Exit133

September 24, 2008 · Derek

Heidelberg Hotel Heads to LPC - Again

Do you remember that story about the old Heidelberg Brewery becoming a hotel? Then, they added another hotel to the site. Well, those plans are apparently heading to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Wednesday afternoon for a bit of design review.

The new site will feature a Holiday Inn Express and a Candlewood Suites. Architect Don Johnson includes the following narrative in the design review application:

The proposed project consists of construction of a new multi-story Hotel. The hotel will be constructed on the site of the Heidelberg building. In respect for the existing Heidelberg building residing in an historical area, on on site assessment was made to determine the feasibility of using the existing structure to accommodate the proposed hotel use. It is determined that the change in occupancy, would require extensive revisions to the existing building. Consideration of many issues such as Franchise requirements, window placements, seismic upgrades, parking, exterior finishes, etc. require demolition of the existing building.

In respect for the existing character of the surrounding site, we are proposing a building that is similar in building massing, fenestration, window sizes, and cladding.

1. Required parking will not be surface oriented, but rather incorporated into the overall context of the building. Parking is proposed to be on the first and second levels and the roof top. Openings required in the garage will be similar in size and alignment as windows on other levels, hence the garage will not be readily visible from the surrounding area.

2. The building massing is a function of the required Hotel rooms. To provide interest and variety in the facade we are proposing various set backs, pilasters and varying heights.

3. Materials are proposed that will provide interest, and compatibility with surrounding buildings. We propose a combination of brick and stucco. The brick will be a blend of dark reds and browns. There will be three different brick colors used in the building to provide visual interest. Windows will be beige in color and will have internal divided lights to provide scale an compatibility with window in surrounding buildings.

4. Pedestrian experience will be enhanced at the ground level by adding retail uses on the corner and providing awnings to cover the sidewalk. The entrance to the building is proposed to be a single driveway that will feature stamped concrete pavings, a water feature and potted plants.

Click to Enlarge

This has been a rather interesting discussion in the past. We look forward to hearing more about it.

Previously on Exit133

Filed under: Neighborhoods, Tacoma Landmarks, Brewery District, Heidelberg

24 comments

  • Nick September 24, 2008

    I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth . . .

  • Jake September 24, 2008

    I wonder what the west side of the building will look? It will be facing the Prairie Line Trail.

  • snoopy September 24, 2008

    that looks just as crappy as the Marriott.

  • Tacoma (A)roma September 24, 2008

    Do these people think they’re putting their hotels in on the outskirts of Fife or something? To second snoopy’s comment, I think the Marriot satisfied our quota for suburban hotels.

  • Squid September 24, 2008

    Can we not get King Oscar to come up with a design to beat this?

  • CA September 24, 2008

    Not exactly a beauty. However, considering the state of the economy and the current status of downtown Tacoma’s “renaissance,” I wouldnt expect much more than this. The city is presented with 2 options: Take what it can get right now and be happy someone is building something in downtown. Or say thanks but no thanks, and just wait for better times and better offers. I suppose a third option is to continue working with this developer and get them to upgrade their designs and spend more money. I just dont know if the city is in a position right now to make demands.

  • Mofo from the Hood September 24, 2008

    Please add the old Heidelberg water tower to the roof and place some neon beer signs in the windows. Paint huge vintage Heidelberg signage on at least one side of the building ala Bone-Dry Shoe or Harmon et alia…Proper dues to the past; ancestor worship and all that…Confuse innocent onlookers…

  • Squid September 24, 2008

    Sad to say, but I think CA is probably correct. With reluctance and resignation, I withdraw above sarcastic remark.

  • Twofivethreezy September 24, 2008

    I just want to point out that the word “preservation,” “historic, “ or “landmark” was not once mentioned in the architect’s description – which, in my opinion, exemplifies the degree (or lack thereof) to which the architect has considered these concepts in the context of this design.

  • Jesse September 25, 2008

    It looks like it belongs next to the airport.

  • Thorax O'Tool September 25, 2008

    <barf> Shudder </barf>

    I know something is better than nothing, but do we have to have another Fife-style Marriott II?
    Yes, we do need more hotel rooms in this city… which is why the Foss hotel is such a big deal. But come on, this is really low-caliber design here.
    I know it takes more $$$ to build something nicer, but I agree with Furby… we can do better.
    We’ll never get quality mid and high rises if we keep letting developers build long, low and ugly stuff.

