1246 replies to this topic

[safly]

What if they built condos above that mall, then would you entertain the thought?

We could easily build a boardwalk (bridge the river) of some sort with viable outdoor retail (akin to Southlake TS) at the base, interior courtyard for food and games, then a nice rink or gym, possible IMAX theatre. Then stack about 50 units on top of it (5-7 floors) in an open air oval design and the entrance to the mall or courtyard at the base. This would make a fine gateway to the Trinity.

You mean to say that the Post Office on Lancaster is not historically registered?

[Fort Worthology]

What if they built condos above that mall, then would you entertain the thought?

We could easily build a boardwalk (bridge the river) of some sort with viable outdoor retail (akin to Southlake TS) at the base, interior courtyard for food and games, then a nice rink or gym, possible IMAX theatre. Then stack about 50 units on top of it (5-7 floors) in an open air oval design and the entrance to the mall or courtyard at the base. This would make a fine gateway to the Trinity.

You mean to say that the Post Office on Lancaster is not historically registered?

I don't remember if the Post Office is a real protected landmark or is just Demolition Delay. I just have a feeling that converting it to City Hall would do more harm than good. It needs to stay a Post Office.

Putting condos over a mall would not make me any more in favor of a mall, assuming you're talking about something along the lines of a normal suburban mall or the Tandy Center. Interior retail malls aren't appropriate in an urban setting. Whatever goes into the TCC buildings could have retail space (facing outward) and such, but I'd rather not hear the M word being thrown around downtown ever again.

[Keller Pirate]

I don't think what TCC has down there could in any way be turned into a mall. Besides, what private developer would be able to recoup their investment in the TCC building? TCC has spent more on what they have, than the Pier One building and Radio Shack campus cost. Extra expenses to modify it for retail would just make it less likely to suceed. It will become some sort of taxpayer supported government building.

Even the Omni cost less than the TCC boondogle.

[David Love]

I'm liking the City Hall idea, maybe even a Southlake Town Square type City Hall / multi use combination with a Hell's Half Acre flare to it.

Any chance we could scrounge up an architectural tour of the Post Office? I make it a point to stop in there for anything postal related, the trip is worth it. Has some of the prettiest interior architecture I've seen, especially for a government structure.

[safly]

^
He said prettiest. Hee hee.

I shall start my trip off with that. See y'all next week.

[John T Roberts]

David, I don't really know what would be the best case scenario for the site. Aesthetically, it would be a crime to leave the site half finished. If the buildings were shelled out, I don't know what use or entity would be the best for the building. The City Hall idea is interesting, and I did serve on the Citizen's Committee to study how best to expand City Hall, but I'm not sure if the TCC Site would work. Is there a size listed for the south part of the TCC Campus?

Kevin, I tend to agree with you that the city could possibly ruin the old Post Office in a conversion to City Hall. However, if a good preservation architect was hired, then there would be a better chance of keeping much of the building preserved. The Post Office is designated Demolition Delay. This means that if demolition were to occur, the owner would have to apply to the Landmarks Commission and they could put a 180 day delay on the demolition. No matter what the designation, interiors are not protected; therefore, the city could technically gut the interior. I doubt that would happen because of the beautiful decoration in the public spaces.

[AdamB]

David, I don't really know what would be the best case scenario for the site. Aesthetically, it would be a crime to leave the site half finished. If the buildings were shelled out, I don't know what use or entity would be the best for the building. The City Hall idea is interesting, and I did serve on the Citizen's Committee to study how best to expand City Hall, but I'm not sure if the TCC Site would work. Is there a size listed for the south part of the TCC Campus?

Kevin, I tend to agree with you that the city could possibly ruin the old Post Office in a conversion to City Hall. However, if a good preservation architect was hired, then there would be a better chance of keeping much of the building preserved. The Post Office is designated Demolition Delay. This means that if demolition were to occur, the owner would have to apply to the Landmarks Commission and they could put a 180 day delay on the demolition. No matter what the designation, interiors are not protected; therefore, the city could technically gut the interior. I doubt that would happen because of the beautiful decoration in the public spaces.

Didn't someone post earlier that the size of the current TCC project is almost identical to the needs for the new city hall? If they need more space then they could simply add on where the sunken plaza was supposed to be. Suerly the current TCC building as it stands cant be that much smaller than City Halls needs.

