218 replies to this topic

[johnfwd]

Walking along Lancaster late yesterday afternoon and, lo and behold!  A cyclone fence has been erected around the Pinnacle Place project site.  Wondered why it wasn't your customary construction-type barricade, but no matter.  You can't access the site now.   Unfortunately the fencing also blocks off the nice sidewalk and benches the city put in.  So pedestrians can no longer walk along the north side of Lancaster at that location (you can walk in the street, but risk getting run over).

 

So the project is seriously underway! 

 

Also, I noticed some utility identification flags on the grassy knoll in front of the May Owen Center further down along Lancaster.  I think this is the early signs of site preparation , too.

[John T Roberts]

For my tour I had to park on Lancaster in front of the Post Office and I noticed the fence, also.  On Saturday, I had to park on the north side of the street in front of the T&P Warehouse to attend one of Rick Selcer's Downtown Walking Tours.  The fence was not there at that time, so I did pick up on the changes.  I do think that you correct in your assumption about the work next to the May Owen Center being part of the early utility work for the new project.

[johnfwd]

Follow-up observation...just west of the cyclone fenced off area I noticed today that black construction barricades surround a large area (and a bulldozer was parked on site).  I guess all this is part of the Pinnacle Place project.

[Austin55]

Yea the lot in front of the zipper mural was a part of this to, it had it's own building. 

 

 

I drove through after the meetup and noticed a third lot to the west of it also had fencing and a bulldozer. (adjacent to the 2 level garage and across from the warehouse)

 

When I was going past, the construction office was being dropped off in the zipper building lot

 

 

I would assume that this lot will be a staging area for the construction of the larger, Easternmost building. 

[rriojas71]

nice to see some much needed development along Lancaster, but the design of this building is extremely blasé. It kinda looks like it has already been built somewhere along W. 7th.

Even though this is new development and that in itself is exciting; I feel like they dropped the ball with this one.

[JBB]

I'm sure this will sound like a cop out, but they can't and won't all be the Chrysler Building. And, to be honest, this one doesn't need it to be in order to be a huge upgrade over the vacant lots and parking lots it is replacing. As long as it is pedestrian-friendly and sticks to some good urban design principles, I can live with the aesthetic aspects of the building being a little less inspired or inspiring.

[Austin55]

Yea, I think maybe Kevin mentioned it somewhere else, but it's essentially a "support building" to the exisitng landmarks of the PO and two T&P buidings. 

 

They've already started tearing up the parking lot that was on the north side of 15th.

[Jeriat]

nice to see some much needed development along Lancaster, but the design of this building is extremely blasé. It kinda looks like it has already been built somewhere along W. 7th.

Even though this is new development and that in itself is exciting; I feel like they dropped the ball with this one.

 

It's just 5-6 story "infill". 

Doesn't need to be spectacular. Just needs to fulfill its purpose.  

 

 

...now, if they were larger and/or more important buildings or landmarks, like a City Hall or Library, then yeah, the architecture would need a little more value put into it. 
But the buildings going up now are just decent looking, and really that's all you need for mixed-use buildings shorter than 10 floors. 

[rriojas71]

nice to see some much needed development along Lancaster, but the design of this building is extremely blasé. It kinda looks like it has already been built somewhere along W. 7th.

Even though this is new development and that in itself is exciting; I feel like they dropped the ball with this one.

 
It's just 5-6 story "infill". 

Doesn't need to be spectacular. Just needs to fulfill its purpose.  
 
 
...now, if they were larger and/or more important buildings or landmarks, like a City Hall or Library, then yeah, the architecture would need a little more value put into it. 
But the buildings going up now are just decent looking, and really that's all you need for mixed-use buildings shorter than 10 floors. 

Well I understand the need for infill and anytime a surface parking lot can be re-purposed that's always a good reason to rejoice.

However, my reasoning for saying that they dropped the ball is in part based on posts I've read from other forumers who have expressed a desire for that stretch of Lancaster to become FW's grand promenade.