  • Thorax O'Tool September 25, 2008

    Ok, new project!

    I, the illustrious and justifiably somewhat renown (in small local circles( Thorax Z. O’Tool will design a better hotel for the site.
    Once I return home from the rat race on Thursday afternoon, I will proceed to my drafting table and will design us a hotel, and I promise no less than 10 stories.

    Before I start… anyone know the dimensions of the site?
    …I’m looking at you, Jake.

  • Jake September 25, 2008

    approx: 155’ x 410’

  • drizell September 25, 2008

    I agree, some things could be done to make these hotels more appropriate for the area. However, this is big improvement over the previous proposal. There are some “concessions” the developer appears to be willing to make to garner more community support—things like street level retail, brick facades up to the third floor, an enclosed porte cochere and internal parking. Note that both buildings are at least five stories and have full street frontages on both C St and 21st—which makes them far more “urban” in nature than the Marriott or anything you’ll find in Fife or South Tacoma.

    There are elements that the hotel brands will use on every hotel, such as their signage, which tries to make them distinguishable to visitors. I really think we need to accept this fact. While reference to historic uses are sometimes nice, do we seriously want to incorporate them into every building? I expect that Russell would balk at building their new headquarters at the old Sauro’s dry cleaning site if they were to be required to resurrect the old Sauro’s sign on the side of their gleaming new building.

    I think the MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE here is that two hotels on this site will do much more to revitalize the neighborhood than a hulking, abandoned brewery that has only contributed to increased crime and various other societal ills for decades. Seeing previously vacant or underused sites such as Heidelberg brewery put to more active uses could spur other property owners in the area to take steps to improve their own properties, as well. The best thing to do here is to realize the long-term benefits for the Brewery District and all of downtown of having two hotels in this location. This block has been devoid of activity for 30 years, and this really needs to change—regardless of whether it’s the nicest looking building in the world or not.

  • Mofo from the Hood September 26, 2008

    Okay Mr. O’Tool, I don’t know much about building design but I know a British phone booth when I see one.

  • altered chords September 26, 2008

    Mofo – start drawing.

  • Mofo from the Hood September 26, 2008

    I know how to draw. I’m just not smart enough to figure out how to upload images to sites. But I guess if that RR Anderson guy can figure out the uploading part then I could too (Seen his drawings?).

  • Mofo from the Hood September 26, 2008

    Thank you Mr. O’Tool. Keep that electronic ink flowin’.

  • Mofo from the Hood September 27, 2008

    Mr. O’Tool, don’t forget to specify some outside wall space for artworks (gets you through the Tacoma permit process faster).

  • drizell September 28, 2008

    Thorax, your first building reminds me of a male reproductive organ ready for action. That would really draw some attention to T-Town, wouldn’t it? Chicago and Boston both have similar buildings that are coincidentally located right next to the tallest buildings in both cities, so they’re hard to miss. Remember, Tacoma was named the most “sexually healthy” city for women in 2006. This building could reflect that designation very well. It could even become a new marketing slogan: “Tacoma: Fully Erect.”

    This is what happens when I decide to write blog posts at 4 a.m.

  • rick September 29, 2008

    Man, Thorax is going to be pissed when he finds out an eight year old has highjacked his name and attributing these “architectural sketches” to him. And there’s an option for a FULL size view. Phew! I was having a hard time seeing how, umm, great? the designs were in the thumbnails.

    Ok, ok, good for T O’T for posting his ideas. It’s made for a good thread chuckle… And, now we all know how to post images!

    While I don’t LOVE the design as posted at the top, it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen. Keep in mind that there’s a pesky return-on-investment that needs to be met, too. Rates need to be reasonable enough to keep occupancy high enough to make the project pencil out.

  • Mofo from the Hood September 29, 2008

    As I understand the partial motive for the project, the ROI relies significantly on room rentals to patrons of convention center functions. The convention center has publicly stated that more nearby rooms are needed. Nearby as in walking or short trip by motor vehicle.

  • Squid September 30, 2008

    Does that spire in Chicago run on a couple of AA’s?

  • Erik S October 1, 2008

    I can’t get the Miami Vice theme music out of my head now. Thanks a lot.