Edit: So the design in the top photo was completed in 1910, although the park has been there since the 1860s (then known as Central Park). In the 1950s the city wanted more downtown parking, so they tore up the park and added a three level garage below.
The park was then rebuilt in a rather austere fashion. The lawn was replaced with concrete and reflecting ponds were added. In the 1990s the park was again rebuilt, the design that stands today.
Pretty much everybody thinks the current design is hideous and horrendously date, there’ve been plans to redesign the park for quite awhile. There was a movement to rebuild the 1910 park, but the city ignored it and chose a new design (even though its much more expensive). Unfortunately, that project stalled due to funding issues.
As of now, it’s one of the most hostile public spaces in the city. I really don’t know what the architects were thinking.
DanishFurnitureShopsays
Is the original facade still under the cladding of the building on the far side of the square?
Arizoniacsays
What’s the blue thing?
v8poweragesays
Yes too much concrete now and shadow casting skyscrapers
moose098 says
Full disclosure: I didn’t make this. It’s from this blog which has a lot of before and after pictures. Here’s the source for this image.
Here’s a picture of the park from the ground.
Edit: So the design in the top photo was completed in 1910, although the park has been there since the 1860s (then known as Central Park). In the 1950s the city wanted more downtown parking, so they tore up the park and added a three level garage below.
The park was then rebuilt in a rather austere fashion. The lawn was replaced with concrete and reflecting ponds were added. In the 1990s the park was again rebuilt, the design that stands today.
Pretty much everybody thinks the current design is hideous and horrendously date, there’ve been plans to redesign the park for quite awhile. There was a movement to rebuild the 1910 park, but the city ignored it and chose a new design (even though its much more expensive). Unfortunately, that project stalled due to funding issues.
As of now, it’s one of the most hostile public spaces in the city. I really don’t know what the architects were thinking.
DanishFurnitureShop says
Is the original facade still under the cladding of the building on the far side of the square?
Arizoniac says
What’s the blue thing?
v8powerage says
Yes too much concrete now and shadow casting skyscrapers