Atlantic Wharf (née Russia Wharf) | Atlantic Ave | Waterfront

[ablarc]

Re: Russia Wharf

Cities are typically full of cars and traffic. For a pedestrian, that's not much of a problem. For drivers, it's a consequence of the folly of their decision to drive.

When the parking comes out from underground and takes place on the surface, that's when it's time to worry; parking lots displace the city. Literally.

That's not good for anyone.

As long as parking's not at ground level, however, it does the city little or no real harm.

 

[statler]

Re: Russia Wharf

^^ Except in terms of environmental pollution, which is probably what Ron was getting at.
Otherwise agreed.

 

[ablarc]

Re: Russia Wharf

^ Environmental pollution, agreed. Underhood solutions to that are in the pipeline.

 

[pelhamhall]

Re: Russia Wharf

Environmentalists are today's Puritans - if anything in life is either fun or convenient it is shameful. Environmentalism is just the manifestation of humanity's long-standing and innate sense of guilt. It has manifested itself throughout history in different forms and methods and today, modern guilt can best be described as environmentalism. Al Gore is the latest in a long line of false prophets sermonizing about the religious fad du jour.

Obviously, keeping our planet green and healthy is a good thing, I'm only speaking ill about the religious furor that it has recently taken on.

 

[kennedy]

Re: Russia Wharf

Environmentalists are today's Puritans - if anything in life is either fun or convenient it is shameful. Environmentalism is just the manifestation of humanity's long-standing and innate sense of guilt. It has manifested itself throughout history in different forms and methods and today, modern guilt can best be described as environmentalism. Al Gore is the latest in a long line of false prophets sermonizing about the religious fad du jour.

This statement is absolutely wrong. Our generation has a very, very serious problem to deal with and it is intertwined with every aspect of our lives, most noticeably right now-the economy. Cities are an environmentalists dream-for people who live there, they reduce the driving to almost zero, and absolutely unnecessary. Environmentalists are purporters of convenience-if you have all the shopping you need down the stairs from your condo, you'll never have to drive on errands, which would significantly reduce your carbon footprint. It is not about guilt or religion or whatever, it is abolutely a problem that needs to be addressed promptly.

 

[statler]

Re: Russia Wharf

It's just a Rush talking point. Ignore it. Their day has passed.

 

[pelhamhall]

Re: Russia Wharf

Agree with Statler - just a talking point - just something to think about and mull over. Still, there's truth in there - it's modern guilt.

Over-consumption has always been considered distasteful. Today, this wanton opulent capitalism can be attacked under the guise of environmentalism. Same historical argument, new weapon to fight it.

This is in no way an indictment on the rightful and needed movement of environmentalism.

To get back on the subject, Russia Wharf needs parking. Wellington Management will not lease the building without heated parking for their executives. This is how things work today. We live in an automobile culture and everyone needs to just understand and accept this.

You can't plan for some la-la land where people bike to work or take a Segway from the Monorail station. Public transportation in Boston is prohibitively expensive and very inconvenient.

I have been without a car for the past 5 days and it has been nothing short of hell trying to get around this city. There is no greater joy than driving around Boston, with or without traffic, enjoying the sights and the people, and blasting some good music. This is a very easy city to navigate by car throughout the day - compared to other metro areas I've been in like Vegas, Miami, NYC and Orlando.

 

[statler]

Re: Russia Wharf

This is how things work today. We live in an automobile culture and everyone needs to just understand and accept this.

I think everyone accepts that this is world today. What we are discussing is if this is the best possible model for the future and if not what should the new model look like?

 

[pelhamhall]

Re: Russia Wharf

In the future, we will design buildings differently. Not today.

Russia Wharf would not have Wellington Management if it did not have parking. Therefore, Russia Wharf would not be under construction at the moment. Wellington would just stay at 75 State because it has heated parking. Why move anywhere without it? What would be the impetus? Old buildings with parking would be infinitely more valuable and desirable than new buildings. So people wouldn't build new buildings.

 

[underground]

Re: Russia Wharf

Not to further de-rail this into a transit thread, but the idea that using mass transit to get around Boston is either prohibitively hard or prohibitively costly is laughable.

That being said, the idea that you're going to be able to sell class A office space without parking is equally laughable.

 

[statler]

Re: Russia Wharf

^^Actually the two are directly related.

As long as people believe that mass transit is difficult and expense they will always demand parking. Fix mass transit (both it image and its real problems) and you can start building Class A office space sans parking.

 

[Suffolk 83]

Re: Russia Wharf

Cars aren't evil... and the people on here who are argue they are probably have cars themselves or at least used to own their own private vehicle.

 

[jass]

Re: Russia Wharf

Today, 11/21

 

[melkor]

Re: Russia Wharf

Love that first picture Jass. Any chance I could get a larger version?

 

[jass]

Re: Russia Wharf

Love that first picture Jass. Any chance I could get a larger version?

The first one, really? This is as big as photobucket allows:

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jamesinclair/?action=view&current=IMG_6750.jpg

 

[JeffDowntown]

Re: Russia Wharf

Cars aren't evil... and the people on here who are argue they are probably have cars themselves or at least used to own their own private vehicle.

Cars are not inherently evil. They do little harm on their own.

However, individual commuters in cars in crowded cities are evil, particularly when there are mass transit and other commuting options. People are just lazy pigs when it comes to their love affair with automobiles, consuming scare resources and polluting the environment. Our use of the personal automobile is a totally unsustainable option.

 

[alohadave]

Re: Russia Wharf

Here's one from this morning. When I drove by, I could see the central core built up two stories in the middle of the site.


________
Suzuki GS450L

 

[M80]

Re: Russia Wharf

12/07/08

Erecting the second tower crane

Base for second tower crane

Some shots of the jobsite

35.5 ton beam

 

[kennedy]

Re: Russia Wharf

Interesting photos. This project looks more...solid than other construction photos I've seen.

 

[Suffolk 83]

Re: Russia Wharf

Meanwhile in Dorchester, 02124 is plotting revenge for beating him to a new crane pic.