Richard Meier offers to design for PO site

Why in the world are we even talking about a museum?

SMH

kmk said:

The "BEST" design can not even begin to be created until priorities are set.

Just as you might ask a chef to cook you his "best" meal only to be dissappointed that it contains sardines and peanuts. One you don't like and one you are allergic to!

The (vocal) people of Maplewood need to start talking about what they want, what they need, what they want to avoid and what is absolutley unacceptable.

The design process is not black and white. It is a broad spectrum of shades of gray. Blur your eyes, and the overall look of the finished project should make you happy.

This is all a little late. This conversation has been going for three years. The first of multiple public meetings to address the PO was held in January 2012. http://forum.maplewoodonline.com//discussion/78748/ . At what point do we stop?

Richard Meier said he's going to design, build and run a museum.

Wait, that's NOT what he said?

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/arts/design/richard-meier-is-now-focusing-on-new-jersey-projects.html?_r=0

Architect Goes Home, to Recall and to Work

Richard Meier Is Now Focusing on New Jersey Projects

davidfrazer said:

kmk said:

The "BEST" design can not even begin to be created until priorities are set.

Just as you might ask a chef to cook you his "best" meal only to be dissappointed that it contains sardines and peanuts. One you don't like and one you are allergic to!

The (vocal) people of Maplewood need to start talking about what they want, what they need, what they want to avoid and what is absolutley unacceptable.

The design process is not black and white. It is a broad spectrum of shades of gray. Blur your eyes, and the overall look of the finished project should make you happy.

This is all a little late. This conversation has been going for three years. The first of multiple public meetings to address the PO was held in January 2012. http://forum.maplewoodonline.com//discussion/78748/ . At what point do we stop?

We stop when we get it right.

davidfrazer said:

kmk said:

The "BEST" design can not even begin to be created until priorities are set.

Just as you might ask a chef to cook you his "best" meal only to be dissappointed that it contains sardines and peanuts. One you don't like and one you are allergic to!

The (vocal) people of Maplewood need to start talking about what they want, what they need, what they want to avoid and what is absolutley unacceptable.

The design process is not black and white. It is a broad spectrum of shades of gray. Blur your eyes, and the overall look of the finished project should make you happy.

This is all a little late. This conversation has been going for three years. The first of multiple public meetings to address the PO was held in January 2012. http://forum.maplewoodonline.com//discussion/78748/ . At what point do we stop?

Agreed. It's the same as "You can not complain about about elected officials if you did not vote."

yahooyahoo said:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/arts/design/richard-meier-is-now-focusing-on-new-jersey-projects.html?_r=0

Architect Goes Home, to Recall and to Work

Richard Meier Is Now Focusing on New Jersey Projects

See? All this futzing around, and Meier's already built his museum in Jersey City. 6 floors, too. Would have been awesome.

While the current design is "OK" I'd be interested in hearing details of a Meier proposal (especially cost). What's the harm in learning more?

With all due respect to Mr. Meier, I'd actually prefer if famed architect Mike Brady would design the building.

I think a single story ranch design would be just as consistent with the village's architecture as anything Mr. Meier has designed.

sarahzm said:

davidfrazer said:

kmk said:

The "BEST" design can not even begin to be created until priorities are set.

Just as you might ask a chef to cook you his "best" meal only to be dissappointed that it contains sardines and peanuts. One you don't like and one you are allergic to!

The (vocal) people of Maplewood need to start talking about what they want, what they need, what they want to avoid and what is absolutley unacceptable.

The design process is not black and white. It is a broad spectrum of shades of gray. Blur your eyes, and the overall look of the finished project should make you happy.

This is all a little late. This conversation has been going for three years. The first of multiple public meetings to address the PO was held in January 2012. http://forum.maplewoodonline.com//discussion/78748/ . At what point do we stop?

We stop when we get it right.

Who gets to decide when it's "right"? It is quite clear that there is no agreement, so let's not pretend some magic solution is going to make everyone happy.

I

ice said:

With all due respect to Mr. Meier, I'd actually prefer if famed architect Mike Brady would design the building.

I think a single story ranch design would be just as consistent with the village's architecture as anything Mr. Meier has designed.

) ) )

How about Wilbur Post ( Mr. Ed's owner)

sac said:

Why in the world are we even talking about a museum?

SMH

you know what I'd really like to see in that old post office space that almost became a museum that would host Christmas pageants while doubling as an animal shelter? A good falafel place, but with like, really fresh tomatoes.

bradg said:

While the current design is "OK" I'd be interested in hearing details of a Meier proposal (especially cost). What's the harm in learning more?