I don't think a promenade "feel" is created by fronting it with uninspired infill structures. I'm not saying every building along Lancaster should be palacial, but as someone mentioned in a previous post; that depending on the materials used the finished product has the potential to look cheap.

Just stating my opinion of course and mainly it's because I hoped FW developers would strive for something more architecturally than just a spruced up 6-story box.

[johnfwd]

One minor cause for celebration:  The old "covered parking" lot has been bulldozed!

[johnfwd]

I've noticed there are three lots blocked off...the one furthest east is the construction site; and the zipper lot immediately to the west of it is for the staging area.  But the furthest west lot fronting the nice parking garage building has also been graded and blocked off.  Is this particular lot part of the project or something else?

[dangr.dave]

Dig it by dangr.dave, on Flickr

[Austin55]

Here's a small look at what the new 4 level garage/drive through bank and new 15th "street" will look like. 

 

 

[Austin55]

For those who haven't been by the lot lately, its seems kindoff strange, it looks like this project is essentially 3 parts, the building, garage, and 15, but there are at least two other landowners still on the block, and a new park area. I've tried a quick diagram off of what I think is going on below, 

 

Red-Projects involved in current construction

Blue-Cathedral Annex & parking

Yellow-TCC May owen center

Green-New parklet creat my removing that stretch of 13th street

 

 

If I'm thinking of this right, the parking garage will be at the center of the block, and if the may owen or cathedral lots are ever developed the garage will be hidden from most views except on 15th, which will basically be an alleyway. 

 

General construction shot, 

 

 

13th street parklet area, 

 

 

[johnfwd]

Curious to know if anyone's found out why the frontage of the TWC parking garage has been graded and fenced off.

[Jeriat]

For those who haven't been by the lot lately, its seems kindoff strange, it looks like this project is essentially 3 parts, the building, garage, and 15, but there are at least two other landowners still on the block, and a new park area. I've tried a quick diagram off of what I think is going on below, 

 

Red-Projects involved in current construction

Blue-Cathedral Annex & parking

Yellow-TCC May owen center

Green-New parklet creat my removing that stretch of 13th street

 

If I'm thinking of this right, the parking garage will be at the center of the block, and if the may owen or cathedral lots are ever developed the garage will be hidden from most views except on 15th, which will basically be an alleyway. 

 

 

 

 

Where is it? 

[Austin55]

I edited it in.

[Jeriat]

Ok, I see it. 

 

I thought they were getting rid of that small strip of road. 

[johnfwd]

Since no one seems to know why the narrow lot fronting the TWC parking garage between Taylor and Monroe has been graded and fenced off, I will take a guess. As it is apparently on state-owned property, it cant' be part of the Pinnacle Place project (unless it was sold to them).  And, I think it's too narrow for a separate structure.  I'm guessing it'll either be an expansion of the TWC parking garage, a surface parking lot, or a parklet.

[jsfslls]

LOL I found the Lancaster Corridor forum. I'll repost over there. 

[Austin55]

Going vertical

 

 

[johnfwd]

Seems like the Pinnacle Place construction has been going on forever.  This project began almost a year ago and only now are the builders starting on the fourth floor.  In comparison, the new Trinity Terrace tower project started just a few months ago and they're already starting the sixth floor.  Someone please instruct me as to why the Pinnacle Place contractor is really taking his time!

[JBB]

Not sure where you get that this one started so far ahead. The first mention of dirt moving on Trinity Terrace was on January 6 of this year. The construction fence for Pinnacle went up on March 27 (top of this page) and the first pic of dirt moving was nearly a month later. Pictures of the Trinity Terrace going vertical showed up the first week in June. Their tower crane went up the first last week in August, within days of the first pic of Pinnacle going vertical (the post right above yours). The Trinity Terrace floor plates are a little smaller than Pinnacle, so it makes sense that it is starting to pull ahead in floors above grade. The larger floor plates also, in theory, would mean more utility work on the ground level.

