The Last Empty Lot | 161 Commonwealth Ave | Back Bay
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Based on the renderings, this looks to be a winner. The CBT design started off as a traditional structure on the left, only to segue into a PoMo cartoon 1/3 of the way across the facade.
My caveat is the side windows. Now it would take a 30 year legal battle to get something more than two stories or so built on the lot next door.
Based on the renderings, this looks to be a winner. The CBT design started off as a traditional structure on the left, only to segue into a PoMo cartoon 1/3 of the way across the facade.
My caveat is the side windows. Now it would take a 30 year legal battle to get something more than two stories or so built on the lot next door.
Ron Newman
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Why is part of it being built to only two stories? To really fit into the neighborhood, it should be four or five stories.
Why is part of it being built to only two stories? To really fit into the neighborhood, it should be four or five stories.
blade_bltz
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
u trollin?
u trollin?
Ron Newman
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
no - why do you ask that?
no - why do you ask that?
statler
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Ron - the new structure isn't completed yet, they will add more stories.
The two story building people are complaining about is the existing building next door.
The renderings are confusing because they include some existing buildings, but not others.
Ron - the new structure isn't completed yet, they will add more stories.
The two story building people are complaining about is the existing building next door.
The renderings are confusing because they include some existing buildings, but not others.
Ron Newman
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Oh! I thought the new construction was partly 5 story and partly 2 story, but I only looked at the pictures posted here and didn't visit the actual location.
I thought building or zoning codes actually prohibited side windows against a property line, for exactly the reason people are bringing up here?
Oh! I thought the new construction was partly 5 story and partly 2 story, but I only looked at the pictures posted here and didn't visit the actual location.
I thought building or zoning codes actually prohibited side windows against a property line, for exactly the reason people are bringing up here?
Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Note the outline on the side of the building next door- shows the former edges of the old 1871 building that was demolished at some point...
You can see the existing two story structure in this photo:
Note the outline on the side of the building next door- shows the former edges of the old 1871 building that was demolished at some point...
kz1000ps
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
What are you talking about? Parts of the Back Bay practically transport you to Paris (namely the older section closest to the Public Garden). This is exactly the vibe they should go for. Lord knows we don't need any more red brick.
What are you talking about? Parts of the Back Bay practically transport you to Paris (namely the older section closest to the Public Garden). This is exactly the vibe they should go for. Lord knows we don't need any more red brick.
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
My comment really wasn't supposed to be negative. It was just pointing out that it lacks traditional bay windows and brick. I do think that bay windows are critical in Back Bay design. I also do think that brick should be present, but that doesn't mean that the entire thing has to be brick. There are ways to bring a varied materials palate to the facade. For example, the base could be the white stone and then the upper levels brick. With this said, there is a building of very similar style to this on the Commonwealth WB side right near the Garden.
Also, calling anything Parisian cannot be taken as an insult.
My comment really wasn't supposed to be negative. It was just pointing out that it lacks traditional bay windows and brick. I do think that bay windows are critical in Back Bay design. I also do think that brick should be present, but that doesn't mean that the entire thing has to be brick. There are ways to bring a varied materials palate to the facade. For example, the base could be the white stone and then the upper levels brick. With this said, there is a building of very similar style to this on the Commonwealth WB side right near the Garden.
Also, calling anything Parisian cannot be taken as an insult.
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found5dollar
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
That two story conservatory like building is absolutely stunning. I would be upset if that building was ever torn down or destroyed in some way.
Also, note the windows on the side facing the 2 story.
That building is now there for good.
That two story conservatory like building is absolutely stunning. I would be upset if that building was ever torn down or destroyed in some way.
stellarfun
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
I am not sure how much of this article is still valid. It indicates that the correct address is 163 and there are plans to gut and rebuild 161 but maintain/restore the facade to its 1870 appearance.
http://nerej.com/33072
I am not sure how much of this article is still valid. It indicates that the correct address is 163 and there are plans to gut and rebuild 161 but maintain/restore the facade to its 1870 appearance.
http://nerej.com/33072
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Re: 161 Commonwealth Ave | The last empty Back Bay lot
Go back to the bottom of Page 1. It has been redesigned by Ann Beha and is now a single-family house.
Go back to the bottom of Page 1. It has been redesigned by Ann Beha and is now a single-family house.
