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Readers: New CWE Apartment Project Isn’t Too Much Density

July 12, 2017 Central West End, Featured, Planning & Design No Comments

In the non-scientific Sunday Poll, an overwhelming majority of those who voted felt a new project wasn’t adding too much density. I agree. Much greater density would’ve been good too, but the number of units was limited by the amount of parking that could fit into the former 1-story warehouse. I applaud the developers for leaving a small storefront space along the street.

Along the public sidewalk you have no sense that a tower emerges from within.

 

The Milton is located at 4534 Olive.

Here are the poll results, the response was slightly higher than in recent weeks.

Q: Agree or disagree: Adding a 4-story tower w/30 apts to a 1-story warehouse is just too much density.

  • Strongly agree 2 [4.08%]
  • Agree 1 [2.04%]
  • Somewhat agree 0 [0%]
  • Neither agree or disagree 1 [2.04%]
  • Somewhat disagree 3 [6.12%]
  • Disagree 10 [20.41%]
  • Strongly disagree 30 [61.22%]
  • Unsure/No Answer 2 [4.08%]

I’m curious about the few that do think it’s too much density.

From across Olive the tower is obvious.
Different angle
Another
With the tower set back from the front, the roof becomes common outdoor space for residents
You can easily see Olive when looking over the front parapet.

While I’m glad the front faced was reused, and I like modern contrasting with old — there’s something just not quite right about the new tower. It’s not displeasing, just not outstanding. Proportions and detailing — or lack of perhaps?

Opening night I entered unto the parking garage area, lots of concrete block walls to support the structure above. Pretty straightforward.

There were two interior details that were a miss — thresholds at each unit and out to each balcony.

The wrong interior threshold was used — both sides should have a beveled edge — these are a trip hazard or a major pain in a wheelchair.
And the huge step over to the outside is another area where these fall short. Try carrying a tray of drinks to guests with this tall step over.

So it’s not a perfect project, but it is a good example of how to retain a nice old facade while adding living space. In the next 5-20 years as fewer people own cars hopefully we’ll see less space & expense to accommodate car storage in new projects.

— Steve Patterson

 

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