Monday, November 19, 2007

Much Better than a Football Stadium

The competition is on for the development rights to 26 acres of priceless midtown Manhattan over the railyards that ride 11th Avenue between 30th and 33rd Streets. Any of these five proposals is preferable to the Mayor's failed efforts to place a football stadium/convention center on this site.

Although I have not yet seen the models on display next to Grand Central (open for public comment through Dec 3rd), at first glance, I like this one because of its "Jetsons" landscaping while feeling uneasy about how closely clustered the towers seem to be.


But this is my favorite for a few reasons. I like the way the greenspace approaches the water. I like the idea of the running-track-in-the-sky. I like the fact that they propose the restoration of the street grid. And, I trust Diller Scofidio to do right by the last section of the High Line that is part of this plot.


Sorry, Robert Stern. I hate to say it, but your proposal is the least appealing.

2 comments:

evilganome said...

There seems to be a city ordinance in Boston that any new construction in town must be ugly or at best pedestrian.

The Jetson Plaza actually looks quite amazing. I'm still waiting for the flying cars.

Gavin said...

I went to see the models for Ground Zero years ago. I think they ended up choosing one of the ugliest of the lot, and where it stands now, the plans don't look like any of those proposed.

What is the transportation to/from this location like? I know the city is putting in the 2nd Ave line but they need one along the West side with all this development. I remember attending trade shows at the Javits Center and getting from there to 56th/6th was a nightmare!