[Austin55]

11/28/15. Still on the 1st floor, but they do have large floorplates to deal with.

 

 

[johnfwd]

The progress of this building construction has me scratching my thinning scalp.  Atop this cemented first floor, they've partially put in a second floor consisting of wooden framework.  But adopt this elongated horizontal structure almost in the middle is a towering seven-floor scaffold.  Aside from this, the progress has been very slow, compared to other projects around town.

[JBB]

I've only seen it from 30 but I think that's an elevator shaft.

[johnfwd]

I've only seen it from 30 but I think that's an elevator shaft.

 

You are correct.  It's a tall shaft, now fully bricked up.  Seems to me, if the surrounding construction reaches nearly the height of this temporary tower, the entire structure may be a bit larger than what the earlier artist rendering depicts.  Any thoughts about this?Someone needs to photo a progress report

[Austin55]

Here's a shot from the weekend (1/17/16)

 

[JBB]

The elevator shaft doesn't look any taller than the 6 stories in the renderings.

[Austin55]

Moving on up. Not very quickly, but moving.

 

[beverlyb]

Website for Pinnacle http://www.250lancaster.com

[Austin55]

I swear they haven't used the same rendering twice. I think this is the most recent but the design seems to have changed several times. 

[Austin55]

It's really picked up the pace since they've gotten to the wood section. The garage is now going up as well. 

 

 

 

[Austin55]

Clifford the Big Red dog crane came down today. 

 

 

 

Fully framed up, getting glass in now.

 

 

Facade sample. Looks decent, not meant to be anything special though.

 

[renamerusk]

Facade sample. Looks decent, not meant to be anything special though.

 

To create continuity, the facade is neo-Art Deco and coincides with the Art Deco already in existent along Lancaster.

[Mr_Brightside526]

 

Facade sample. Looks decent, not meant to be anything special though.

 

To create continuity, the facade is neo-Art Deco and coincides with the Art Deco already in existent along Lancaster.

 

 

"Neo-Art Deco"...in the simplest form....

[Austin55]

 

Not a great looking building, but does  fit in nicely as a background building on Lancaster. I believe the areas without stucco will have bricks so that should help improve the look.

[RD Milhollin]

BRUTALIST... (with lipstick). Or, Retro-Soviet

[renamerusk]

I am likely going to like these buildings when they are finished.  The style is more reflective of its immediate surroundings than what is popping up elsewhere around town. 

[Doohickie]

 

Not a great looking building, but does  fit in nicely as a background building on Lancaster. I believe the areas without stucco will have bricks so that should help improve the look.

 

Y'all are too critical.  I love the way the new building has details that echo the columns on the Post Office building across the street.  Outstanding.  I think with additional buildings with similar details, this area will look like it's been there forever and will look very grown up and classy.

[Dylan]

This building is starting to look a lot nicer than I thought it would based on the renderings.

[renamerusk]

This building is starting to look a lot nicer than I thought it would based on the renderings.

 

 One building; but it has the look of being multiple buildings.  It gives one an impression of a "city block" consisting of individual structures. Nicely done.

[JBB]

I agree that it's going to be a nice looking building, especially when it blends in amongst future development. It's a pretty stark improvement over the vacant lots and freeway overhead that were there before.

[Austin55]

Fort Worthology has a review of the building out.

http://www.fwweekly....e-place-update/

[Mr_Brightside526]

I agree that it's going to be a nice looking building, especially when it blends in amongst future development. It's a pretty stark improvement over the vacant lots and freeway overhead that were there before.

 

When you compare this building to a vacant lot, then yes, it is a pretty stark improvement. Now if you compare this building to some of the other designs we've seen going up around town or proposed, then IMO it is average at best.

