The Backs Are Interesting Too
The back facade of our older building stock is often more interesting than the front facade of newer our buildings. The building detailing and functional fire escapes are beautiful to my eyes. New balconies on the back of Ely Walker
Hopefully the upper floors of the YMCA, vacant for a few years, will get renovated soon. Most recently those floors were senior apartments. Â The YMCA space is a separate condo unit from the rest of the building, with separate ownership. Â Work began on creating rental units in the Leather Trades building earlier this year.
I see the wonderful fronts of these buildings daily, but it the backs I really enjoying seeing.
– Steve Patterson
I’m glad you posted this. I think there is an entire series in this theme just waiting to be explored. I can’t remember off the top of my head which building it is downtown but there is one that has a domed ceiling in what appears to be the middle of the building, hidden from view, or at least from the facade.
I’m glad you posted this. I think there is an entire series in this theme just waiting to be explored. I can’t remember off the top of my head which building it is downtown but there is one that has a domed ceiling in what appears to be the middle of the building, hidden from view, or at least from the facade.
I think you are thinking of the Security Building: http://stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/cultural-resources/city-landmarks/Security-Building.cfm
I think you are thinking of the Security Building: http://stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/cultural-resources/city-landmarks/Security-Building.cfm
“Interesting” and “beauty” are both in the eyes of the beholder. The larger question is whether or not large (and small?) buildings should be “allowed” to have backs and fronts? And/or to what degree? Should every elevation / facade be “required” to be equally or similarily attractive or consistent in design and materials?
Functionally, every building needs at least one front, the place where you get in, and, in most cases, a service entrance / area, aka “back”, to deal with trash and deliveries. Whether it’s the convention center, a chain drug store or a fast-food restaurant, messiness happens. Single-family housing may be different (fewer daily deliveries), but still faces the challenge of integrating the garage door(s).
Alleys are one good answer, a hierarchy, as is making the strip mall have 2 faces, a la the new one at Manchester and Rock Hill, where the “real” fronts face the parking lot and the “fake” fronts face the sidewalk along Manchester. The other answer is simple honesty – fancy fronts (to impress) and plain / drab / ugly sides and backs (to save money). The real question then becomes, what kind of face do you want to present to your neighbors and the world?! And, are you willing to demand and pay for it?!
“Interesting” and “beauty” are both in the eyes of the beholder. The larger question is whether or not large (and small?) buildings should be “allowed” to have backs and fronts? And/or to what degree? Should every elevation / facade be “required” to be equally or similarily attractive or consistent in design and materials?
Functionally, every building needs at least one front, the place where you get in, and, in most cases, a service entrance / area, aka “back”, to deal with trash and deliveries. Whether it’s the convention center, a chain drug store or a fast-food restaurant, messiness happens. Single-family housing may be different (fewer daily deliveries), but still faces the challenge of integrating the garage door(s).
Alleys are one good answer, a hierarchy, as is making the strip mall have 2 faces, a la the new one at Manchester and Rock Hill, where the “real” fronts face the parking lot and the “fake” fronts face the sidewalk along Manchester. The other answer is simple honesty – fancy fronts (to impress) and plain / drab / ugly sides and backs (to save money). The real question then becomes, what kind of face do you want to present to your neighbors and the world?! And, are you willing to demand and pay for it?!
Thanks for the complete history on buildings and how they are constructed…
Steve – Does this person have argument/opinion on everything?
Yes, but so do I.
The Hilton parking garage blocks this view now, but the dome is still there, refurbished and beautiful.
Photo of SB Dome</a.
Thanks for the complete history on buildings and how they are constructed…
Steve – Does this person have argument/opinion on everything?
Yes, but so do I.
Hey…That’s my walk from Blu to Wash Ave! So glad the Leather Trades is coming online…It will make a “finished” corridor to pass through…Those balconies off of the Ely will have flowers and Mizzou flags out soon if not already!
Hey…That’s my walk from Blu to Wash Ave! So glad the Leather Trades is coming online…It will make a “finished” corridor to pass through…Those balconies off of the Ely will have flowers and Mizzou flags out soon if not already!