Historical April–May 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Cultural Resources Office for the City has proposed a new standard for modern buildings in historic districts.
This new standard would allow for modern design alongside historic buildings, and per Betsy Bradley, CRO Director, would convey ‘a sense of vibrancy and authentic change”. New construction in a historic district should be constructed with a sense of durability and attractiveness. Compatibility is not just about the visual.
The quality of construction and the materials used are key to that compatibility in any historic district neighborhood.
As always, suburban design themes, such as street facing garages and culde-sacs, are not meant for historic district neighborhoods.
This standard is a start on the right track, per Andrew Weil of Landmarks Association of St. Louis. Architects and city planners nationwide are coming together in the belief that good contemporary design can successfully co-exist and complement historic architecture. Architecture can be seen as a cultural expression and should be allowed to evolve. For a more in-depth view of the report, it can be seen on the Cultural Resources page on the City of St. Louis Website under “Documents”.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_04.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
