Okay, so recently Chicago has altered zoning to not allow 3 or 4 storey brick flats to be built in neighborhoods of single family homes. Much of this I agree with, since they do look out of character.
Yet these same newer brick 3-4 storey buildings going up all over the city as infill have been heavily criticized for being soul-less and lacking character. Goonsta has some nice pics of them in the "Chicago has it..." thread.
But I don't know--I look at them, and sure they're not as beautiful as their 19th century/early 20th century brethren, but I don't mind them so much. They help create an urban streetwall, they are generally "in character" by being brick or stone and having nice entrances along the street, and some occasionally even offer retail space on the ground floor. They definitely contribute to revitalizing formerly vacant neighborhoods and contribute to the urban environment and street life. Now sure, even the critics say they're better than empty lots, but I think they're a LOT better than empty lots.
What, exactly, is wrong with these structures? Do they bother you guys as much as they bother Blair Kamin?> |
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