Salt Lake:Official development news thread - Part 2

[Future Mayor]

[QUOTE=s.p.hansen;5521296]Desolation Row



QUOTE]

Several years back me and a now local politician, explored the idea of converting this building into a club. Would have been amazing, but unfortunately we weren't able to make the numbers pencil out.

[stayinginformed]

How much were they asking to lease the space?

[Future Mayor]

It was about 15 years ago, I don't even remember anymore.

[TimeSaltlake]

So I was going through some of the trends in architecture today, and I could not help but realize how conservative architecturally Salt Lake City is. The Most daring examples of High rise architecture is the...none. Looking at the Harmon's neighboring tower, the phase two residential tower in the ccc, and the not fully developed plan for the theater tower will fill up space but add little to make the city stand out. Its becoming a bunch of cereal boxes but one is topped with a pyramid. Someone please Dare to be bold. A signature tower. Something that defines the city. Oh, to dream.

[skierforlife17]

Originally Posted by TimeSaltlake

So I was going through some of the trends in architecture today, and I could not help but realize how conservative architecturally Salt Lake City is. The Most daring examples of High rise architecture is the...none. Looking at the Harmon's neighboring tower, the phase two residential tower in the ccc, and the not fully developed plan for the theater tower will fill up space but add little to make the city stand out. Its becoming a bunch of cereal boxes but one is topped with a pyramid. Someone please Dare to be bold. A signature tower. Something that defines the city. Oh, to dream.

I disagrees. Though we may not be as progressiveness as some cities, I think we are starting to build things that are of iconic nature. They may not be 30+ story skyscrapers but the new federal courthouse, the museum of natural history, and our library are just a few that I see pushing architecture in Utah. I know you were referencing high rises specifically but I would like to point out that except for the last few years high rise projects tend to be few and far between in SLC... Its not as if we are Tokyo or New York.

[Future Mayor]

The nice thing about the SLC skyline is that when viewed from many angles (particulary the northwest) we have the most dramatic city scape in the world. A downtown with office and condo towers with a back drop of mountains. Yes SLC could use a edgy, daring highrise, but even that wouldn't compare to natures backdrop.

[Viperlord]

As I was driving into Downtown this morning for work, I noticed that they have raised the crane height on the Federal Courthouse. It looks like the height makes its ready to accomodate the remaining floors.

[TimeSaltlake]

Originally Posted by skierforlife17

I disagrees. Though we may not be as progressiveness as some cities, I think we are starting to build things that are of iconic nature. They may not be 30+ story skyscrapers but the new federal courthouse, the museum of natural history, and our library are just a few that I see pushing architecture in Utah. I know you were referencing high rises specifically but I would like to point out that except for the last few years high rise projects tend to be few and far between in SLC... Its not as if we are Tokyo or New York.

True. I guess its just get a little jealous when I see the projects the larger cities have. as for the Library, I consider it beautiful indeed but not original. it fits SLC but its sister in Canada is pretty neat.

[delts145]

I live in a huge city. Exactly what projects are you talking about, that are so much (neater) than CCC or the Rio Tinto, or the SLPD Headquarters? Exactly what cities have a more beautiful NBA arena, more beautiful and expansive downtown campus than Temple Square or a more impressive venue than the Conference Center? Exactly what cities are building block by block, a more beautiful street engagement than SLC? And yes, the Vancouver library is neat, but most conclude that the Salt Lake City Library is the improved version. Also, please point out the many city universities, at least here in the USA or Canada, that have more aggressive building programs right now than the U of U. The list of what SLC has been doing over the past ten-plus years with it's downtown and metro transportation is impressive by not only mid-size metros, but large ones also. Of course, as was pointed out, how many city/metro backdrops are as beautiful, and with stellar resorts literally sitting in it's lap?

Also, what cities in the Western half of No. America have a more impressive portfolio of historic icons than SLC? For example, there's no city in the Western US that has a more beautiful City Hall or State Capitol.

[NYC Rick]

You live in a very large area indeed. I live in NYC and the area is seriously over 20,000,000 metro including small parts of Connecticuit and and the Eastern edge of New Jersey.

I love it but you know what? It is what it is. It has its own flavor and excitement. Look at SLC, it has advanced so far since I lived there. It has its own ethic and it is a beautiful city. Clean and very interesting. The downtown and the advances in opening up the downtown are huge.

Every city is sooooo different. You cannot go I wish we could do this. Every city has a lifeline. Salt Lake wakes up to a much more progressive idea to bring life to the downtown and a strong heartbeat.

Cities take on identities and believe me, many cities do not.

SLC has a real future and a concept to work around. Every city has its positives and negatives. If you try to compare cities you will never win.

Drive up any of the Canyons in the metro area and you will see just what is so amazing about SLC. A vibrant area with some of the most amazing settings anywhere.

