[SLC Projects]

On the "LDS Plans a 32 story" thread we started talking about some of salt lake's ugliest buildings. Then it gave me an idea to start this thread for us to share some of our ugliest buildings in our cities.
Sure we like to show off some of our best looking buildings, but I thought this would be a fun change. :haha:



OK I'll start...


Here in Salt Lake one of the buildings I hated for years was the "GATEWAY EAST BUILDING" It was built in 1968 standing at 18-stories tall. But the color of the building was Black and Orange. It was really ugly. :yuck:

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/8335/204027small2zc.jpg





But lucky for us last year that building had a makeover and now it looks alot better. :cheers:



So does anyone else have a ugly building they want to show off?

[BuiLDing GuRL]

Even though they re-did it, I still hate the Ken Garff Building. But, I'm sure there are worse buildings out there.

[SLC Projects]

Even though they re-did it, I still hate the Ken Garff Building. But, I'm sure there are worse buildings out there.




:previous:
Here is what the Ken Craff building looks like. I don't think it's that bad. :yes:
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4105/kengarffmz2.jpg

[BuiLDing GuRL]

:previous:
Here is what the Ken Craff building looks like. I don't think it's that bad. :yes:


It looks worse in person. And when did I ask for your opinion? :hug:

[Wasatch_One]

haha... you two crack me up

[Comrade Reynolds]

The First Security Building is classic international style architecture and I'm glad they kept it. I originally didn't like it, but the historical importance of it can't be diminished.

[Wasatch_One]

^ I feel the same..

Although international architecture isn't on my short list of favorite styles, Im glad they renovated the (now) Ken Garff bldg aka First Security Building to keep an example of that style in our building stock.

[i-215]

http://images.travelnow.com/hotels/CDT_HJSL-exter-1.jpg

Definately the ugliest building in Salt Lake.

[jedikermit]

Here's my vote for Salt Lake's ugliest--the tower on the far left of this picture:

http://www.world-guides.com/images/salt_lake_city/salt_lake_city_buildings1.jpg

Can't stand that thing.

[terryaki]

I can't decide if the Shilo Inn in SLC or the Behavioral Sciences Building at the U of Utah is uglier.

http://www.shiloinns.com/Utah/RSAUT/SLC_nighttime_left_front_6164.jpgvs. http://bailey.aros.net/abe/UofUBehavioralS3.jpg

[Azndragon837]

In Phoenix, I have always hated the uglyness and brutality of the Maricopa County Court Building & Complex. Built in the 1970s, it looks like a prison. It smells inside, and it is a definate throwback to the ugly architecture that dominiated city skylines in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

http://www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/clerk_images/center_court.jpg

-Andrew

[Azndragon837]

Oh, I almost forgot: For Tempe, I think the ugliest building there is the recently completed Hassayampa Academic Village at Arizona State University.

This huge student housing complex dominates the southern ASU area with a 7-story concrete complex. Look at it: the architects designed the buildings with a weird offset at the 4th and 5th level, making the building's windows NOT line up with the level below. It bugs me so much when I see it.

Being a Planner in Tempe, I see the many flaws this building has, such as not providing a parapet to cover the elevator and air conditioning units on top, and using ugly colors of brown on the outside. Plus, the trees, though native to Arizona, do not SHADE, especially the side of the building that fronts the street. More pictures to come once I get a hold of a camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/Hassayampa.jpg

-Andrew

[GeorgeLV]

For Las Vegas it's the Bridger Building. There are plans to demolish it.
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/7928/bridgerzt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Photo by Ralph Fountain/Las Vegas Review-Journal.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Aug-12-Sat-2006/news/9020657.html

[Azndragon837]

^Wow, that is ugly.

[jedikermit]

I dunno, I kinda like the skid marks coming off the "Bridger Building" logo... ;)

[enjo13]

In Denver, the Barclay building is one of the worst I've ever seen. This thing is notable not only because it's a horrendously ugly building, but it rises up from the edge of a wonderfully industrial red-brick converted warehouse district (Lodo). There is just something about this building that just eats at me....

http://www.hometodenver.com/Images/Barclay.jpg

[delts145]

Wow, what a great list of Ugly Betty's. I'm with you George LV and Jedi on that Bridger Building and it's sludge dripping insignia. Nothing can top that for ugly enhancing appeal. Its almost as if they said,"hey, this building needs to go all the way in ugly appeal."
Jedi, I would really like to see them update that University Club building. Maybe do something similar as with the old Kennecott building. I would have to say Terryaki's choice of the Shilo would be on my short list of must do renovations for downtown. Hey, one thing is for sure,"Everybody has great ugly taste!"