[mosteijn]

Didn't someone post earlier that the size of the current TCC project is almost identical to the needs for the new city hall? If they need more space then they could simply add on where the sunken plaza was supposed to be. Suerly the current TCC building as it stands cant be that much smaller than City Halls needs.

Yeah, that was me. I think it was something like 450,000 sf that the city was looking to build under the option of "new city hall from scratch," and TCC's first phase was planned to be just about that size. However, I think the first phase included a few buildings north of the river, and it doesn't seem like most people are too enthusiastic about actually seeing Bing Thom's vision carried out to that degree, so perhaps the currently built structures aren't big enough. Personally, I'd prefer to see the entire first phase of construction built as a final product for city hall - plaza, bridge, buildings north of the river included - because I don't think it's fair to Thom or to the people of this city, who could have had a truly unique and beautiful structure (for once), that TCC's financial blunders should mar an otherwise beautiful, bold, and symbolic design. Should TCC be the ones to continue it? Obviously not. But I hate how this is automatically seen as a failure - and not the opportunity it truly is.

Another thought I had the other day was a new, 4-year college of arts and design (public or private, doesn't really matter). I mean, TCC was originally designed to be an educational facility, so logistically it would make sense. I also like the notion of having the building represent a symbolic step forward for Fort Worth - thrusting from the stagnant historical landmark of the bluffs, reaching across the river to the area that more than anything represents the future, educating the thinkers and makers that can represent a refreshing new direction for the city - that's what I'm talkin about! Or, you know, it could be a mall...or something...

[djold1]

There has been a lot of talk here about the ultimate use of the TCC buildings being constructed now.

I have been doing a lot of surfing on the subject and I have yet to find any reaility based renderings of the exterior elevations and any projected floor plns for the buildings on the south side.

About all I have found is an old aerial of the project that looks like shoeboxes stacked together. No real detail, no close-ups, etc.

Surely a public project must require that realistic drawings be available. How can we know what the visual look of the project is without good drawings? This is public money.

Could someone point me to a link?

[Fort Worthology]

All I ever found were the same very vague renderings and mockups. I thought that was a bit odd.

[John T Roberts]

Where did the money go?
Land costs TXU: $27 million
Other property owners: $13.5 million

Total: $40.5 million

Design and consulting Bing Thom Architects: $18.9 million
Gideon Toal: $3.9 million
The Projects Group and 3DI: $6.6 million
Other companies: $12.4 million

Total: $41.9 million

Construction costs Austin Commercial: $35 million

Total: $35 million

Legal fees Hughes & Luce: $365,625
Law Snakard & Gambill: $303,686

Total: $669,311

I don't know all of the details of their contracts and the scope of their work, but it seems to me that the architectural fees for this project were excessive. I hate to pass judgement on fellow architects, but these numbers seem high. Of course, I'm not an insider to the project and I do not know details of the design work and the other issues that were involved.

[360texas]

Yes it is sort of difficult determining who is doing what work. Are these total project contract costs or expenses paid up to the project termination date. As construction managers I think our budgets were based on only 6% of approved work in place [read concrete in the ground].

It also seems that the TCC Terminated for Convenience and not because a contractor performance issue. Termination for the Tarrant County College convenience can be expensive just in the administrative costs in stop work action, demobilization and ripple affect in terminating subcontractors and suppliers. Tarrant County College District must pay [read more tax dollars] for those costs too. I actually "hate" T for C's because it makes everyone daily work a real mess. Only a TCCCD auditor can make dollars and sense of the termination process.

Did I mention that Arlington high placed school official was dismissed over misspent tax payer money last week?

[AndyN]

JT Robert's FWAF makes today's Fort Worth Weekly article about the TCC Downtown Campus Debacle:

"On the popular Fort Worth Architecture Forum web site, hosted by architect John Roberts, the RadioShack deal drew strong reaction, much of it from those who had initially supported the project. “The worst thing about … this boondoggle/nightmare/moneypit is what happened to the bluff,” said one post. A “natural feature of historic significance, synonymous with downtown Fort Worth … and we let a project that was error-prone from the word go cut a f’ing notch into one of the most visible pieces of it … .”

WOOT for us!

