Updated 6/27
A Gemini Rosemont Development spokesperson confirmed what a commenter said. This project is on hold. Specifically: "The project is frozen and we are currently evaluating options for the site."
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In recent weeks, workers removed the wheatpaste-ad-filled plywood fencing and put in a chainlink fence.
On separate occasions, we spotted two workers... once they picked up random bricks and stones and placed them in a dumpster... and then, days later, collected trash...
As previously reported (first here), there are approved work permits (as of last summer) for an 11-floor mixed-use building on the site of a former three-building parcel.
Gemini Rosemont Development is behind this 100,568-square-foot new building ... the development, using 42 E. Second St. for its address, will feature 88 residential units and 9,600 square feet for retail.
In 2020, Gemini Rosemont bought the former La Salle annex at 38 Second Ave. and Second Street. The $14.5 million purchase of the four-story building was the third of three contiguous plots they acquired. The Los Angeles-based commercial real-estate investment company closed on 42-44 Second Ave. and 46-48 Second Ave. (the former Church of the Nativity) in March 2020 for $40 million.
The brief to the architects of these buildings going up all over the neighborhood must be: it should have no soul, no design identity other than boxes on boxes, and only use cold materials like metal and glass. Oh, and put a couple of trees in front for the renders, because eco-green streets or carbon neutral, or whatever.
ReplyDeleteGood grief!
ReplyDeleteIt looks exactly like every other building going up or that has gone up in the last twenty years. None of them will last fifty years before another tasteless glass box takes its place.
The project has been abandoned by Gemini Rosemont. Their permit is in the process of being revoked. Their plans were deemed dangerous for the neighboring property by DOB. Gemini is actively trying to sell the lot. The chain link fence is only allowed by DOB when a project is abandoned or stalled.
ReplyDeleteThis open space looks awful. Something must replace it. Hope this is sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteI think the ONLY new building in the EV that has kept scale and a used an appropriate choice of building materials, colors and style was the Steiner Condo development on 12th & A.
ReplyDeleteyes but why leave all that retail space empty?
DeleteTotally agree with 2017gotham. That's the only new or new-ish building I can think of in the nabe with any warmth, style, or sense of trying to fit in with its surroundings. The rendering of the proposed monstrosity on 2nd and 2nd is utterly soulless. But I hope Anon8:21 is right and the project has been abandoned. (What the heck would go there instead??)
ReplyDeleteSenior housing, affordable housing. Things the neighborhood needs.
DeleteWe should be able to have 10 story buildings without an overtly negative reaction. The city needs density. Yes, it would be cool if it were brick or more interesting architecture. But money still doesn’t grow on trees. Someone’s we need to allow change in the form of different aesthetics. It’s not 1950, building costs and building materials are just different now and we need to adjust
ReplyDelete