I was in the Park East neighborhood today to check out a couple of new developments: The almost complete Flatiron building on the corner of N. Jefferson and Water, and Convent Hill, also on N. Jefferson.
The former is a rather snazzy structure which contains condos, retail space and offices too I believe. It's a little early to tell but the retail end of the bargain might have gotten the short end of the stick. The areas given over to retail don't look especially engaging.The condos on the other hand appear rather well-accomodated, enjoying balconies set back into the facade and giving it depth and variation that's very pleasing.
Convent Hill's rather utilitarian appearance uses ploys like great blocks of color and odd rectilinear patterns to break the monotony of it's facade. On street level it's pretty institutional in appearance. There is an open space on the lower level that might have made for a lovely courtyard or public garden but instead is occupied by some kind of vehicle access lanes that give it the look of a very large drive-through bank.
The two buildings make for an interesting contrast: one decidedly jaunty the other prudish.
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