Rest of the Article Here

[bhudson]

JT Robert's FWAF makes today's Fort Worth Weekly article about the TCC Downtown Campus Debacle:

"On the popular Fort Worth Architecture Forum web site, hosted by architect John Roberts, the RadioShack deal drew strong reaction, much of it from those who had initially supported the project. “The worst thing about … this boondoggle/nightmare/moneypit is what happened to the bluff,” said one post. A “natural feature of historic significance, synonymous with downtown Fort Worth … and we let a project that was error-prone from the word go cut a f’ing notch into one of the most visible pieces of it … .”

WOOT for us!

Rest of the Article Here

Hey, I also said it was a "cluster----" and they edited that out!

[360texas]

Yes, I just sent an email to THECB audit agency Mr Johnstone at the thecb
regarding the http://www.fwweekly....sp?article=7057 . Information flow is great !

[ramjet]

Holy mackerel! There's gotta be a lot of grave spinning going on at Greenwood right now. How in the heck could such a bunch of knuckleheads squeeze so much money out of Tarrant County taxpayers for such a boondoggle and get away with it for so long? This is a Dateline and 20/20 worthy epic (in high def!) - a must dig for the DA - and worthy of a taxpayer revolt. There's gotta be a place in the Fort Worth Narcotics Hospital for De La Garza and his band of inept and merry thieves.

[Dcurtis]

Holy mackerel! There's gotta be a lot of grave spinning going on at Greenwood right now. How in the heck could such a bunch of knuckleheads squeeze so much money out of Tarrant County taxpayers for such a boondoggle and get away with it for so long? This is a Dateline and 20/20 worthy epic (in high def!) - a must dig for the DA - and worthy of a taxpayer revolt. There's gotta be a place in the Fort Worth Narcotics Hospital for De La Garza and his band of inept and merry thieves.

Someone on another forum, I think the Star-Dullagram, said the lack of coverage of this mess just shows how FW is unknown and overshadowed. If this was any other larger city, this would be national news worthy. This has to be taxpayers spending its worst, and it barely gets on the news locally.

[360texas]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Sunday July 20, 2008 the TCC dollar spending distribution was shown as minor column heading on page 1A also see page 1E . But no connection information to the TCC Chancellors 3 year contract with 10% raise.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Tuesday July 22 2008 gave front page 1A center column to Board Investigation Arlington Superintendent resigns and forfeits remainder of his 3 year contract earnings with no buyout.

[dustin]

It looked like there was some exterior walls going up on the east side of west building. I couldn't get a good look at it, but it looked like large concrete plates.

[JKC]

Well..... recall that the S-T has been beating the tambourines of support for the whole project all along. One columnist in particular has written three more columns that I can recall, advocating completion of the project, even after the RS purchase. It must be very hard to step up and say oops.

[bhudson]

Well..... recall that the S-T has been beating the tambourines of support for the whole project all along. One columnist in particular has written three more columns that I can recall, advocating completion of the project, even after the RS purchase. It must be very hard to step up and say oops.

I don't think there are any stalwarts still out there advocating blindly completing the entire project. But I would agree that whatever is in progress needs to be completed in some form. I was in school in Austin during the Intel and CSC episodes, and I think that TCC and/or the city needs to define a stopping point that includes finished buildings and usable leasable space at a minimum. It would make this whole ordeal doubly tragic to have an unfinished concrete structure sit there for years, Intel-style.

On another note, I'm enjoying watching the heat being directed at the various people who deserve it. There's been endless hyperbole on this thread about how TCC's actions are 'criminal' or somesuch, but it warms my heart to learn that through this mess, procedures and processeses were circumvented. It's my hope that something comes of all the taxpayer abuse that has occured. Something besides raises and contract extensions if you know what I mean.

And I hope it makes some people think twice about the blank check we are writing for TRV.

[360texas]

Ah good observation. By the way, just how BIG is that TRV blank check these days ?

[Fort Worthology]

Personally speaking, TCC's blunder doesn't change how I feel about the TRV at all. It still has my full support. I'm really looking forward to seeing the work begin on it in a week or so (the upcoming demolitions beginning).

[Brian Luenser]

OK. Here are today's pics of the TCC site. Busy construction as usual. Hazy day.



And my 400mm shot.

[dustin]

Monee, can you get a zoomed picture of the material that is being used for the skin? It looks to be the same material that is surrounding the lower platform just above the east wing of the courthouse from your vantage point. I still cant tell if it is some kind of metal (zinc, aluminum, etc.) or dyed concrete.

[Brian Luenser]

Monee, can you get a zoomed picture of the material that is being used for the skin? It looks to be the same material that is surrounding the lower platform just above the east wing of the courthouse from your vantage point. I still cant tell if it is some kind of metal (zinc, aluminum, etc.) or dyed concrete.

