KBJ may get pat on the back from COJ

[zoo]

Ok, so KBJ got a building they allowed to deteriorate demolished for a surface parking lot, and that sucks. How much worse is it that they are part of the group that now may get the nod from the city for the Courthouse project? It seems a shame that this crummy firm should benefit from a downtown project? Does anyone think city should re-bid Courthouse (or is bidding and review process too lengthy/expensive)?

[Jason]

Honestly, KBJ might be the best fit for a new courthouse in a post 911 world.  Think about it, they have designed many of the towers that make our skyline great but at the same time these buildings turn their backs on the street and do nothing to enhance the urban fabric.  Now a courthouse would be required to have larger than normal setbacks, minimal entrances, and be built like a tank therefore doing very little to enhance the urban fabric, save filling up some moonscape.  KBJ's original design did just that and actually was my favorite all along. 

They should do a good job in designing a new vertical structure that enhances the skyline (assuming that's the route the city wants to take) and meets the needs of the people.

[walter]

KBJ would be great for the courthouse project, they are all about function over form. Here I'll help them out, I know this will be a stretch for them, but it should fit in nicely with the surface lots and other "classic" Jacksonville architecture:

[thelakelander]

They're pretty decent with designing high rise projects that don't integrate well with their surroundings.  Since a courthouse is the type of project that has me, me, me written all over it, this is right down their alley.  I'd be more worried about the end product if it were an urban mall or mixed-use condo complex with them playing a lead role.

Btw, while KBJ certainly didn't do downtown any favors with the recent actions on their torpedoed lot, lets not forget that it would have never happened if the city council didn't override the recommendation of it's own historic commission to not allow demolition.  There's no angels in this picture....only a pack of demons.