Originally, or before the neighbors threatened a big fight, the building was supposed to be twice this height. And the residential was also tall at maybe 14 stories. What a YIMBY beast and success that would have been.
Creative enthusiastic residents with a proper work ethic make a city great. If many are wandering around on crank and flakka and fentanyl, I don't see a revitalization. I see this behavior all over the country now. Why would it change if we don't address it?
I agree in principle but the fact or reality is that it’s being used all over the country now for dynamic public areas. Maine is too cold 6 months of the year. Grass can not or is not used in cold weather. De facto, artificial is better because it works.
If done right, and that is relative, it will be substantially transformative for the area and perhaps the entire peninsula. I think that whatever design they go with, it needs to be for year-round use. I would create grassy areas with artificial turf. It's popular now with new residential builds...
I'd like to see a pinnacle design like One Vanderbilt in Manhattan (just beneath the spire). It's all glass and was converted into observation and F&D space. Originally, the force behind the building wanted one part of it to open up like a giant door to accept eVTOL aircraft for landings and...
I like the kind of improvised food & drink offerings here. Also, the winter market with the micro stores/booths. The smart thing about this dynamic is that it is interchangeable. Brick and mortar designs you're stuck with. The entry barrier is less too. Younger and often more creative vendors...
I remember a few years ago with UMO women's basketball hosting a divisional round of the NCAA tourney at CIA in Portland. It was in March, and during the tourney of 4 teams, it was perhaps the coldest stretch of weather I've ever seen in Portland--single digits with wind. What would it have been...
All of these projects for UMO sports are well and good, but the reality for Maine growth is primarily southern Maine. The relative ease of location with the Boston schools, UNH, UNE Biddeford, Portland's schools, and Brunswick (Bowdoin) are in addition, all on the Amtrak traveling spine. Why is...
Portland's eyebrow raise with greater enplanements as compared to somewhat relative cities is no surprise to me. Talk to the people at the car rental counters. They will let you in on the upcoming summer and fall peak times with tourists and summertime residents. They all say it gets kind of...
This corridor with a fun lighting element could become Portland's version of the talked about water sculpture at LaGuardia. Airports are a great way to show off your city because you have passengers held kind of captive for a while. The Cost? Not much. Creative MECA students + cheap LED lighting...
Make it darker with some cool lighting and textures. Maybe it's an art experience. Turn it around as a positive. Everyone will want to walk through it.
I think I figured out the exterior panels. They are all the same color, but when placed vertical or horizontal, the color changes from light. That will be fun to see. And at night, perhaps they could design some interesting accent lighting.