Had this shot from this morning handy. See if this is good enough.

[dustin]

Looks to me like they cast concrete plates either clad in something or some kind of dye.

[360texas]

If you are referring to those gray panels up near the green grass platform area, those are probably more precast elements with an architectual texture facia. While the panels are placed laying flat, the precast element mold has a textured liner in the bottom. After the panel has been cured, the mold is popped to release the panel, where it goes to a storage yard for 30 - 45 day curing. Then they get delivered to the site and hung into position. See the small square weld connection plate near the vertical joints. Also there are small 12" long "L" weld plates across the bottom element edge. Yes, it is possible to mix the concrete with colored pigment.

[gdvanc]

Holy mackerel! There's gotta be a lot of grave spinning going on at Greenwood right now. How in the heck could such a bunch of knuckleheads squeeze so much money out of Tarrant County taxpayers for such a boondoggle and get away with it for so long?

and a lot of that money left the county. gone from the local economy. the taxpayers won't be getting much for that little wealth transfer.

[David Love]

Holy mackerel! There's gotta be a lot of grave spinning going on at Greenwood right now. How in the heck could such a bunch of knuckleheads squeeze so much money out of Tarrant County taxpayers for such a boondoggle and get away with it for so long?

and a lot of that money left the county. gone from the local economy. the taxpayers won't be getting much for that little wealth transfer.

What money are we talking about? Specifically referring to the money that's left Tarrant County.

[gdvanc]

What money are we talking about? Specifically referring to the money that's left Tarrant County.

Basically I'm saying if a company is based somewhere else and has no real permanent presence here, a higher portion of the funds paid to that company are going to salaries, rents, etc. somewhere else (Vancouver, Dallas, ...). They are no longer contributing to the local (Tarrant) economy.

Some funds paid to companies based somewhere else but with Fort Worth offices (and employees) also get rolled up to the headquarters/parent and go to salaries and whatever there.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing in general, but when a project fails to return something more valuable than the money taken from taxpayers to pay for it, I think it's more unfortunate that part of that money has left the local economy and is being spent or invested elsewhere.

Or something like that. Too tired to think clearly about it.

[360texas]

When we working in Saudi Arabia, Made In USA means that the concrete stayed in Saudi, but the money flowed back to the US.

When we make an imaging DVD CD-R for a Client we brand the lable with "Made in Fort Worth, Texas USA" And that is a good thing.

I would think that when contracting Gov Perry would require Texas Govenment projects give preference to Contractors with an 80% Based interest in Texas. "Buy Texas" Texas has the talent ! Before a contract award, a thorough search of Texas contractors might be made for a Texas solution. If none available, then a written certification of nonavailability is signed before awarding to an out of state contractor. Sort of like the "Buy American Act". Governments can do that.

By the way, does the TRV have a "Made in Texas - by Texans" contract clause ?

[Brian Luenser]

When we working in Saudi Arabia, Made In USA means that the concrete stayed in Saudi, but the money flowed back to the US.

When we make an imaging DVD CD-R for a Client we brand the label with "Made in Fort Worth, Texas USA" And that is a good thing.

I would think that when contracting Gov Perry would require Texas Government projects give preference to Contractors with an 80% Based interest in Texas. "Buy Texas" Texas has the talent ! Before a contract award, a thorough search of Texas contractors might be made for a Texas solution. If none available, then a written certification of nonavailability is signed before awarding to an out of state contractor. Sort of like the "Buy American Act". Governments can do that.

By the way, does the TRV have a "Made in Texas - by Texans" contract clause ?

I am with you 100% 360. I get really mad when contracts and products are purchased from other States/ Countries when they are available at home. I want my tax money to stay in my neighborhood. It can't always work out but many times it can. Incredibly short sided.

[Brian Luenser]

Yesterday they laid concrete on the top floor on the East side. Sure am standing by for what becomes of this place. I do not think TCC Admin offices are going to happen there. This complex will need to be sold to some company with a wad of cash in their pocket. They already have nice offices (Too nice) downtown. In fact now they are next to a super fancy new high-rise hotel going up. They need to sell that complex too and move their administrative offices to an abandoned warehouse. (Like all government servants.) This will recover a good deal of the money lost in the false start of the Campus. And I am not even blaming TCC for the disaster, as least not completely. Plenty of other forces working against them, starting with Katrina.