The downtown is going to be fine...without any comparisons. SLC has nothing to be jealous about.

[T-Mac]

I love our downtown area and am super excited to see the changes that will come to it over the next 5-10 years. So much has already changed since I was a kid and so much more is going to change. It is fun to sit back and watch it all happen.

[Old&New]

I miss being able to see the First Security sign from that vantage point...

[Zionide]

Originally Posted by Old&New

I miss being able to see the First Security sign from that vantage point...

Amen. From this angle, its red neon was a nice balance to Walker Center's blue (when it wasn't supposed to rain or snow).

I'm surprised some of you urban enthusiasts are so okay with losing some pretty hefty neon signage for the supposed comfort of a relative few people---people who knew beforehand what they were getting view-wise.

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by Zionide

Amen. From this angle, its red neon was a nice balance to Walker Center's blue (when it wasn't supposed to rain or snow).

I'm surprised some of you urban enthusiasts are so okay with losing some pretty hefty neon signage for the supposed comfort of a relative few people---people who knew beforehand what they were getting view-wise.

[DMTower]

Originally Posted by Zionide

Amen. From this angle, its red neon was a nice balance to Walker Center's blue (when it wasn't supposed to rain or snow).

I'm surprised some of you urban enthusiasts are so okay with losing some pretty hefty neon signage for the supposed comfort of a relative few people---people who knew beforehand what they were getting view-wise.

Agreed!

[s.p.hansen]

Originally Posted by Zionide

Amen. From this angle, its red neon was a nice balance to Walker Center's blue (when it wasn't supposed to rain or snow).

I'm surprised some of you urban enthusiasts are so okay with losing some pretty hefty neon signage for the supposed comfort of a relative few people---people who knew beforehand what they were getting view-wise.

Just because you came late, and after the pity party, doesn't mean the majority of people here don't feel bad about losing the original signs. People here rarely agree 100% on anything.

[Old&New]

Originally Posted by s.p.hansen

Just because you came late, and after the pity party, doesn't mean the majority of people here don't feel bad about losing the original signs. People here rarely agree 100% on anything.

Sure, but your statement doesn't negate the fact that many people on here do feel bad about losing the original signs.

[Zionide]

Originally Posted by s.p.hansen

Just because you came late, and after the pity party, doesn't mean the majority of people here don't feel bad about losing the original signs. People here rarely agree 100% on anything.

1) I'm not sure what that has to do with the issue. I was referring to the people who, in the last two days, expressed what I perceived to be indifference or nonchalance in regard to the sign. If those individuals were part of the "pity party" originally, expressing indifference now is quite a change. Most urban enthusiasts I know are passionate enough about their views that they don't "get over" these things easily... hell, I'm still annoyed about the demolition of the Newhouse (28 years ago) and I'm still downright pissed about the demolition of the Utah Savings and Trust Building in 1991.

2) I didn't come late; I've been here two years longer than you have. Granted, I missed some discussion earlier this year when I didn't stop by for a couple months.

[s.p.hansen]

Originally Posted by Zionide

1) I'm not sure what that has to do with the issue. I was referring to the people who, in the last two days, expressed what I perceived to be indifference or nonchalance in regard to the sign. If those individuals were part of the "pity party" originally, expressing indifference now is quite a change. Most urban enthusiasts I know are passionate enough about their views that they don't "get over" these things easily... hell, I'm still annoyed about the demolition of the Newhouse (28 years ago) and I'm still downright pissed about the demolition of the Utah Savings and Trust Building in 1991.

2) I didn't come late; I've been here two years longer than you have. Granted, I missed some discussion earlier this year when I didn't stop by for a couple months.

Originally Posted by Zionide

.
I'm surprised some of you urban enthusiasts are so okay with losing some pretty hefty neon signage for the supposed comfort of a relative few people---people who knew beforehand what they were getting view-wise.

Someone reading your above statement that I bolded could interpret it 2 ways:

1) I can't believe 100% people here don't agree with me! (which, of course, never happens ever with anything here).

2) I can't believe you guys aren't all instantly as pissed off as I am about this when I heard about it only a few days ago (the Michael Scott reaction).

Either one seemed to warrant my snarkyness / teasing (I'm sure you understand, you seem like a kindred spirit in that regard).

[Stenar]

Originally Posted by s.p.hansen

Reading your above statement that I bolded can be interpreted 2 ways:

1) I can't believe 100% people here don't agree with me! (which, of course, never happens ever with anything here).

2) I can't believe you guys aren't all instantly as pissed off as I am about this when I heard about it only a few days ago (the Michael Scott reaction).

Either one seemed to warrant my snarkyness / teasing (I'm sure you understand, you seem like a kindred spirit in that regard).

I guess you missed the part where he said "some of you."