BoTalks writes: Did anyone see the Daily Progress article on the exceptionally ugly building that apparently will be built on 10th St NW? (See “Center’s Look New for City“). The web article doesn’t have a picture of the building, but it is butt ugly! It looks like some kind of bank building built on U.S. 1 in Fort Lauderdale back in the ’80s. The developer is calling it a “little taste of Florida”. Apparently it was allowed by right, meaning the city didn’t have any leverage on the design. I’m all for increasing density in the city, but isn’t there any standard to which we can hold bad architecture accountable?
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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oh man, I love the Lewis and Clark building. That should take the prize of the butt ugly. Oh well.
Just another step towards the end of Cville as we know it… I say go for it…. maybe the increased traffic will finally convince the city that there is a traffic problem that needs to be solved.
I have no doubt that the view that the city should expand their control over the appearances of buildings will be shared by many, including those with the actual power to do it. It wouldn’t surprise me if the construction of this building, just outside of a design control district, prompts the city council take control (through the BAR) over the appearance of every single structure in Charlottesville.
I was upset about this as well. Is this a done deal or are there any options for us to mobilize recommendations for a larger taste of Virginian architecture?
not really. c’ville as we know it = city council making stupid decisions. it’s business as usual if you ask me.
Is there a picture or rendering somewhere to see what you are talking about?
You say it is ugly but that may be soley in the eyes of the beholder. If you can’t show us what it looks like your words have very little meaning.