Comment 6528

By highwater (registered) | Posted April 30, 2007 at 12:31:52

Relax, Ryan. There's modernism and then there's Modernism. You seem to be using the term 'modernism' as a kind of catch-all for all mid-century architecture, good and bad. The Modernism, aka International Style, Dave rightfully defends is embodied in our City Hall. I'm no expert, but I wouldn't be surprised if City Hall is one of the finest surviving International Style buildings in the country. I would not refer to Jackson Square as Modernist, by any stretch of the imagination (armchair architects, feel free to discuss!), it's just non-descript and would be no loss to the fabric of this city. There is good and bad 'modern' architecture just as there was good and bad Victorian architecture. The trick is to know which is which, and preserve the good.

For another International Style gem check out Stan Roscoe's old Health Department building on Hunter, kitty corner from the train station. Gorgeous! It floats! Just like City Hall. Jackson Square comes nowhere near these buildings, as I'm sure you'll agree.

That said, watch that loose talk about Brutalist fortresses! I've got a soft spot for them. I'll be lying down in front of the bull dozers when they come for Hamilton Place.

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