[blm3034L!fe]

Okay Delts that's easy, here ya go for Denver at least, In my honest opinion this tower is a waste of space I think they might be converting it and remodeling it however? But um as it stands right now. :yuck:


http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/10933/2000935975440665048_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000935975440665048)

[glowrock]

God, having to waste my 10,000th post on this! :)

Anyhow, enjo13, I'd say there are FAR worse atrocities in Denver than The Barclay! How about the Executive Tower Inn (the one blm just posted), perhaps the Adam's Mark Hotel, the Petroleum Building? Those three are all infinitely worse than The Barclay...

And blm, that building is now more or less totally renovated on the interior (upper floors private student housing for the Auraria campus, lower levels a new hotel called The Curtis), and the exterior streetscape is being renovated currently. The bulk of the exterior isn't going to be dealt with, however, and yes, that's a sad thing... Street-level changes or not, it's still horrendously ugly!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[delts145]

BLM, what happened to your pic? Now you have me way curious.

[delts145]

I couldn't find any before pictures of this building. It's the Wallace F. Bennett Federal building. Built in 1965, it looked pretty much like the Clark County Bridger Building posted by George LV above, and was one of the ugliest downtown. Now its pretty dang attractive.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2005/3052/images/fig7.jpg

[City Of Trees]

I think many Boiseans will agree with me on this one:

http://images.wcities.com/www.wcities.com/cityrecords/128709.jpg

[blm3034L!fe]

BLM, what happened to your pic? Now you have me way curious.

I'm not sure? Try refreshing the page maybe?

[SLC Projects]

I couldn't find any before pictures of this building. It's the Wallace F. Bennett Federal building. Built in 1965, it looked pretty much like the Clark County Bridger Building posted by George LV above, and was one of the ugliest downtown. Now its pretty dang attractive.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2005/3052/images/fig7.jpg


:previous:
What? ....This building was built in 1965? I thought this was a new building that was built around 2000? I don't really remember since from 2000-2002 I was living in Cali. :haha:


Anyways great list guys. We sure do have alot of ugly buildings that are just asking to be tear down or remodel. :whip:

[vertex]

Oh, I almost forgot: For Tempe, I think the ugliest building there is the recently completed Hassayampa Academic Village at Arizona State University.

This huge student housing complex dominates the southern ASU area with a 7-story concrete complex. Look at it: the architects designed the buildings with a weird offset at the 4th and 5th level, making the building's windows NOT line up with the level below. It bugs me so much when I see it.

Being a Planner in Tempe, I see the many flaws this building has, such as not providing a parapet to cover the elevator and air conditioning units on top, and using ugly colors of brown on the outside. Plus, the trees, though native to Arizona, do not SHADE, especially the side of the building that fronts the street. More pictures to come once I get a hold of a camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/Hassayampa.jpg

-Andrew

I would have to agree. ASU has some fantastic architecture, but this complex is probably the ugliest thing constructed on campus since the '70s. It definitely has an 'institutional' feel to it, and unfortunately it is in a high-visibility location, and not just tucked away somewhere.

[JimInCal]

:previous: This must be where they house the BAAAAD students :(. This thing is hideous!

[blm3034L!fe]

^ Or possibly some correctional inmates?

[enjo13]

God, having to waste my 10,000th post on this! :)

Anyhow, enjo13, I'd say there are FAR worse atrocities in Denver than The Barclay! How about the Executive Tower Inn (the one blm just posted), perhaps the Adam's Mark Hotel, the Petroleum Building? Those three are all infinitely worse than The Barclay...

I agree the Barclay, by itself, isn't the ugliest building in Denver. But it's definitely the biggest atrocity (for my money) because of where it sits. It is both ugly AND well located.. and that sucks.

[bcp]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/Hassayampa.jpg


whats so bad about this building?

[logicskier]

I think many Boiseans will agree with me on this one:

http://images.wcities.com/www.wcities.com/cityrecords/128709.jpg

Nope! I like the Grove Hotel!

I do not have a picture but I think the new Hampton Inns in by far the ugliest.

[HooverDam]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/Hassayampa.jpg


whats so bad about this building?

Well its ugly, but thats really a matter of opinion. But come live in Phoenix during the summer and then find out what sucks about the building. The building itself provides no shade, nor does its landscaping.

I've only driven by it, haven't been in it, perhaps those who have can tell you if the interior is as nonfunctional as the exterior.

[Cirrus]

The Barclay never bothered me too much. Attractive? No. Especially worse than most of downtown Denver's 80s boxes? Nor that either.