[360texas]

I do not recall seeing the Trinity look so blue. Must be a sky reflection.

East structure. Thats a rather odd concrete slab placement technique. Usually concrete placed during hot summers follow "ASCI Hot weather placement criteria". Thats where the slab is kept flooded water for several days in order to keep the top from curing out too quickly causing thermal shock cracking or spider web crazing. Maybe the use superplasticiser (read special soap additive) add agent to keep it from curing too quickly. Night placements are normal during hot summer days.

Lay floor tile, pour water, place concrete. But you already knew these construction terms.

Monee9696 Thanks for the progress photo.

[AndyN]

For what it's worth, I saw them pouring at 4:00 in the morning the other day when I couldn't sleep and I'm sure they had already been pouring for a while by the time I drove by headed for my parents house in Azle. On the same trip, I saw concrete being poured for a service road on Hwy. 199 and a parking lot for a CVS drugstore. The concrete company was definitely busy that morning. One of the techniques I am familiar with for pouring in hot weather includes mixing with ice for a portion of the water.

[dustin]

During the construction of the modern, I know that they had to practice various techniques of pouring due the amount being poured. The temperature had to be regulated on the last truck in line so it would match the temp of the first truck. I am pretty sure that ice was one of those techniques.

[Brian Luenser]

Yesterday's TCC pics. Things are looking different over there.





How many men does it take to climb a Porta Potty?

[Fort Worthology]

Yesterday's TCC pics. Things are looking different over there.

Facade = Epic Fail.

Sorry, but that's the facade material? After all the vague renderings that never gave us a clear look, the facade is just dreary grey concrete paneling? That's lame.

It's possible it might look better when complete, but I'm not really that confident now. It looks like a piece of '70s architecture, only slightly jagged. Especially disappointing that the blank paneling appears to include the ground level.

And my distaste for contemporary architecture grows ever stronger...

[AndyN]

How many men does it take to climb a Porta Potty?

Two. One to attach the crane, the other holds the door shut so the guy inside can't get out. The rest of the guys are pretending to be busy, but they're actually just hanging around to see the prank pulled of and to hear the guy scream.

Sorry, but that's the facade material? After all the vague renderings that never gave us a clear look, the facade is just dreary grey concrete paneling? That's lame.

There's your Bing Thom, I assume. I really question his fees. Better to hire a local architect than a starchitect, IMHO.

[dustin]

I actually love the facade, but then again, I am apparently the only fan of structural expressionism on this board.

On another note, on belknap down by the sonic, there is a traffic warning sign indicating that belknap will have 2 lanes closed on Saturday the 9th. Could it be that they might move traffic onto the bridge?

edit: after a moment of consideration, I dont think that this can be called structural expressionism, however i still like it.

[Fort Worthology]

I actually love the facade, but then again, I am apparently the only fan of structural expressionism on this board.

On another note, on belknap down by the sonic, there is a traffic warning sign indicating that belknap will have 2 lanes closed on Saturday the 9th. Could it be that they might move traffic onto the bridge?

edit: after a moment of consideration, I dont think that this can be called structural expressionism, however i still like it.

It now depends on the amount of glass. It might be passable with enough glass, but the renderings were always pretty vague on that.

Still, I can like, even love very well done modernism. I think the Kimbell and the Modern are both fantastic. The Modern's concrete is actually pretty in its own way with its smooth surface, shiny finish, and interesting patterns. This just looks like the typical warmed-over '60s/'70s modernism that is so often called "progressive" these days. IMHO. Its street interaction thus far (from that one corner) seems to be "go away."

[dustin]

I am really interested to see if the buildings work only half realized. It seems to me that a critical element to the buildings was going to be the relationship to the rest of the campus across the river and connected by the bridge. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, but it makes me sad that this project will not be completely realized.

[bhudson]

What an abortion of a design. This project just gets more and more depressing.

[gdvanc]

I'm confused.

Is it supposed to be a bunker or a prison?

Are they expecting an invasion from across the West Fork or are they preparing a new home for those who squandered hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money? Will we be seeing 6" guns or guard towers and Concertina wire?

Embrace the Gulag, Comrade!


Here's a fun game we can play: post an image (or link to same) of something that comes to mind when you see the campus in its current form. I'll start: Separated at Birth?

