Nashville College & University Expansion

[Baronakim]

8 hours ago, markhollin said:

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update:  primary columns along Wedgewood Ave. nearing completion.

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave. at 14th Ave. South:

ESa is  designing some fabulous new buildings at Belmont, but it is starting to remind me of the Roman Forum.  Imagine  if Belmont got a football team.  Could their new stadium look like the Flavian Ampitheatre perhaps?

[bnacincy]

Since Nashville already has a replicate of the Parthenon, then why stop there? Let's have a new Pantheon on the Belmont campus, and if Vanderbilt wanted to get really serious about their football stadium, then a new Colosseum perhaps?

Just sayin'....

[Bos2Nash]

1 hour ago, Baronakim said:

ESa is  designing some fabulous new buildings at Belmont, but it is starting to remind me of the Roman Forum.  Imagine  if Belmont got a football team.  Could their new stadium look like the Flavian Ampitheatre perhaps?

Forget Belmont Bruins. Forever known as the Belmont Gladiators!

[Baronakim]

1 hour ago, bnacincy said:

Since Nashville already has a replicate of the Parthenon, then why stop there? Let's have a new Pantheon on the Belmont campus, and if Vanderbilt wanted to get really serious about their football stadium, then a new Colosseum perhaps?

Just sayin'....

I proposed one back in the 1900s out by I-65 and Briley .   Skyline hospital is on the site now.  Here is the rendering from 1985.

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: First crane base on east side is in place; second crane base awaiting installation on west side.

Looking SW from Caldwell Ave. 1/2 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking SE from intersection of Caldwell Ave. and 15th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: second crane base is now set on the west side.

Looking SE from intersection of Caldwell Ave. and 15th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update:  primary columns along Wedgewood Ave. ornamentation at top nearly finished.

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave. at 14th Ave. South:

Looking NE from Acklen Ave., 1/14 block east of 15th Ave. South:

[MidTenn1]

On 10/5/2023 at 10:57 AM, Baronakim said:

ESa is  designing some fabulous new buildings at Belmont, but it is starting to remind me of the Roman Forum.  Imagine  if Belmont got a football team.  Could their new stadium look like the Flavian Ampitheatre perhaps?

I suspect Belmont, sooner than later based on their moving to the Missouri Valley Conference, will have a football program which would play at Geodis Park. Just my guess.

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: rebar rising across site.

Looking SW from Caldwell Ave., 1/2 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking SE from intersection of Caldwell Ave. and 15th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

TSU is moving forward with its new  $4.5 million, 3 story, 10,773 square-foot Alumni Welcome Center: 

More details here:

https://tnstatenewsroom.com/archives/32654?utm_term=nashtoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=nashtoday&utm_content=nashtoday
 

[markhollin]

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update.

Looking north from Acklen Ave.,  1/3 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave. at 14th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: both tower cranes are up and operational.

Looking NE from 15th Ave. South, 1/4 block south of Caldwell Ave:

[Nathan_in_DC]

On 10/31/2023 at 8:17 AM, markhollin said:

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update.

Looking north from Acklen Ave.,  1/3 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave. at 14th Ave. South:

Perhaps I'm being hypercritical, but I don't really like how this building is turning out. Greek Revival is one of my favorite styles of architecture, this is a poor execution of it. Proportions are wrong, the blend of neoclassical styles and modern materials isn't right, and the lines don't work. The big curved porch clashes with the geometry of the Corinthian columns, and the large modernist glass walls clash with the classical columns and porch roofs. The flanking porticos on the rear (I think it's the rear) with the peaked roofs clash and look strangely disproportionate with the large central columns. The worst offender though, I think, is the blending of the plaster/stucco facing material over the stone and columns, which just makes it look like they ran out of money halfway through.

The bottom half is pretty decent (except for the big windows and curved porch), but the top half looks like a Hampton Inn.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Nathan_in_DC

[Baronakim]

2 hours ago, Nathan_in_DC said:

Perhaps I'm being hypercritical, but I don't really like how this building is turning out. Greek Revival is one of my favorite styles of architecture, this is a poor execution of it. Proportions are wrong, the blend of neoclassical styles and modern materials isn't right, and the lines don't work. The big curved porch clashes with the geometry of the Corinthian columns, and the large modernist glass walls clash with the classical columns and porch roofs. The flanking porticos on the rear (I think it's the rear) with the peaked roofs clash and look strangely disproportionate with the large central columns. The worst offender though, I think, is the blending of the plaster/stucco facing material over the stone and columns, which just makes it look like they ran out of money halfway through.

The bottom half is pretty decent (except for the big windows and curved porch), but the top half looks like a Hampton Inn.

Yes, you are.

 

[Nathan_in_DC]

19 hours ago, Baronakim said:

Yes, you are.

