Comments on: CBD, back at ZUC

By: oaklandhappenings

oaklandhappenings — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:22:56 +0000

V., I slightly misspoke, perhaps, regarding 1100 Broadway: I was under the assumption that if the big picture was posted there, that it isn’t far away from being constructed. That is why I tried to be careful with my words, by saying “any day”. If you find out more detail on the groundbreaking, yes, PLEASE pass it along. I want to be there with my camera when the groundbreaking happens (work schedule permitting).

By: Max Allstadt

Max Allstadt — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:46:13 +0000

There are some interesting things in Dogtown that have been built recently, can’t say I like them all, but at least over there nobody is being forced to build mock victorians. I’d say about half of what I see over there is really cool, the rest not so much. Often what turns me off the most is color palette. It’s just faddish sometimes.

By: Joanna/OnTheGoJo

Joanna/OnTheGoJo — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:14:33 +0000

West End Commons looks cheap, imho. Bruce Beasily has been the best developer in West Oakland, imho.

By: Max Allstadt

Max Allstadt — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:20:34 +0000

ralph don’t be silly. I just think it’s lame. there are a lot of lame buildings in oakland. I have rather high standards.

Joanna: They could have done a better job of making it look like four buildings. I think a little time in the sun with different aging rates on different materials may help. Still boooooring.

David Baker is a mixed bag for me. Some stuff I love. West End Commons is a travesty. Decent interiors, but it’s a gated community in a poor neighborhood, contextually inappropriate.

By: Joanna/OnTheGoJo

Joanna/OnTheGoJo — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:31:13 +0000

Ooooh, I did forget one! Leviathon! And yes, Lucia Howard & Ace Architects are still there. That’s funny. It’s another building that people either love or hate. I like that it looks like a cargo ship.

So you don’t like the architecture of Broadway Grand… but the idea behind the making one building look like 4 is to break up the massive building so that it doesn’t look so big. The reason all the buildings stick to that similar height (in particular Signature Property seems to love that height) because it’s just below the point where developers would need to add life saving measures. 288 Third, the Oak to 9th project, Broadway Grand – they’re all similar heights. (O29 does have a few tall buildings mixed in with the 6-7 story buildings.)

I’m for nicer architecture rather than blah blah boring. At least with projects like 200 Second Street – a David Baker design – it evokes reaction.

By: Ralph

Ralph — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:26:58 +0000

i think i finally get it max hates b/g and that it is named for its intersection is just another reason to hate it.

i guess 288 Third and all other places named by a street location are good designs

the bldg that i can’t seem to figure out if i like or not is the essex on the other side of broadway

By: John

John — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:28:21 +0000

There definitely should be height limits along the Lake, from Grand Ave. along Harrison and Lakeside Drive and across the 12th Street Bridge passed the Channel. Height limits of no more than 5 floors should be implemented in the Lakeside Apartment District, Gold Coast, and the Lake Merrit Historic District at Snow Park.

Lots of people have been asking for lower buidling heights in this area so that no tall buildings, like the Essex or Emerald Views, are allowed adjacent to the Lake. Now is the time for the City to make this change in zoning there and to make in permanent. It protects park land, views and the natural environs at the Lake and the parks. There are plenty of other places to build tall buildings downtown.

By: Max Allstadt

Max Allstadt — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:26:39 +0000

It is the leviathan. Every time I walk by it I think “thank god STAND doesn’t have a franchise over here”.

By: snappingturtle

snappingturtle — Fri, 23 May 2008 05:28:17 +0000

322 2nd…i believe thats The Leviathan, designed in the 80s by Ace Architects. I think they had their office in it. Not sure if they’re still practicing. They designed several equally quirky houses in the Fire Zone – one near Tunnel Road, and another on Broadway Terrace…
I wouldnt want every building to look like that, but it sure makes me smile every time i walk past it. Kind of like the Tower Lofts water tower sign. it would suck if every building had one, but being that its the only one, i think it is actually ok. cheesy, but adds to the mix and character…

By: Max Allstadt

Max Allstadt — Fri, 23 May 2008 05:03:41 +0000

It’s named for it’s intersection.

And no, nobody would try to make one thirty stories tall. It was an extreme example of bulk that shouldn’t get much taller. And a reference to the fact that it’s a box. It’s well built. Skilled craftsman. Lame and boring to me though.

Overpriced for the market means the markets in the tank and it’s expensive. It’ll sell in time. The location is too good for it to stay empty forever.