Preservationists have long debated whether modern architecture has a place in designated historic districts. Some historic neighborhoods welcome good modern design for the contrast and vitality it can bring; others would prefer to bar the door and throw up a Do Not Disturb sign.
Here in Riverside Avondale, where many of our historic structures are themselves symbols of architectural innovation and radical (for its day) design, the question isn’t really whether a contemporary infill building is “allowed,” but rather whether it can be designed to complement the neighborhood’s human-scale and historical context.*
The answer to that question is taking shape in plans for a prominent pie-shaped lot in Five Points. A local development group is seeking City approval for a distinctly modern building, to be located at 1534 Oak Street, that will contain a ground-level restaurant, a rooftop bar, offices and a handful of residential units. The site has been a vacant lot for several years. *(Had the developers needed to tear down a designated historic structure to build their building, this would have been another issue entirely.) Technically, the property falls just outside the historic district’s boundaries; however, it lies within the area covered by the Riverside Avondale Zoning Overlay, and thus is subject to certain design guidelines.
Here at RAP, we’ve been talking with the developers and listening to our neighbors. Many of you welcome the project. Others want more information about how issues like parking and public space will be addressed before they form an opinion. And some of you have already placed your orders at Giglio’s for that big Do Not Disturb sign.
We’ve stated our position
here. What’s yours?