 

I just have high expectations from Belmont!

That and I'm not happy if I'm not complaining about something. 

[Baronakim]

8 hours ago, Nathan_in_DC said:

I just have high expectations from Belmont!

That and I'm not happy if I'm not complaining about something. 

Ah.  I well understand as I often feel the same way.  However, I fail to appreciate your attitude somewhat in that you dis the "classical" value of the architecture at Belmont, but I recall little to nothing from you concening the architectural hodge-podge of the endless row of new dorms on West End Avenue.  Allow me to pontificate.  While I very much like the character of the Vanderbilt psuedohistoric  wall against modernity (especialiy as I winced every time I passed the atrocious Carmicheal monstrosities, having worked for the firm that designed them at the time),  the difference between Belmont and Vanderbilt seems apples and oranges.   I must shake my head in your analysis of the the failure of ESa (as i was also employed there for decades) to fulfill "classical" Greek standards of design.  I must point out that there was NOTHING in historical Greeck architecture approaching the scale, complexity or multiple uses of the many new educational structures at Belmont.  I would further point out that many of the "failures"  that you seem to put forward are architectural constraints which, if the ancient builders had access, would have been gleefully used in a heartbeat.   For instance the lovely column spacing on Greek temples was not due to an  excessive love of colonades, but rather that they lacked structural technology to allow fewer columns with wider spacing.  They had no arches or vaulting per se and the span between columns was very limited therefore.  You have not lived around here where so many of our churches and college buildings totally ignore Vignola's proportions in design...such terribly skinny architraves, boring low and stretched pediments, and especially columns so skinny as to appear as ludicrous as a person bereft of proper pants.  From your emphasis of love for Greek Revival, I should perhaps wonder if you also object to Nashille's Parthenon being constructed of concrete rather than cararra marble and it's failure  to be accurately painted in the garish colors which were univerally employed in the original.  I recall one fervent critic, a silly preacher, who publicly remarked that the Parthenon was "no place" for a pagan idol of Athena.  Such ignorange of history here is typical, I fear.  Surely you must grant lattitude given  the excellent classical design of the Fisher Center for Performing Arts also by ESa.  Of course no such corresponding enclosed facilities for performance existed in Greece 2,500 years ago, so today we must wing it.  Note that the scale of these buildings is more in keeping with the later Roman period where they had developed newer technologies such as architectural concrete employed by the Pantheon.  Of course the "classical" Victorians ohhed and ahhed over a stark white and stripped down version of history of which we know today as very incorrect.  IMO you are missing the point of the academic buildings at Belmont and perhaps even Vanderbilt.  While none of them are 'architecturally correct" with their historic antecedents,  they do present a magnificent bulwark exemplifying the importance of education in our city, historically and presently.

Edited November 7, 2023 by Baronakim

[Nathan_in_DC]

On 11/7/2023 at 10:33 AM, Baronakim said:

Ah.  I well understand as I often feel the same way.  However, I fail to appreciate your attitude somewhat in that you dis the "classical" value of the architecture at Belmont, but I recall little to nothing from you concening the architectural hodge-podge of the endless row of new dorms on West End Avenue.  Allow me to pontificate.  While I very much like the character of the Vanderbilt psuedohistoric  wall against modernity (especialiy as I winced every time I passed the atrocious Carmicheal monstrosities, having worked for the firm that designed them at the time),  the difference between Belmont and Vanderbilt seems apples and oranges.   I must shake my head in your analysis of the the failure of ESa (as i was also employed there for decades) to fulfill "classical" Greek standards of design.  I must point out that there was NOTHING in historical Greeck architecture approaching the scale, complexity or multiple uses of the many new educational structures at Belmont.  I would further point out that many of the "failures"  that you seem to put forward are architectural constraints which, if the ancient builders had access, would have been gleefully used in a heartbeat.   For instance the lovely column spacing on Greek temples was not due to an  excessive love of colonades, but rather that they lacked structural technology to allow fewer columns with wider spacing.  They had no arches or vaulting per se and the span between columns was very limited therefore.  You have not lived around here where so many of our churches and college buildings totally ignore Vignola's proportions in design...such terribly skinny architraves, boring low and stretched pediments, and especially columns so skinny as to appear as ludicrous as a person bereft of proper pants.  From your emphasis of love for Greek Revival, I should perhaps wonder if you also object to Nashille's Parthenon being constructed of concrete rather than cararra marble and it's failure  to be accurately painted in the garish colors which were univerally employed in the original.  I recall one fervent critic, a silly preacher, who publicly remarked that the Parthenon was "no place" for a pagan idol of Athena.  Such ignorange of history here is typical, I fear.  Surely you must grant lattitude given  the excellent classical design of the Fisher Center for Performing Arts also by ESa.  Of course no such corresponding enclosed facilities for performance existed in Greece 2,500 years ago, so today we must wing it.  Note that the scale of these buildings is more in keeping with the later Roman period where they had developed newer technologies such as architectural concrete employed by the Pantheon.  Of course the "classical" Victorians ohhed and ahhed over a stark white and stripped down version of history of which we know today as very incorrect.  IMO you are missing the point of the academic buildings at Belmont and perhaps even Vanderbilt.  While none of them are 'architecturally correct" with their historic antecedents,  they do present a magnificent bulwark exemplifying the importance of education in our city, historically and presently.

