A letter to Mayor Mark Chilton brings us some of the first criticism we've heard of Main Street Properties' redevelopment project. Read it and tell us what you think (If you missed Sunday's Chapel Hill News click here to see the story, an architect's sketch and the project overview as seen from The Station/Southern Rail across the street).
We are writing to you as good neighbors to convey our concern that the plan to develop 300 E. Main St. will fail to "maintain Carrboro’s unique identity" which is a strategic priority of the town.
The buildings as pictured in the plan appear to have little or no distinctive character. We can understand the concern of the town to increase its tax base. But we would hope that we could do better than holiday inn style buildings. Compare this with the Carolina Inn, or with buildings that really do convey Carroboro's unique identity.
Are we right in thinking that these buildings are cheaply designed and built? This may make economic sense for the next decade or two, but we think it would be a mistake to erect buildings that in two or three decades will look outmoded and worthy of replacement.
Yours sincerely,
Gary Marks
Burton Craige Distinguished Professor, UNC-Chapel Hill
Liesbet Hooghe
Zachary Taylor Smith Professor, UNC-Chapel Hill
Comments
Oh, come on!
Tue, 08/26/2008 - 04:32 — elvisboy77I think the plans complement the "architectural center" of town very well. For the architecturally challenged, I am referring to the Wendy's drive through, which many consider to be the source of Carrboro's "urban mojo".
I wonder if they are worried that it will clash with the KFC across the street??? Geez.
Now really folks, this is _just_ Carrboro after all!
UNC profs: Main Street buildings not "Carrboro" enough
Mon, 08/25/2008 - 16:57 — Anonymous (not verified)The writers are certainly correct that the proposed Main St development would not "maintain Carrboro’s unique identity." Perhaps they should integrate a Wendy's or KFC, or renovate an abandoned bank, service station, A&P, mill, or church like the rest of town.
Their choice of the Carolina Inn as the shinning example of Carrboro seems a bit strange. While many think the Carolina Inn is charming and traditional design, I believe it's in CHAPEL HILL.