 

I only felt like voicing my opinion here because of unsolicited comments my friends made about the bland design as we were on our way to T&P the other night. So I think if anyone reading this is going to propose another large structure in our city, please put a little more effort into creating something more exciting, yet refined - rather than a big beige blah.

[Doohickie]

It must be a question of personal preference, but I think the Lancaster building looks a LOT better than, say, this monstrosity.

 

[renamerusk]

 

I agree that it's going to be a nice looking building, especially when it blends in amongst future development. It's a pretty stark improvement over the vacant lots and freeway overhead that were there before.

 

.....please put a little more effort into creating something more exciting, yet refined - rather than a big beige blah.

 

 

 This grand corridor is grand because of the grandeur of the buildings such as the T&P, the Post Office and yes, the Warehouse that line it.

 

 This corridor does not need any additional excitement, rather it requires architecture that "gets in line" with was is there today.

 

The architect realizes this imperative; and IMO, the building creates a corridor that is in harmony on either side.

[Mr_Brightside526]

I'm totally picking up on what you are laying down...BUT if you look at Austin's photo above and the corner shot in the Fort Worth Weekly article, the design was great in concept but executed with cost "effective" effort.

 

The design is meant to look like it is moving in and out, as if it were several large buildings on a city block but IMO it is just a brick and stucco wrap around little boxes with no more than a foot or two of prefab floor space moving in and out to create shadows on the building for cost effective visuals.

 

I'm not trying to completely knock the design of the building because I do appreciate how in-line the design is with the street but "they just don't make things (i.e. buildings) like they used to" and I'm just not convinced it is going to age gracefully.

[Zetna]

Best line from the Fort Worthology article: "Not every structure needs to cry out for your attention. Sometimes, it’s more important to simply be a good, solid building – one that engages the street and welcomes the pedestrian without trying to make a huge statement or scream “look at me!” This building's simplicity is a breath of fresh air compared to buildings such as the one Doohickie posted above that are being designed / built all over, especially south of downtown. If you look at older structures, such as the T & P station, it is a slab-sided, mono-color simple form...it only has the little domes at top in the 4 corners and some nice Art Deco detailing at the base. This is true of a lot of older structures, such as the Neil P. Anderson Building, The Electric Building and many 1-3 story structures built in the first half of the 20th century that we admire. Even the newer Omni Hotel has a prominent prow-shaped form with a couple of smaller rectangular forms that don't detract from its main shape. So, I am all for the simplicity on these Lancaster apartments...in fact, I'd simplify it even a little more as I don't think breaking it up into all those shapes was necessary, but the coloring / materials are cohesive and I do like the decorative spandrel panels that tie to the Art Deco of the T & P...add street trees and people and I think it will be just fine!

[rriojas71]

Best line from the Fort Worthology article: "Not every structure needs to cry out for your attention. Sometimes, it’s more important to simply be a good, solid building – one that engages the street and welcomes the pedestrian without trying to make a huge statement or scream “look at me!” This building's simplicity is a breath of fresh air compared to buildings such as the one Doohickie posted above that are being designed / built all over, especially south of downtown. If you look at older structures, such as the T & P station, it is a slab-sided, mono-color simple form...it only has the little domes at top in the 4 corners and some nice Art Deco detailing at the base. This is true of a lot of older structures, such as the Neil P. Anderson Building, The Electric Building and many 1-3 story structures built in the first half of the 20th century that we admire. Even the newer Omni Hotel has a prominent prow-shaped form with a couple of smaller rectangular forms that don't detract from its main shape. So, I am all for the simplicity on these Lancaster apartments...in fact, I'd simplify it even a little more as I don't think breaking it up into all those shapes was necessary, but the coloring / materials are cohesive and I do like the decorative spandrel panels that tie to the Art Deco of the T & P...add street trees and people and I think it will be just fine!

I was going to post something, but Zetna pretty much relayed everything I was going to say. One thing to add is that the building feels a bit more organic and cohesive with it location and surroundings. Something that many of the near Southside's newer projects have failed to do IMO.