When WDG Architects first released their refined renderings for the first apartment building at Scotts Run Station it was difficult for me to figure out what materials were being planned. The brick was apparent but the miscellaneous grey coloring could have been anything from painted brick (like Nouvelle), stone, or a stucco/concrete. I was pleasantly surprised to see the answer when I checked in for a construction update.
The grey material is a corrugated metal cladding, a material that has become very popular in the western US. Part of the popularity in the aesthetic has been spurred by sustainable projects using shipping containers, part of it is due to the materials ability to fit into transitioning areas that may have older or more industrial characters.
My only critique is the ground level of the project. Because of the overpowering visual impact of Route 123 the ground floor feels awkward and without a transition. Some of this will be mitigated once Route 123 gets proper sidewalks and landscape but I feel maybe planter boxes or a decorative seat wall would do more underneath the window sills. Who knows this might be in the plans, and yet to be built.
There are some existing elements that clearly need to be addressed outside of the control of the developer. The traffic light pole on the corner of Anderson and Route 123 is causing some problems for anyone living at the 2nd floor corner unit (unless you like the view of cast iron in the morning). One solution could be a more decorative pole or flat out exchanging the type of signal arm/relocating to the median.
The space in between the building and Route 123 may seem limited but much of that is the optics created from the jersey barriers and signage (also needing a better solution). However, a lot could still be improved here with the Dolley Madison streetscape, much of which could be afforded by a simple reduction from 12′ lanes to 10′ lanes. It wouldn’t hurt to start elevating the right lane (ramp to DTR) earlier which might afford the ability to create a protected bike lane crossing beneath, more on this concept in the future.