Even though I'm not in Nashville right now, considering that I was born in Nashville and grew up nearby, plus the fact that my family all lives either in town or in the area, it's not like I'm a complete foreigner or random tourist unfamiliar with the city and its history. If the Navy decides to build a base in town I'll definitely request assignment there, but I don't see that happening any time soon.  And I'm also quite familiar with the material constraints that led to the overall design and look of ancient monuments. I just would ask that you kindly avoid discounting opinions by throwing out the "you have not lived here..." argument.

You raise many valid points, but none of them directly address my critiques of this particular building (I'm not even talking about the rest of the campus, just the merits of this building alone). Namely, that the proportions of the flanking balconies don't work with the main portico, that the large glass walls clash with the neoclassical columns, that there is a strangely distracting curve in one of the porches, and the choice of materials clashes and detracts from the remaining merits of the building. All of my critiques are of course a matter of opinion, perhaps informed a bit by design theory from architecture electives taken a long time ago in Knoxville, but still mainly just opinion. And based on the fact that it's opinion and not hard science, you're obviously free to disagree. My larger point is that buildings with classical stylings don't have to be reproductions of ancient structures to be aesthetically pleasing in their proportionality, but they should strive to integrate the elements of the design in a coherent way. This is even more important if they're intended as representative edifices to education as you noted. Modern elements can be integrated with neoclassical design to great effect. Look at what is undoubtedly the best ESa project in Nashville: the Schermerhorn Center. Big, plate glass windows that are seamlessly blended with neoclassical architecture, though admittedly they were going for a different look with that building. The Fisher Center is great, too. Both are examples of the style that I think the designers of the Frist building were going for done right. In my opinion, the design of this does not integrate its elements in a stylistic or aesthetically pleasing way.

You also asked about my feelings on the Parthenon. I'm totally okay with it being in concrete. Sure, it'd be cool if it were decorated marble, but that's not necessary. It was executed in a way that the choice of materials don't detract from the building. Rather, the golden hue given by the concrete adds to it, in my opinion, and complements the paint that is on it (much of the statuary and decoration is already painted in bright colors, though perhaps not to the extent or level of the original building).

Finally, the original renderings appeared to show textured or simulated stone facing on upper floors, perhaps that simply has not been added yet. If it is going to be added and is done well, it will go a long way to making the building look better.
 

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: foundational walls starting to rise; rebar climbing.

Looking west from Caldwell Ave., 1/2 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Lookin SE from intersection of Caldwell Ave. and 15th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update.

Looking north from Acklen Ave.,  1/3 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave. at 14th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Belmont Univ. Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 782 beds) update: Pillars starting to pop up.

Looking west from Caldwell Ave., 1/2 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking SE from intersection of 15th Ave. South and Caldwell Ave:

[markhollin]

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update:  a;ll columns complete; greenery being planted.

Looking NE from Acklen Ave., 1/14 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking SE from Wedgewood Ave., 1/2 block east of 15th Ave. South:

[markhollin]

Fisk Univ. Science Building (2 stories) update: foundation work underway.

Looking NW from intersection of Jackson St. and 16th Ave. North:

[markhollin]

Belmont University Frist School of Medicine (6 stories, 160,000 sq. ft., internal garage) update: fencing down on south side; sod in place; interior work moving along quickly.

Looking north from Acklen Ave., 1/3 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking east from SW corner of building:

Looking SE from Acklen Ave., 1/4 block east of 15th Ave. South:

Looking south from Wedgewood Ave., at 14th Ave. South:

Looking into lobby from Acklen (south) side of building:

[markhollin]

Fisk University Dorm (4 stories, 216 beds) update: brickwork complete.

Looking NE from intersection of Meharry Blvd. and Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd:

Looking east from  Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., 1/4 block north of Meharry Blvd:

[markhollin]

Belmont University's Caldwell Hall II (11 stories, 714 beds, 4,134 sq. ft. of ground level retail) has landed a foundation permit worth $2.18 million to advance ongoing work on the site. 

More behind the paywall at the Nashville Post here:

https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/real-estate-notes-three-tower-project-effort-advances/article_237bc744-984a-11ee-b54e-63a4a8e8783f.html