News Stories as of 3/8/07

Some stories of interest from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

I used to hate Whitney Gould, The Journal Sentinel's architecture critic. I used to think she was some sort of snob. Since she's broken her hip or whatnot though, she's gotten better in her writing. She talks about projects we actually all care about and that are in Milwaukee.

New Condo Tower Brings Height You Won't Hate

This is the article that sort of lead to my rant about the whole Milwaukee vs Chicago and civic pride thing. Milwaukee's skyline from the lake isn't much. Our downtown was founded along the Milwaukee river, and the skyline views from other directions are more stunning. But those condo towers that rise along the bluff as of late (Late meaning after oh say 1980 whatnot) are really making things look good. Especially good are our two towers rising next to each other that this article talks about. Not only that, but Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) are big BIG names in the architecture business. Having two of their towers in our city is wonderful.

Turning to some sad news now...
Historic Station May Be Razed

Thats right folks. Once again the old Coast Guard Station is in peril. It's had an interesting history since it's been abandoned. Taken over by the Indian School the same summer Alcatraz was taken over and other such things. It's a cute little building, sort of our own little piece of the Mediterranean. I was hoping that it could be saved after they built the Bay Street Pedestrian bridge and make it into a little park or park pavilion. A jazz club. Something.

But tearing her down. Well, she's been the victim of arson and vandalism (the rape and murder of buildings) especially in the past year. I guess it's time to say good bye.

Building a replica like they discuss, I don't know if I can buy that. I think they should push for the extra million to do it. Replicas are just that, replicas. The authenticity is lost and it seems cheesy.

And now she's in nobody's hands. The bulldozers and wreaking ball could come any day now. (Note to self, picture opportunity number one).

Well, thats the news. I'm going to read up on Barrett's transit plan, especially for downtown. I used to think that Barrett was kind of a do nothing mayor, especially filling the shoes of Norquist, but now he's showing his true colors. Don't let the county shut you down Barret. Scott Walker is a phony. He won't save the county at all.