Referring to this as 450' is crazy. It's 447' plus 2 sizable mechanical sections on top, likely hovering around 500'. I think they should keep the new design but add back the extra 200' from the original vision. It's a great looking building on its own but we already have 4 buildings in that...
I heard through the grapevine that this might be coming back as something taller, with both a residential and hotel component. Thanks to the sleuthing of everybody's favorite banned member (you can still find him on skyscrapercity) he has finally produced evidence beyond hearsay.
Here are the...
From a macro visual perspective the only building that really matters is the residential. As long as that gets built to its full height it will tie together the entire Kendall skyline. It will also set the precedent for more height in the future. I consider that to be the last critical...
"The Triangle" as the whole area is commonly known has been one of the fastest 2-3 growing metro areas for about 15-20 years. It's still relatively affordable, and draws its talent base from UNC (Chapel Hill), Duke (Durham), and NC State (Raleigh).
You are correct though regarding the dreadful...
I think much of the problem is the positioning. By having it directly on the mech top it is at least partially hidden behind the brick portion from too many viewpoints. Then from the distances where it's visible, the color scheme makes it hard to read. You should consider if you can add some...
9/12 Some looks from Prospect Hill Tower, Somerville
IMG_0196 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0214 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0215 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0229 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0291 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0330 by David Z, on Flickr
9/12 From Prospect Hill Tower, Somerville
IMG_0180 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0181 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0232 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0233 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0340 by David Z, on Flickr
9/12 From Prospect Hill, Somerville
IMG_0207 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0213 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0258 by David Z, on Flickr
IMG_0263 by David Z, on Flickr