Tacoma

Has anybody noticed (or thought) that the entrance to the Piano building mimics the rear entrance to the Kahn building?  The main entrance is set into the building, with a large blank wall to either side.  I wonder if that was an intentional nod to the entrance everybody knows and uses or if it was a mere coincidence.

 

I do not like the giant concrete wall that seems to be the project's sole interaction with the street on its back side (Will Rogers Road, I guess), but otherwise it looks quite nice, from what I can see.

When I saw that wall, all I could think was, Fort Worthology is not going to like this....

I made it by last night and most of the equipment inside and out was gone.  Plus it was completely lit up.  A few new thoughts occurred.

I like the building more now that I can see what's going on inside.  It looks incredibly light and airy for a giant concrete structure, with the open windows on each end and the unique ceiling.  Also, you can see completely through from one side to the other which is nice.

The long steps off Camp Bowie up to the Kimbell entrance are all torn up, but the gate was gone last night so I got a view from the Kimbell.  It looks much better than I thought from my view just off the street.

I've been walking my dogs past this site most nights for the past three years with great anticipation.  The other night, the entire fence was down, though a security guard kept us off the grass, and the big reveal was a big disappointment.  Maybe once the doors are opened and all the construction equipment is gone things will change, but right now it seems a bit dull.  You could probably say the exact same thing about the outside of the Kimbell with its solid walls and non-descript non-entrance entrance.  I've read the articles about how the Piano extension isn't supposed to upstage the Kimbell and its supposed to be a complement, but it looks like a non-bricked Kohls from the Kimbell side. 

That being said, the landscaping looks great.  The hill on the south side will be great for sledding if we get some snow.

I've got to admit, placeholders or not, I like them, and while I know many will roll their eyes at yet another cowboy cliché in Fort Worth, in this case, I think it's fitting, iconic and has the potential to be a photo favorite.

This is true.  Especially since they would sort of frame the main entrance to the old courthouse from the right angle.