012 at 7:30 AM

    Your readers would also like to know about the plans to open the Polaris lounge atop the Sheraton Hotel. I never understood why this place was shuttered for so long. One would think a revolving lounge/restaurant would still do well downtown even today. I have fond memories of the Hyatt Regency Nashville when it first opened in the 1970's. The one here was modeled after the original Polaris designed by John Portman in downtown Atlanta's Peachtree Center.

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  7. William WilliamsOctober 4, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    AMous7:30 A.M.,

    I've got a positive feeling the space may be reinvented as a restaurant/bar. I, too, recall the Hyatt and the Polaris. Good times. My 10-year high school reunion (in 1991) was held at the then-Hyatt and I took a date to the Polaris (if my memory serves me well) in 1986 or 1987.

    AMous 6:21 AM,

    This made me chuckle:

    Study the ground level of the rendering and try to picture yourself buying anything but argyle sweater vests

    WW

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  8. AnonymousOctober 5, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    It looks very much like something straight out of Buckhead in Atlanta.

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  9. PillowTalk4October 5, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    It is a design that seems to be replicated in several cities. I hope it looks elegant and regal when done, not amusement parkish like so many of these styles end up looking like when completed. It will all depend on the materials used. If the use high quality brick and stone that is scaled properly it should be fine. If they use cheap materials just to create a facade then it will look as such. Unless there is a plan to give it some sort of an Italian or elegant tuscan style, I'd stay away from stucco on such a mass scale. The project certainly has the scale to be very prominent piece of architecture in the area. The concern however should be the limited size of the streets in that area for such a massive project.

    Oh, the memories of dinners and drinks atop the Sheraton. I used to so enjoy sitting up there and taking in the sites of Nashville as the floor rotated. I didn't know it was closed. I hope it reopens and offers visitors and locals another fine dining experience.

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 5, 2012 at 3:25 PM

      That is great news that the Polaris atop the Sheraton Hotel will be reopening. We had guests in town this summer who stayed at the Sheraton Hotel downtown and were very happy. The hotel seemed to be well maintained and still looks beautiful. Great view and love riding those glass elevators up and down the inside atrium. I recall that the hotel is about 22 floors and also I have fond memories of when it opened as the Hyatt Regency Nashville. Can't wait for the lounge to reopen!!

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  10. NashnativeOctober 7, 2012 at 8:16 AM

    I may be wrong, but I believe the rendering is actually for one of Buckinghams projects in Indy. For instance, what is that red building in the background?

    So the 21st project will be similar. The rendering is a placeholder. However the scale and massing are represented, but the detailing, as well as a proper street view will tell more of the story in an accurate rendering.

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  11. AnonymousOctober 7, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    This is all sooo wonderful but, it's noteworthy only if it brings back Ireland's and steak and biscuits.

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