Six examples of facadism in urban settings

[thelakelander]

Facadism is a practice where the facade of a structure is preserved with a new building constructed around or behind it. During the latter half of the 20th century, facadism has been used as a type of compromise solution between developers seeking higher densities and preservationist desiring to preserve a community's historic sense of place and/or buildings of aesthetic or historic interest. Here are six examples of facadism involving a mix of uses across the country.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/six-examples-of-facadism-in-urban-settings/

[Charles Hunter]

Shame the Doro developers aren't considering this.

[Captain Zissou]

This is all over the place in DC.  The results are spectacular and really enhance the streetscape.  Interesting that the Doro owners only need to look next door for inspiration...

[acme54321]

It's easier and cheaper to demo and no one is stopping them.

[Peter Griffin]

I could see it if the Doro district actually had a consistent facade around the whole property, but it really doesn't.

Also the first building in the list looks pretty odd, not very aesthetically appealing in my opinion. The two best-looking ones in the list are right here in Jax. Worth noting and appreciating that we have such nice reuse developments in our downtown, even more worth paying patronage to those places.

[Adam White]

When it works, it can be amazing. When it doesn't, well....not so much:

[Peter Griffin]

HAHAHA thanks for those absolutely garish examples, Adam. It looks like a new building trying to crouch and hide behind an old one like some sorta impostor...

[vicupstate]

The 'cover' photo is of a building that was not discussed in the article. It is in Charlotte on Tryon Street The historic building was called the Ratcliffe Florist building. It was originally built on the East side of Tryon. It was moved across Tryon temporarily, so that the new foundation for the skyscraper could be built. Then the Ratcliffe was returned to its original location, and the new skyscraper built above and beside it.   

[Wacca Pilatka]

Doesn't Charlotte also have a nice incorporation of the façade of the old Ivey's flagship store into a modern building?  Or am I remembering incorrectly?

[vicupstate]

The Ivey's building was renovated into condominiums. The entire building.

[JPalmer]

A mid-rise glass tower coming up from the Hayden Burns library would be really cool looking.

Also, would the JEA tower be an example of facadism?

[thelakelander]

No, the JEA Tower project would be an example of adaptive reuse. The developer still intends to use the existing structural components, floors, roof, etc. of the building.

[Wacca Pilatka]

The Ivey's building was renovated into condominiums. The entire building.

Thanks Vic

[mbstout]

The Samsung buiding @ 837 Washington Street NYC by Morris Adjmi in NYC is a beautiful example that turned a two story former abattoir into a seven story immersive experience flagship store and corporate offices.

Also, the Hearst Building in midtown Manhattan by Norman Foster is cool example too.  The whole 5-6 story former historic became a grand lobby and base for the tower that rises above it.