Blaine Mansion Addition
5 08 2009Originally built back in 1881, the Blaine Mansion in Dupont Circle is undergoing a massive redevelopment. While the original building itself has been lovingly restored, there is also a modern six-story, metal-and-glass-clad, concrete-frame mixed-use addition (pictured right) being added to the site. We certainly think the modern addition doesn’t look like it’s going to fit very well with its surroundings, but we will reserve judgment until the exterior finishing is complete.
Even in advance of the projects completion, some of the commercial space has already been occupied, including Le Pain Quotidien. The entire project is on track to wrap up by the end of the summer. What do you think of the buildings mix of historic and modern so far?
[Photo: DCMetrocentric]
That glass walkway connecting the old building to the new part is horrendous looking.
U.G.L.Y. The aluminum and glass addition is bland, cheap and so ugly. The “modern” addition would have been better as a single glass curtain wall with cantilevered levels like the Shakespeare Theater downtown or the Orrick offices on 15th Street.
But I’ll reserve final judgement, too.
I’ve been by there on the P St. side an honestly I didn’t even realize it was supposed to part of the Mansion. Standing alone it is fine but they failed miserably if the intention was incorporate with the existing structure.
I agree. I don’t particularly like the modern addition to this historic property. The walkway between the two buildings seems to clash horribly. Darn.
Individually they look fine. Together? Ugly!
Inconsiderate, ugly, boring, noncontextual, lazy… total wreck.
I walk by this building almost every day and it’s been getting uglier as they complete it.
I’m pretty positive the glassy building as well as the top of the mansion are going to be residential. There’s actually a pool on the roof of the new building.
Crazy right?
oh and i have to say.. I think the only part that REALLY offends me is the bridge connecting the two. While the new addition is certainly nothing to write home about, there is potential for them to wrap it up nicely. The bridge however, is complete and as lame as could be.
Even that curved canopy on the other side…ug.
Its a tough line to walk. You can’t make the new look just like the old for a number of reasons. The best way in my opinion is to see the new take an element of the old and incorporate that in a modern design. I don’t see a connection here, but it isn’t done. And I have to agree, the bridge is awful. Get rid of it. Two separate buildings makes for more pedestrians and more lively streets.
it aint got no alibi its ugly hey hey its ugly
Can’t blame a property owner for wanting to squeeze their lot but at least it dosen’t overpower the old dame.
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