phillybricks.com
- Philly Bricks rails against the trite modernity of Lenfest Hall’s design by Venturi. Reflecting on Manhattan’s National Arts Club, a similar Victorian mansion reuse, reveals “some dramatic parallels, [and] unfortunate missed opportunities.”
- Plan Philly reviews last night’s information-only presentation concerning Aquinas Realty’s plans for a 12-story apartment complex on the 2000 block of Chestnut Street, replacing the YWCA Annex building. Currently, concerns are centered on maintaining continuity on that block (brick work on the street level and the need for more windows).
- “For the first time, the long dollar, or the deep pockets, did not win out,” says Pamela Pendleton-Smith, president of the Resolute Alliance in Yorktown, describing the recent court ruling in favor of maintaining (and now enforcing) a ban on renting to Temple students in the neighborhood just south of the university.
- Newsworks briefly tells of the fight to secure more dollars for housing in this year’s budgetary freeze by Harrisburg.
- Naked Philly recommends that you go take a look (if you haven’t already) at Grumann Greenhouse, the public art piece by Jordan Griska at Lenfest Plaza, by his alma mater Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
© 2011 Hidden City Philadelphia |
re Lenfest Hall:
“It’s not that Lenfest Hall is bad. It serves a purpose, it’s scaled to the street, and it’s unassuming. But so is a parking garage.”
Puleeeze. So is a parking garage?! Rubbish. It’s a handsome solution to the problem. And… it’s not Robert Venturi, but his office.