RADO's Newest Renovation

[jason_contentdg]

This goes back to some of the discussion we've had on a few of the most recent development and architecture related threads and my opinion of the whole "At least it's better than what used to be there" excuse.

I don't think anyone would argue that RADO is not doing a good thing for the Jacksonville community.  Rehabilitating these derelict neighborhood structures, and doing them affordable so they are available for the lower income bracket is fantastic.

But, since RADO was founded by RAP, you would think they would at least be held to the same standard that any other structure in the Riverside / Avondale historic neighborhood would.  Or does RAP just not care about the way the houses look, just as long as they've replicated the checklist of the existing bungalows and houses?  Columns...check.  Porches....check.  Exterior mullions...check.  Meaning, they no longer care that it has been designed well, so long as the pieces are there.

Is it because these houses are in a more blighted area of the neighborhood.  Would it be different if the houses were on the waterfront?

So, with that in mind here is a couple images of the most recent house, 703 Ralph Street:



Before the renovation.  Obviously it needs a little work.



After the renovation.  Is it better than it was it's existing condition?  Absolutely.  But, why in the world did those columns get added?  The original structure had brackets holding up the small gable, and it worked fine.  What do the columns do for it?  Helped enclose a 1'x6' porch?  We know they're not doing anything structural, and they certainly didn't have to remain on the house for preservation reasons.

The house is close to looking good, but just adding those columns really disrupts the facade.

Or maybe it's just me??  I don't know.

Then there is this one....



I'm not even going to spend much time writing about this one, one glance at that and you should know where I'm going.

I just think Jacksonville, and especially the urban core neighborhoods should expect more from their buildings.  At some point, we're going to have to move away from accepting mediocrity, just because it's better than what is there, or better than most, and really push things more towards excellence.   

[TREE4309]

I'm not sure I fully comprehend your gripe.  Would I have put columns on the blue house?  Probably not.  Would I have painted a house fire-engine red?  Again, probably not.  But is is that big of a deal to really be worth complaining about?  I don't think so.

[jason_contentdg]

I'm not sure I fully comprehend your gripe.  Would I have put columns on the blue house?  Probably not.  Would I have painted a house fire-engine red?  Again, probably not.  But is is that big of a deal to really be worth complaining about?  I don't think so.

Actually the fire engine red color has absolutely nothing to do with it.


And yeah, I think poor design choices which are rampant throughout our city is worth complaining about.  Yes, these are small things I'm pointing out in this post, but if we're having trouble getting it right on small houses, no wonder we're having such problems at the larger level.

Of course this was a rant and I'm sure I wasn't making myself as clear as possible, so for that I'm sorry. 

[tufsu1]

there is very little wrong with the red house....it fairly closely represents the architecture of the Springfield neighborhood.

If this "isn't good enough" for you, then perhaps you could front the $ to make them better.

[TREE4309]

What is it you don't like about the red house, then?  The columns and porch railing could use some tweaking to me, but again...not THAT big of a deal.  We've got a lot bigger fish to fry around here.

[jason_contentdg]

there is very little wrong with the red house....it fairly closely represents the architecture of the Springfield neighborhood.

If this "isn't good enough" for you, then perhaps you could front the $ to make them better.

This is why I said maybe it's just me...but I disagree with you.  Those columns, specifically that proportion, would never be found on a house with the original columns in Springfield, or in it's neighborhood of Riverside/ Avondale.

[jason_contentdg]

What is it you don't like about the red house, then?  The columns and porch railing could use some tweaking to me, but again...not THAT big of a deal.  We've got a lot bigger fish to fry around here.

Where the governing boards of the neighborhoods are concerned, it is a big deal to me.  And again....it just may be me, as I've previously stated.  But I think it's worthy of discussion.


Ok, so it's becoming obvious that columns and column proportion are my version of Ock's railcars. 

[tufsu1]

This is why I said maybe it's just me...but I disagree with you.  Those columns, specifically that proportion, would never be found on a house with the original columns in Springfield, or in it's neighborhood of Riverside/ Avondale.

I agree that the column proportions aren't quite right...but keep in mind that these houses are supposed to be affordable...somtimes that means taking the easy route.

[jason_contentdg]

This is why I said maybe it's just me...but I disagree with you.  Those columns, specifically that proportion, would never be found on a house with the original columns in Springfield, or in it's neighborhood of Riverside/ Avondale.

I agree that the column proportions aren't quite right...but keep in mind that these houses are supposed to be affordable...somtimes that means taking the easy route.

I agree, but in a simple case like this, it doesn't cost anything more to do it right the first time.  Now to rip it off and redo, then yes it will cost more.  But the rest of that red house actually isn't bad at all.  Unfortunately those columns just kill me.

[nestliving]

I agree that the column proportions aren't quite right...but keep in mind that these houses are supposed to be affordable...somtimes that means taking the easy route.

Just because they are affordable does not mean they can not still be a cool and inspiring project.

check out: http://www.the99khouse.com/introduction.html

The $99k house was a two-stage, international design competition that called for a single family house with up to 1,400 SF, including 3 bedrooms and 1½ - 2 bathrooms, on a 50' x 100' site in Houston’s historic I repeat historic Fifth Ward. The winning design should be adaptable to a variety of sites in the area, including 33' x 90' lots and 40' x 100' lots. The construction budget must be under $99,000.

[Jason]

Were the columns on the red house an addition?  They look original to me.

[jason_contentdg]

Were the columns on the red house an addition?  They look original to me.

Columns are brand new.

[Jason]

They're not horrible looking, IMO.  Not exactly what I would pick out myself but I can see why it may appeal to some.

Do you know what the original columns originally looked like?

[jason_contentdg]

They're not horrible looking, IMO.  Not exactly what I would pick out myself but I can see why it may appeal to some.

Do you know what the original columns originally looked like?

That's typically called a craftsman style column, which is a great looking column.  Not sure what the original was,  but it could have been the same style, the problem is the proportion, specifically the large width of the bottom of the "pyramid" and how narrow it is at the top.

Below, you'll see a correctly proportioned craftsman column:



Of course those are prefabricated columns, but making them on-site is not too difficult.

[Jason]

I definitely like the proportions of the example better.

So what kind of control does RADO, RAP, or any of the other historic preservation organizations have over cosmetic choices like those your originally posted?