Postby TheUrbanGopher » November 25th, 2013, 11:58 am
Meh. The Marshall HS building could have definitely been saved, but density is better when it contains the amenities and businesses that this will host. I consider this like a modern dorm more than anything - if you look at the footprint, its actually comprable to something you would see in the Superblock. Not that they are similar in any fashion, but the comparisons could be made.
In the end, expanded retail, potential housing for BOTH students and faculty (The townhomes on the back side facing 6th Street could very much be for the latter) and a much desired grocery store will be a huge boon for the area.
As far as footprints go, I think it's saving grace will actually be the Venue across the street, and arguably the Chateau to the west too. If the project near the brownstones on the corner of 15th Ave and 5th St ever comes to fruition, it could also mitigate the size of this baby. This strip of 5th Street is going to look so dense and much more urban next year at this time.