Agree, though I'd imagine that costs for the architecture firm would be negotiated with the developer and wouldn't necessarily be made public. I think this has been one of the more confusing aspects of this project - it is not a public building owned by the township.

Not owned by the Twp? What?

Interesting on Meier. I'll withhold judgment for now, given not all the facts are in. Assume a copy of the email correspondence with Meier was provided to the TC, yes?

apple44 said:

bradg said:

While the current design is "OK" I'd be interested in hearing details of a Meier proposal (especially cost). What's the harm in learning more?

Agree, though I'd imagine that costs for the architecture firm would be negotiated with the developer and wouldn't necessarily be made public. I think this has been one of the more confusing aspects of this project - it is not a public building owned by the township.

If the old Post Office building and surrounding land is not owned by the Township then a
lot of people are really confused.

The post office site would be sold to the developer who would then contract with the architect presumably.

sarahzm said:

I

ice said:

With all due respect to Mr. Meier, I'd actually prefer if famed architect Mike Brady would design the building.

I think a single story ranch design would be just as consistent with the village's architecture as anything Mr. Meier has designed.

) ) )

How about Wilbur Post ( Mr. Ed's owner)

) +1 Ya just gotta love Maplewood discussions. I wish they could put the building back that they tore down to put the post office in. That was the right fit. But, it's gone. I've grown to appreciate the post office building (yes I like it -- so shoot me) and miss being able to go there. I hate the parking at all other nearby PO's. I'd be happy if it stayed, but I guess that is going to be gone too. Getting Richard Meier to design the new building would be a great attraction for our town, even it it collided with the consistency of downtown design. No one will come to Maplewood to see the post office we have now or an ordinary apartment building. Let's get our own private Getty Center with surrounding sustainable boutiques, thanks to the tourist trade. New rateables! Lower taxes. . . Ok, wake me up now. . .

Richard Meier's office is not going to help enrich a developer by designing a rental residential property pro-bono.

Don't be a spoilsport, SGW. :-D

don't let personal knowledge get in the way of an opinion

callista said:

I realize that art is subjective, but those buildings are charmless cement boxes. Not even remotely Maplewood.

And there's the rub.

What I see are stark PURE-WHITE boxes with random panels that look like they are not yet fully installed, and window designs that look like large interior ventilation covers. In the settings in which they are presented in the photos, they are reasonably appropriate and I could see how some might find them quite artistic and beautiful. But accross the street from Bill & Harrys and casting odd-angled shadows on Dickens Village? Not so much. At all. True laughing stock potential.

I would venture to guess that a famous architect who is known for his style will want to stay true to his brand, so I doubt we'd get anything from him other than elements from that style. White boxes with floating panels and vent covers. Seems odd that the same people who want to preserve the character of Maplewood would be pushing for this. It would really just be for the sake of pride for those who care about a 'branded' building. Seems like a bit of a side show to me, and I hope that not a lot of time is wasted on it.

joan_crystal said:

The post office site would be sold to the developer who would then contract with the architect presumably.

Yes, but the point above was made that it "is not" (not "would be") owned by the Twp. It assuredly IS owned by the Twp.

Yes, I should have said "would be." The building designed by Meier would be a privately owned building, so it's not clear to me how much we would learn about his compensation.

sac said:

Why in the world are we even talking about a museum?

SMH

Full Moon?

sarahzm said:

@Joan Crystal's clarification of what actually happened at the TC meeting certainly puts a different spin on things.

When everyone else is in La La Land count on St. Joan of MOL to have her feet planted firmly on the ground.

ridski said:

Actually, in all seriousness,

Of all people to decide to be serious on a very silly thread, you, really?

Actually I'm glad a took a break from work this morning.
This has been quite amusing.

crazy idea. choose an architect based on their experience with the intended function(s) of the building and one with an aesthetic you like. from what I can tell, this architect probably wouldn't be right for either.

why don't we repurpose the PO, turning the large space into a performance venue specifically for Maplewood and South Orange based performers? with a liquor license and a restaurant?

woo-hoo!

peteglider said:

crazy idea. choose an architect based on their experience with the intended function(s) of the building and one with an aesthetic you like. from what I can tell, this architect probably wouldn't be right for either.

+1. And until we know more about the proposal, I would add "and at a price you are willing to pay"

I find it mildly disturbing that members of the TC seem willing to push the notion that Meiers should be somehow forced onto the current architect/developer.
In any event, will probably be a non-issue given the valid issue raised by SGW and others above.

It defies basic logic that people who are bemoaning the current plan because it doesn't fit the character of the village are now interested in something like this. I just do not get it. At all.