Now this... this is a crime against humanity:
http://denverskyscrapers.com/images/downtown/buildings/adamsmark/adamsmark_04.jpg

[CONative]

I agree with Cirrus. The Adams Mark and the Exec Tower/Curtis are the worst in Denver IMO. The Barclay isn't that bad at all.

[FrancoRey]

The Barclay never bothered me too much. Attractive? No. Especially worse than most of downtown Denver's 80s boxes? Nor that either.

Now this... this is a crime against humanity:
http://denverskyscrapers.com/images/downtown/buildings/adamsmark/adamsmark_04.jpg

Well, considering this thing was built in the early 60's...I mean, what do you expect? The era, the style of the time, ick.

[nbrindley]

Oh, I almost forgot: For Tempe, I think the ugliest building there is the recently completed Hassayampa Academic Village at Arizona State University.

This huge student housing complex dominates the southern ASU area with a 7-story concrete complex. Look at it: the architects designed the buildings with a weird offset at the 4th and 5th level, making the building's windows NOT line up with the level below. It bugs me so much when I see it.

Being a Planner in Tempe, I see the many flaws this building has, such as not providing a parapet to cover the elevator and air conditioning units on top, and using ugly colors of brown on the outside. Plus, the trees, though native to Arizona, do not SHADE, especially the side of the building that fronts the street. More pictures to come once I get a hold of a camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/Azndragon837/Skyscraper%20Page%20Pictures/Hassayampa.jpg

-Andrew

Looks like an homage to my old dorm at ASU, Best C, and just as ugly. Hopefully it is nicer inside than Best is/was. Our rooms had a total of 3 electrical outlets, and 2 of them were over the head of our beds. One outlet in our room had a TV, a Playstation, a computer, a refrigerator, a microwave and a stereo plugged into it (and possibly more than that, it's been a few years). I'm surprised we didn't start a fire.

[nobody]

I gotta go with Idaho's tallest. I absolutely hate this building.
http://www.moffatt.com/Portals/0/USBank_boise2.jpg

[delts145]

I gotta go with Idaho's tallest. I absolutely hate this building.
http://www.moffatt.com/Portals/0/USBank_boise2.jpg

I know which building you're talking about Boishee, but that pic is actually pretty flattering :haha:

[PHX31]

I kind of think the Academic Village building looks cool with that offset between the 4th and 5th floor. It breaks up the would-be ugly monotiny the building would have if it were the same all the way up.

[nobody]

I know which building you're talking about Boishee, but that pic is actually pretty flattering :haha:

Agreed, I couldn't find one that does it's nastiness justice. It's mostly just bad when you're driving into town and it's just this big nasty brown nasty nasty. Nasty.

[nbrindley]

I kind of think the Academic Village building looks cool with that offset between the 4th and 5th floor. It breaks up the would-be ugly monotiny the building would have if it were the same all the way up.

no, the building still embodies ugly monotony, but now it just looks like the plotter had a glitch when they were printing out the blueprints.

[delts145]

Agreed, I couldn't find one that does it's nastiness justice. It's mostly just bad when you're driving into town and it's just this big nasty brown nasty nasty. Nasty.

Tell us how you really feel!!! :lmao:

[soonermeteor]

I'm going to defend the Barclay too. It is a change compared to a most of the boxes around downtown.

[Top Of The Park]

a tie.....the Mountain Bell addition vs The Federal Reserve Bank.

[Northernlad]

In my opinion most of Salt Lake's highrise hotels are ugly with the exception of the obvious few. The Church Office Building is right up there on my list too.
This is why we need more creative towers to freshen up our skyline and hopefully our largest land owner pulls through with beautiful new towers as part of the new mall project.

[Azndragon837]

no, the building still embodies ugly monotony, but now it just looks like the plotter had a glitch when they were printing out the blueprints.

"it just looks like the plotter had a glitch when they were printing out the blueprints"

nbrindley, that just made my morning, hahaha, that was hillarious.

Now, most of you agree on how ugly the ASU housing complex is. That pic I found on ASU's website only shows PART of the whole complex. Wait until I snag a picture of the entire block-long complex from Apache Blvd., it's a huge concrete wall spanning from McAllister Dr. to Rural Rd., one HUGE block. I gotta take a picture of it soon.

-Andrew

[soleri]

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/889/pb090090wr5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The background building is the downtown Phoenix Wyndham Hotel. It was built in the mid-1970s and is impervious to any aesthetic enhancement. The window "bonnets" are the thing here, and can remind you of beehives or multiple Roy Rogers Roast Beef franchises.

[SmilingBob]

It looks worse in person. And when did I ask for your opinion? :hug:

:whip: :yuck: