Glass-plating the Coliseum
Wednesday, 7 May 2008 — 9:41 am
1775 Broadway, formerly the home of Coliseum Books (which I believe got its name from the splendid columns ringing the first two floors, as well as from the nearby now-demolished New York Coliseum), is to be glass-plated and re-addressed as “3 Columbus Circle”. As John Massengale commented, “Because if there’s anything New York City needs it’s another glass-covered office building…”.
Previously: The Architects: They Really Hate Us
Horrors! You would have thought any sensible person would prefer wonderful old brick to glass cladding any day. I rather like glass if it’s doing something interesting (the Gherkin perhaps) but there are far too many featureless mirrors reflecting nothing but more featureless mirrors.
Meanwhile, in its original form 1775 reminds me of all the glamour of the 30s and 50s. It is a great pity that people won’t remember that just because something is modern only means it is in fashion and not that it is good.