Modern meets old

This week I was driving around Minneapolis and wanted to share with you some modern structures that have met historic structures in very apparent ways.  I will leave the opinions for you to form.  I do have to question, however the architects who design these new structures to meet with the old.  Do they consider the best way that their building can compliment the original or do they attempt to create their own structures to compete with the old?  Do modern architects consider whether their work will last for over 100 years as these gilded buildings have?  Do they even care of the old building and simply want to make it cost effective and functional?  I know each case deserves consideration in it's own right, but often I feel it can go so wrong.  I see the need to make old or historic structures able to work in the modern world, but there must be some respect for that which has come before you.  We often live in such a society that wants new, big, expensive, flashy and cutting edge.  A large part of our society also totes the benefits of being "green", using renewable resources, and not being so excessively wasteful.  I have seen many new "green" build projects where the initial investment can be quite substantial.  What  completely complexes me is  how can being green not equate renovating and restoring existing structures in stock? How can tearing down an old building and building a completely new one with green, eco materials equate to helping to promote recycling?  How can people not equate that one old building in need of repair + sensitive renovation = green building.  It's as simple as that.  Let's stop destroying the architecture of bygone days and start using what we have and make it better.  Think of how many jobs could be made, how many housing choices one could have and how much of a unique building we can have which many buildings cannot offer.  I would any day choose a home with some unique character than a home that was built from lincoln logs in an afternoon, but this is my opinion. The examples below are where space was needed.  Some of the examples clearly belong elsewhere.  I think the important question is with the need for space in the same space of a historic home how can they compliment each other? Can they work well with each other or do they deserve to be separated with at least a lot of green space?   Enough of my rant and here are some modern meets old buildings:

The Thomas B and Martha Lindsey House at 2722 Park.  Built in 1901 by E.P. Overmire is indicated at costing $12,000 to construct.  Now owned by the Ebenezer Society.  Their modern addition appears to be rather insensitive to the structure and the need to modernize with an elevator.  Here are the construction photos and completion will tell how it turns out.  Already one of the dormers has been removed, chimney has been substantially lowered and many of the brackets on the cornice line have been removed. Quite sad to see thus far.

UPDATE!!!! FROM AN ELEVATOR SHAFT TO HUGE BUILDING ADDITION.  One shall see their exterior finishes are.

The Swedish Institute has decided to construct a large building next to the beloved castle.  The new center removed a 1924 building to build more space which will contain 34,000 sqft and hold a new restaurant, meeting rooms, space for lectures and so fourth.  The architecture is noted as "to reflect contemporary and  traditional Swedish aesthetics.  The cost for the structure is around $21.5 million and fine materials such as silver Vermont slate shingles on the exterior, leather wrapped handrails on the inside and plants which are native to Sweden and which will grow well in our climate here.  

Here is the mansion before with the 1920s building. Below are photos of the project in construction.

This is the rendition of completed project from the website:

Here is a mansion on Park Ave which lost it's carriage house in favor of a large boil in the form of an apartment building. 

 Little hard to see but if you look close below you can see the porte chochere and then the new building which is built right next to the mansion.

Here is the John Pillsbury Snyder Mansion at 2118 Blaisdell built in 1913.  John was married in 1912 and on the return from his honeymoon in Europe disaster struck.  John and his wife Nelle were aboard the Titanic when it struck an iceberg.  Luckily the bride and groom were immediately put on a life boat. Some accounts of the time claiming other first class passengers including John Jacob Astor attempted to persuade them not to get onto the lifeboats because she ship couldn't possibly sink.  Good think they got on and the following year constructed a fine little mansion.  The home acquired a large 1960s apartment building to grow off the side.The present owner restored the interior of the home and it looks as if nothing has changed.  If only the large 1960s building could be cut off what a fine property it would be.  Currently for sale for $2,500,000

Last here is George Newell Mansion at 1818 Lasalle Ave.  This home is loaded to the max with character and original features.  Sadly last year the owner removed the original front iron fence and retaining wall to cheap out and put this poor substitute in.  Bad decision!!! Currently for sale for $1,095,000.

While I'm not comparing the Swedish addition similar to these other additions I think it's important to examine how modern can meet old.  Time will tell who lasts longer.

If you like what you read and want to see this blog and projects keep going PLEASE feel free to donate something, even if it's only a little bit.  Every little bit helps on this restoration project. Thanks again!