Slog - Comments on The I.D. Building http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building There is a void on Fourth Avenue, between the southern edge of downtown’s business district and the northern border of Chinatown. Despite the proximity to two thriving urban centers, nearby blocks are mostly parking lots, single-level businesses, and the erstwhile club Aristocrats. Fourth Avenue and Washington Street (above), and Fourth Avenue and Main Street (below) In this bridge between the two neighborhoods, the challenge for architects is designing buildings that meet standards for the historic International District, yet mesh with the glass and steel of downtown. In one example, an almost-completed fire station at 4th and Washington combines angular shapes... Copyright 2008 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:13:27 -0800 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:29:07 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Will in Seattle Sigh. Too short.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962275 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962275 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:18:55 -0800 Comment by JC That second-to-last picture: nice swastika design.

]]> JC http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962280 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962280 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:21:55 -0800 Comment by Andrew The link to the trophy bldg post is broken.

]]> Andrew http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962286 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962286 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:28:41 -0800 Comment by Andrew The link to the trophy bldg post is broken.

]]> Andrew http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962287 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962287 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:29:02 -0800 Comment by happy renter I like it a lot, but... *another* upscale condo/hotel project? Are developers not learning anything?

I'm reminded of that quote, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result."

]]> happy renter http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962289 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962289 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:30:55 -0800 Comment by infrequent it looks interesting, at least. though it is nothing spectacular, it is better than average.

@2 considering the asian swastikas are older than the nazi ones, that might actually be appropriate. it is shaped close to the hindu form, but definitely not angled like the nazi one.

]]> infrequent http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962292 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962292 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:35:37 -0800 Comment by scharrera I thought the darth vader building was 4th and Blanchard?

]]> scharrera http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962298 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962298 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:38:21 -0800 Comment by Fitz Hmmm, like the first pic. The second? Not so much.

]]> Fitz http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962299 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962299 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:39:28 -0800 Comment by Ben Schiendelman I dig it. I also appreciate that Pb is paying attention to having full sidewalk retail.

And yeah, that link is broken.

]]> Ben Schiendelman http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962300 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962300 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:40:02 -0800 Comment by kyle [TCBITR] Two obervations;
If it isn't in the ID or in Pioneer Square, shouldn't it be taller?
Being that it is dark here 7+ months out of the year, wouldn't something that isn't black or charcoal be a better choice?

]]> kyle [TCBITR] http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962301 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962301 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:40:03 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle Yeah, we have enough black here already.

Geesh, if it is ID, why not Red or something more cheery?

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962303 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962303 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:42:03 -0800 Comment by Dominic Holden @ 3, 4) Thanks, the link should be fixed now.

@ 7) We have several ominous black buildings that could qualify, I guess.

]]> Dominic Holden http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962306 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962306 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:43:04 -0800 Comment by JC @6, but how many average people know about the Hindu uses of the swastika? This won't be Vader's Mini Me building; it'll be nicknamed the Hitler building.

]]> JC http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962312 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962312 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:49:32 -0800 Comment by scharrera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_and_Blanchard_Building

]]> scharrera http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962318 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962318 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:55:13 -0800 Comment by nbc OMG! Secret nazi forest!

]]> nbc http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962319 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962319 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:55:40 -0800 Comment by Dominic Holden The fourth and Blachard Building most certainly wins the official title of the DVB. However, the Columbia Center, designed by the same architect, I believe, gets the same moniker from some.

http://www.citynoise.org/article/5010

]]> Dominic Holden http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962324 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962324 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:59:03 -0800 Comment by scharrera http://www.citynoise.org/article/7872

]]> scharrera http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962327 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962327 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:01:18 -0800 Comment by scharrera It is the same architect, he liked black glazed buildings.

]]> scharrera http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962349 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962349 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:07:28 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle @18 - and hates Seattle citizenry.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962439 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962439 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:19:45 -0800 Comment by good stuff Kudos again for a very interesting review of some potential construction in the city. I really appreciate this reporting by the SLOG.

]]> good stuff http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962506 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962506 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:33:28 -0800 Comment by Rogue Linguist I somewhat like the design.

It's too fat and squat for a modern city centre, especially for an area in which it would be surrounded by parking lots, not charming heritage buildings, and it's just too dark for a gloomy city, as people have noted.

However, the design is admirably striking and modern, which is exactly what the staid Seattle architecture scene needs.

I'd definitely like to see more buildings in this style in Seattle, but taller and skinnier, and of lighter shade.

]]> Rogue Linguist http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962584 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962584 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:48:45 -0800 Comment by infrequent @21. i agree. i, too, would like this building if it were different.

]]> infrequent http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962595 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962595 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:50:39 -0800 Comment by Rogue Linguist Okay--after some reflection, I really like the design a lot, but the rest holds.

]]> Rogue Linguist http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962620 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962620 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:55:04 -0800 Comment by infrequent ;)

]]> infrequent http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962627 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962627 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:56:32 -0800 Comment by Greg How many architects these days are using Google SketchUp for their concept designs? All of them, or just most?

]]> Greg http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962686 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962686 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:14:50 -0800 Comment by joykiller This building is ugly.

]]> joykiller http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962712 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962712 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:23:53 -0800 Comment by hollaback I think the building will be a nice addition compared to what is there now. Also I think these images are subject to change, however, I also like the design...it is new and clean. I don't think it should be compared to anything built by Martin Selig. Also I think the views from the western face of the building will be amazing.....

]]> hollaback http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962734 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962734 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:31:58 -0800 Comment by Dell I think it looks great. Definantly in the direction Seattle needs to be moving. A really modern hotel like the Standard or Mondrian is what we need.

