urbanMSP

What is hideous? Is the new version not hideous?

I've had multiple conversations about the original structure with Adam Fuhrman the moderator of the postmodernism society, and multiple other users who seem you also think it's a shame.

Nathan - I'm with you... I actually don't love Post mod architecture so much... but I do think that examples of each architectural period should be maintained... We have seen buildings be architecturally "wallpapered" only to, decades later, peal back the aluminum sheeting to reveal the brick and terra cotta details... We are too quick to "update" and homogenize our environment... What I hope is that we keep pushing / encouraging our architects and their clients to design and build important structures that make a statement for the time they are erected in...

Remind me to build a response on why I think post modernism doesn't work as a mid sized building. I'm working on multiple project at the moment, but want to answer this in the best way possible. In short, the former design was very cold and didn't capture the attention that's needed for post mod

The "current" design has been poorly maintained and the colors very faded and worn. Hence the cold nature in your lifetime. Also, lot of the original decorative neon and lighting has long been been removed. You're using the same arguments people used against peevey plaza and basically any other building that gets old and goes out of "style." Is it the most beautiful thing? No. But are they turning it into a beautiful thing? No. So I'd rather preserve an original look that has more character... has an architectural style.

The only thing I'm really happy about are the attempts to make the building more friendly at street level... at least on 1st ave.

Peavey Plaza was an award winning project by a respected designer and was much loved when it was built.

Target Center was panned from day one, and was designed by architects who specialized in suburban fitness centers. It was never a good example of postmodernism.

I've heard this story several times, but can't actually find any reporting to back it up, so take it with a grain of salt.

The story was that when the original Target Center plans were released back in the late 1980's, the AIA Minneapolis Urban Design committee was so horrified by the plans that they lobbied politicians hard to deny the plans. There were apparently some modifications made to appease the protests, primarily improvements to the street level understory. So, shockingly, it could have been worse.

Some images of the neon:

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Cool! Any idea why the neon went? It seems strange that they took it off within 20 years, while the building was (is) still being used for its original purpose by its original tenant.

The first of the new pieces have been put up on the western end and it looks even tackier than the 90's look it's replacing.

It's interesting to contrast this discussion with the one on Block E. Did anyone ever argue for Block E to retain its original look? Not saying I disagree with Nathan, just noting the difference.

Video of the construction so far.

https://twitter.com/jaybyrd014/status/8 ... 3817743360

For those that missed it, some cool shots of our city in the Wolves new logo video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-fiW72IHR8

It's interesting to contrast this discussion with the one on Block E. Did anyone ever argue for Block E to retain its original look? Not saying I disagree with Nathan, just noting the difference.

The difference, I would say, is that the "old" Block E was an architectural MadLib. A super-sized McMansion, if you will.

an architectural MadLib... that is brilliant! Seriously the best criticism/assessment of block E...

The new exterior cladding is starting to go on. It looks a lot less like wood than I was expecting.

https://flic.kr/p/UVhjvG

Progress on the New Ramp A skyway:

https://flic.kr/p/UViwT5

Iirc it's supposed to be more reminiscent of the colors and textures of the native stone in northern minnesota, high iron content, black ish with rusty tones.

Iirc it's supposed to be more reminiscent of the colors and textures of the native stone in northern minnesota, high iron content, black ish with rusty tones.

I want to check it out firsthand but, from this image, that looks pretty nice.

Updates on construction and some photos: http://www.startribune.com/target-cente ... 5071983/#1

The article says 70% completed. Wow. It doesn't seem that close.