[mosteijn]

edit: after a moment of consideration, I dont think that this can be called structural expressionism, however i still like it.

I agree - I think it looks like an interesting place to start. Highly doubt the entire structure will be covered with concrete, but I can definitely see it taking on a Japanese inspired cleanliness and simplicity when it's all said and done (considering who the architect is, anyway.) Honestly, I think the facade of the Carnegie is more of a failure than this. Does it look like every other old (or wannabe-old) building in Fort Worth? No, and thank God it doesn't. How can a city be interesting with out some visual variety? Anyway, let's not be so quick to judge until we get closer to completion.

BTW dustin, I echo your concerns about it being only half built. If the design principle was truly a "bridge to the future," then whatever elements that get completed are going to feel grossly out of place. I know I've already said this, but it doesn't seem like anyone else cares. I wish more people who seem so keen to punish TCC for what it's done would take a moment and realize that in doing so we could end up punishing ourselves, too. Obviously I'm not suggesting TCC finish what they started, since they've already proven they can't handle it, but I think someone should. The people of this city deserve a beautiful, unique gateway to a vibrant river, not some half complete failure that people can use as an excuse to criticize everything Trinity Uptown stands for.

[Fort Worthology]

I agree - I think it looks like an interesting place to start. Highly doubt the entire structure will be covered with concrete, but I can definitely see it taking on a Japanese inspired cleanliness and simplicity when it's all said and done (considering who the architect is, anyway.)

Cleanliness and simplicity? I think I'd put more "coldness and sterility." As was posted before, it looks like a close relative of an interstate retaining wall.

It's this kind of stuff that ruins the public realm. I thought we learned our lesson from the '70s, but apparently I was wrong. The "cutting edge" stuff still looks like inhuman bunkers.

Honestly, I think the facade of the Carnegie is more of a failure than this. Does it look like every other old (or wannabe-old) building in Fort Worth? No, and thank God it doesn't. How can a city be interesting with out some visual variety?

Sorry. I'll take the Carnegie over a million of these concrete monstrosities. The Carnegie doesn't shut out the street with blank concrete panels - it invites people up close with detailing and friendly brick & stone and big windows to let people see in. It isn't swathed in random strips. It's the sort of place people will want to go. The Carnegie honors the public realm - it's warm and inviting. The TCC facade thus far looks to be a dishonor to the public realm. This looks to be the kind of place that only architecture students will love.

(There's nothing wrong with a "wannabe" old building. Modernists call them "pastiche" - as if that's inherently bad - but they're a pastiche of *good ideas.* Nobody seems to want to admit that so much of today's "progressive" architecture is just as much a pastiche - a pastiche of *bad* ideas from the post-war scam artists of the International Style, brutalism, and others.)

The Carnegie's no failure - the only failure here is the "Emperor's New Clothes" nature of so-called "progressive" architecture.

Humanly detailed, friendly, approachable buildings shouldn't be cast aside in the name of "variety." That's not to say that every building should be the same style - just that these buildings look thus far to have been the wrong way to go. Not only does it look to be a dishonor to the street, it looks like a dishonor to nature. This location could have given us something that harmonized with the bluff. Instead, they destroyed the bluff and plunked some concrete boxes down into it. So much potential. This could have been Fort Worth's "Fallingwater." In fact, it's a shame Frank Lloyd Wright died - he could have pulled it off. This, on the other hand...

[David Love]

I mentioned this a few pages back...

Why can't they stop where they're at, everyone is aware that they have to pay up on contracts made? It would be a lot easier to make a deal with the next owners if they had a 40 million dollar renovation budget rather than 40 million dollars worth of extra butt ugly structure they'd have to incorporate into their plans or the cost to remove it and start over.

Is it written that they have to finish what has clearly become a mistake?

They've moved into high gear construction wise, it would appear they're bent on getting it to a point where its potential uses will be very limited. I suspect that's been the plan for some time now.

[JBB]

They're still plowing ahead because, as they've publicly stated, they intend to complete the construction and occupy that building with administrative offices. The only public mention of selling the buildings has come from a couple of the trustees, but it's far from a done deal.

[bhudson]

I am really interested to see if the buildings work only half realized. It seems to me that a critical element to the buildings was going to be the relationship to the rest of the campus across the river and connected by the bridge. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, but it makes me sad that this project will not be completely realized.

What are we implying here? That this crap would be OK, if only we had twice as much of it, with a crap bridge to connect it?