]]> Dell http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962740 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962740 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:33:55 -0800 Comment by everyoneinseattle I think that the hotel / condo combo...if done right, can be very successful. I think where it fails is when developers design crappy buildings with national hotel chains as partners...then I think it becomes more about the needs of the hotel operator than the desires of the potential condo owner. Doing something on a smaller scale and bringing a really cool design to a good location like this I think could be attractive to a lot of people. Plus we need a really cool swamky hotel in Seattle...the "W", Hotel Max and Andra just fall way short in my opinion. Keep it up PB...I like your ideas. Seattle needs more of you pushing forward away from all the old guys out there building outdated crap.

]]> everyoneinseattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962776 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962776 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:46:29 -0800 Comment by everyoneinseattle @29: that shoud be "swanky" not "swamky"...sorry sloggers...

]]> everyoneinseattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962785 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962785 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:48:20 -0800 Comment by 2timer I wish the building was taller too...however this area of seattle really needs something to happen. Right now it is a crazy mix of business people trying to aviod crack heads who have stumbled out of Pioneer Square. I think the development will bring the block back to life...but good luck trying to run that club, that place sucks.

]]> 2timer http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962805 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c962805 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:53:43 -0800 Comment by NapoleonXIV Now it's been pointed out as pretty damn obvious, I doubt the giant swastika is going to make the final cut.

Is this a Martin Selig building?

]]> NapoleonXIV http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963174 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963174 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:29:23 -0800 Comment by Alex-jon 5: Well-off people are NOT ALLOWED to live in central Seattle. These people just didn't get the memo.

]]> Alex-jon http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963198 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963198 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:44:35 -0800 Comment by temporarilypostive 33: try some positive juice, this development and future ones are a step in the direction that the CD needs - this project could act as the beginning of progressive growth in the area, finally, damn.

]]> temporarilypostive http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963238 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963238 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:13:34 -0800 Comment by Mike in Pioneer Square I like the building as it is, and sorry -- I'm not seeing the "swastika" element of the design. Evidently some people can't keep their minds off of references to Mr. Hitler.

I actually think it would look superb and distinguished in black and gray. The Columbia Tower's black exterior has stood up well over time. I'd hate to see the design review board force them to choose more garish colors in a misguided effort to match decaying Chinatown.

I fear, however, that as much as I love the idea of all of these buildings being constructed, economic conditions may force this boom to come to an end.

]]> Mike in Pioneer Square http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963256 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963256 Boom Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:26:22 -0800 Comment by chinatown I live in the ID and love this building. I am sick and tired of people assuming we (asians) are just simple people who like koi fish and dragons. Have you ever seen the architecture in Shanghai, it's far more modern than anything in Seattle! Also I never thought this area was the ID though? Isn't it just part of downtown?

]]> chinatown http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963548 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963548 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:30:03 -0800 Comment by Dominic Holden Thank you @ 36. I think the ID needs a breath of fresh design, too. I also hadn't thought of this as part of the ID. But according to this nifty map of the historic district, the zone reaches all the way up to Yesler.

]]> Dominic Holden http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963557 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963557 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:41:38 -0800 Comment by Brian It would make the Sounder stairway at least.

]]> Brian http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963566 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963566 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:50:46 -0800 Comment by pgreyy Who will speak up in favor of ground level parking lots and not creating more urban canyons?

I will.

I know that I'm just pissing in the wind...and I'm not going to attempt to argue that the retail on this block is in any way valuable...

But, please, Seattle...this isn't Monopoly (tm)--you don't need to drop a hotel on every block.

]]> pgreyy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963681 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963681 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:16:38 -0800 Comment by dpa good to hear a few voices in favor. i think the building looks great and a rooftop bar is most needed. more excellent documentation of our potentially waning boom, mr. holden.

]]> dpa http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963918 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c963918 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:13:45 -0800 Comment by million-dollar view I live on 5th and Washington and that building will destroy my view. Crap. Any idea on when it could take root?

]]> million-dollar view http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c964381 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c964381 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:17:23 -0800 Comment by JoeG Hear hear @36 and @37. Anyone disparaging this design (which of course will change) is not looking at the urban blight that is currently resident on that block.

They're also not looking at the construction nearby in south downtown just above and below Yesler. This will be an appropriate connection between them, and an interesting entryway from the north into the ID.

I work down there, and my biggest concern is timing. Amazon employees currently make up (I think) the majority of the space in Paul Allen's Union Station towers nearby. They'll be moving up to SLU in a few years, right around when this will be in development or just opened. Will this be a drain on that community? Will Vulcan be able to get tenants for its towers? What about the condos going up behind the King Street Station?

Seems like a lot all at once; is there a clear method to this madness? Will the ID suffer before it benefits?

]]> JoeG http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c964963 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c964963 Boom Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:20:38 -0800 Comment by jwp206 surprised only 1 nimby has commented on this building. anyone who would prefer surface parking to a tower that benefits hundreds of people is clearly from a suburb. you can park somewhere else. or as crazy as it sounds you can take transit. i live downtown i have a car but i only drive if where i'm going is more then 5 miles away and if it is more then 5 miles away will still take bus if it's easy. no i'm not rich i make $40,000 a year. surface parking is about the worst thing for downtown.

]]> jwp206 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c965098 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c965098 Boom Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:28:55 -0800 Comment by jwp206 surprised only 1 nimby has commented on this building. anyone who would prefer surface parking to a tower that benefits hundreds of people is clearly from a suburb. you can park somewhere else. or as crazy as it sounds you can take transit. i live downtown i have a car but i only drive if where i'm going is more then 5 miles away and if it is more then 5 miles away will still take bus if it's easy. no i'm not rich i make $40,000 a year. surface parking is about the worst thing for downtown.

]]> jwp206 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c965099 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/the_id_building#c965099 Boom Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:29:07 -0800