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New 25th Ward Housing Delivered on Trailer

January 25, 2005 Planning & Design 1 Comment

Just down the street from me three new houses are being built. Two are marginally acceptable and one is completely inappropriate.

One house was delivered by tractor trailer last Friday. As a designer I know the difference between prefab housing and a trailer. Unfortunately, this prefab house looks like a trailer. In fact, I’ve seem some trailers that would look better. Prefab construction can be very high quality and can result in a very modern exterior.

It is my understanding this house is to be “accessible.” In other words, designed for a wheelchair bound occupant. It is being built on a speculative basis. Don’t misunderstand me – I’m not opposed to accessible housing – I’ve designed numerous spaces for disabled people over the years. My objection is how the house looks completely out of place with the neighboring housing.

47xx_minnesota_1.jpg

The 47xx block of Minnesota is a very eclectic – with both brick and frame houses. Most are quite modest in size. What the block lacks in pretense it makes up for in rhythm – very consistent lot & house widths. One and two story houses seem to work well next to each other. Until that trailer pulled up…

Just look at this house. It is wide – taking up the width of at least two or three houses. Due to the accessible design requirements it is low to the ground – that I accept. What I don’t accept is the short height, the plain roof and overall lack of detailing. The old houses on the street with asbestos siding have more curb appeal.

47xx_minnesota_2.jpg

The worst part is the blank space you see here will have a front facing single-car garage. Yes, a brand new front facing garage in the city – on a lot with an alley at the rear of the property. Why should we be subjected to a front facing garage?


47xx_minnesota_3.jpg

My understanding is this project was rejected for tax abatement due to the front garage. But, why is it here in the first place? Why weren’t neighborhood leaders consulted on the design – at least given a chance to suggest alternatives?

As Alderman I would do everything I could to convince a developer to make the design work with the neighboring houses, get area leaders involved and stop any front facing garage where an alley is available. My vision of new housing for the ward is certainly better than this…

– Steve

 

New 25th Ward Housing Delivered on Trailer

January 25, 2005 25th Ward No Comments

Just down the street from me three new houses are being built. Two are marginally acceptable and one is completely inappropriate.

One house was delivered by tractor trailer last Friday. As a designer I know the difference between prefab housing and a trailer. Unfortunately, this prefab house looks like a trailer. In fact, I’ve seem some trailers that would look better. Prefab construction can be very high quality and can result in a very modern exterior.

It is my understanding this house is to be “accessible.” In other words, designed for a wheelchair bound occupant. It is being built on a speculative basis. Don’t misunderstand me – I’m not opposed to accessible housing – I’ve designed numerous spaces for disabled people over the years. My objection is how the house looks completely out of place with the neighboring housing.

47xx_minnesota_1.jpg

The 47xx block of Minnesota is a very eclectic – with both brick and frame houses. Most are quite modest in size. What the block lacks in pretense it makes up for in rhythm – very consistent lot & house widths. One and two story houses seem to work well next to each other. Until that trailer pulled up…

Just look at this house. It is wide – taking up the width of at least two or three houses. Due to the accessible design requirements it is low to the ground – that I accept. What I don’t accept is the short height, the plain roof and overall lack of detailing. The old houses on the street with asbestos siding have more curb appeal.

47xx_minnesota_2.jpg

The worst part is the blank space you see here will have a front facing single-car garage. Yes, a brand new front facing garage in the city – on a lot with an alley at the rear of the property. Why should we be subjected to a front facing garage?


47xx_minnesota_3.jpg

My understanding is this project was rejected for tax abatement due to the front garage. But, why is it here in the first place? Why weren’t neighborhood leaders consulted on the design – at least given a chance to suggest alternatives?

As Alderman I would do everything I could to convince a developer to make the design work with the neighboring houses, get area leaders involved and stop any front facing garage where an alley is available. My vision of new housing for the ward is certainly better than this…

– Steve

 

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