Botanical Heights is proof of our lack of imagination

Three sides of brick and one of vinyl: that’s what makes a development “urban.” Or at least, that’s what some people seem to think. One of the best local examples of this opinion is McBride & Sons’ Botanical Heights development in the old McKree Town Neighborhood. There is no doubt that when this project began in 2004 that something had to be done in this neighborhood. The crime and neglect were huge problems and were bringing the surrounding neighborhoods down. However, three years later, I have to wonder if it was all for the best.

I know some people have been upset about the use of eminent domain and the gentrification for this project, but these are not the issues I speak of. I am referring to the style of the buildings that now stand on the site of that development. Buildings such as the brick/vinyl siding hybrids I was mentioning.

On an individual level, I find that some of these buildings are attractive. They have a somewhat suburban appearance, but they have their charm. The issue I have with them is that they try to fit in with the existing and former housing stock. A task at which they fail miserably. We need to face the facts: the times have changed. Solid brick buildings (three bricks deep) might have been affordable in 1927, but in 2007 they are anything but. We are unable to replicate the buildings of the past and shouldn’t waste our time trying to do so.

So the question then becomes: What do we build instead? To that question I have no answer. Personally, I would love to see someone do a bit of modern infill. Single family, duplex, 4-family or whatever. Just something fresh and that doesn’t try to replicate an unachievable product.

I actually saw an interesting concept house on another blog this morning. Something that got me thinking about all of this. I don’t know if something like this is the answer, but it sure is creative. What do you think?

Looking at the pictures, it seems to fit in with the surrounding area better than one would expect. You can see more about the building (including basic blueprints) HERE. It is very urban, yet doesn’t rely on a faux-retro exterior to be so. The first picture actually reminds me of an existing building in South City. Not because they look a lot alike, but because they are so unique compared to their surrounding buildings, yet seem to fit in.

This building (left) is located at 2817 S. Kingshighway (63139). It has a unique modern look to it that just seems to work. The thing I find most interesting about it is that it isn’t modern at all. At least in terms of age. Believe it or not, this property was actually built in 1897. It seems that there were dissenters in style choices even back then. Why can’t we think more like that today?

So what is the point of all this rambling? That we need to rethink how we handle development in our city. We can play it safe and keep on creating developments like Botanical Heights or we can start getting creative. Creative design can make use of modern materials with affordable and aesthetically pleasing results. In our efforts to retain our character we have lost track of the fact that everything evolves. As developers and as a city as a whole, if we don’t want to be left in the dust by our competitors we need to starting thinking ahead rather than pining for a bygone past.