Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilcal
DTLA denizen,
I would never assume that a website to watch construction would ever take away from the importance of your contributions. Do do so would be sheer folly. I also think that you truly enjoy your connection to the city, and no website would dare rob you of that joy.
I love the shot of what was once the Pantages theatre, although the building looks to be in need of some TLC (like a good bath). I have books with vintage photos showing throngs of pedestrians at that intersection in the early war years. If fact, the marquee read that Rhapsody in Blue was showing. I sometimes wonder how interesting it would have been to live in the city in that era, I have a feeling that it was an incredibly growing and dynamic place. On a side note I'd like to comment on the new 888 south Hope tower by RTKL. Based upon the renderings, I feel it's okay--not great, but not bad. I hope that CIM, which usually does good work, sees the need to rework some features with the architects. The original done by Kanner Architects was quite stunning, truly a hard act to follow. Since I think that the firm is still functioning after the untimely death of its founder Stephen Kanner, I don't understand why CIM would not use the original design and just truncate the tower from 40 stories to 33. Can you explain why.
|
Thanks for the kind words.
The old Pantages is really an amazing building... It will be some time until the jewelry tenants are kicked out and the theatre refurbished unfortunately.
Great resource to follow the theatre news in DTLA:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LAHTF/
And for information specifically on the 7th & Hill Pantages:
https://sites.google.com/site/downto...arner_downtown
The 888 South Hope tower is certainly just OK - not great. But what are we comparing it to? Nationally its OK/boring, internationally its boring infill, but for DTLA its (sadly) pretty great. I assume this design will be cheaper for them. Developers in DTLA don't yet see the cost benefit of a decently designed building.
Think about this, our best building going up is Wilshire Grand - which is nice, but not spectacular when compared to structures in other top cities. The bar is set so low, why would anyone want to spend extra money going above and beyond? Save that that for their Chicago, NYC, and Chinese developments.