"Convention Center by Night, North Side"
Raleigh, NC - December 2008 (Click to embiggen)
Often referred to by the great unwashed as "the New Civic Center", RCC's website gently corrects visitors by firmly refusing to call the building by any other than its given name, the "Raleigh Convention Center". Given the contentious history of the "old civic Center" I guess I understand that.The argument seems to stem from the question of whether or not a new convention facility was (a) needed and (b) prudent. After all, the old Raleigh Civic Center had been open for less than 30 years when plans were laid for this new project. Just how much can a building deteriorate in 30 years time? and what caused this deterioration? Poor construction, or poor maintenance would seem to be the most likely culprits, and in either case, what can you offer in the way of assurance that we won't see the same thing happen again?But the powers that decide such things ultimately prevailed and one fine Sunday morning the earth of the city shook under the force of the detonation blasts as the old was imploded to make way for the new. (Though why this was necessary I can't explain since the buildings are not on the same site.)The new facility opened the doors onto half a million square feet in September of 2008 and so far it's still standing.
"Convention Center by Day, West Side"
Raleigh, NC - December 2008 (Click to embiggen)
Visible in the second photo is the mural-style window on the building's west side that features an animated oak tree (Raleigh being the city of oaks as you may or may not remember) whose leaves blow in the wind. How this works is a mystery to me. Probably LCD technology from the looks of it, but I wouldn't want you quoting me on it.At the end of the day it's a really big building that cost a whole pile of money that some very loud voices thougth should be put to other uses. Since it's fait accompli now, I don't see the merit in debating the point further. It's here, it's open and one of these days the debris from the construction might even be gone. Of course, by then we may be looking at
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22 comments:
Good Monday mornin' to you. Beautiful, I thought it's the reflection of a tree in the window!
I wonder if they considered closing, demolition, and (re)building costs when constructing the original. As much as cheaper methods and materials may save in the center's childhood, it just doesn't seem economically feasible if it gets creaky legs, gray hair and wrinkles before the age of 30.
Then again....what if the building was constructed poorly intentionally so that it would have to be rebuilt with fancy new window technology? Like guy coming back from the future with tales of screens that can display anything.
That mural window is amazing!
what a difference between the two... i like it better at night
The window is very cool. It looks like a reflection.
thank you! i appreciate your words!
That West Side wall is lovely. Apparently there are a few folks down there suffering from serious edifice complexes. May they get a grip....
Imagine of the Romans thought in terms of 30 years?
That wall with the oak is lovely but like you,I've never been able to understand why civic buildings have such a short life span. Like wise, why are freeways obsolete as soon as they are built? Here in the Sacramento area it never occured to the "powers that be" that maybe they should put a few more bridges across the American river before it was built up on each side.
I too like the west side. I hope it would be a widely used structure.
terrific shots--love the night shot!
Beautiful and great captures night and day!
Mary Elizabeth @ Now and Then
The tree window is just staggering. It seems the same the world over that certain building seen to age prematurely or no longer fit the bill- well according to higher powers.
Great shots once again, and congrats on the big win last night.
Have a great week
Guy
Regina In Pictures
My hope is that this convention center gets more use than the old one. Or at least my perception was that it sat unused more days than not.
Great pictures, and background on The City of Oaks' newest crown jewel.
You have a great photos of civic center especially the second photo.
And for the idea why our government spend money to the things that we may look useless to us, for the simple reason "spend money to show they are doing the so called projects".
I guess you have few cases in your country, but we have a lot of this where I lived, spending money to the useless stuff.
Who knows the how or why of governments be they city, state or national!!! Lovely shot regardless! and enjoyed your commentary! Have a great week, Mojo!
Interesting story about the creation of this new building. The detonation of the old one on a different site seems weird. Somebody really didn't like that civic center!
The West side looked perfectly fine but the North Side has a modern feel to it. Although I agree with the argument, is it really necessary?
an interesting tale there...
lovely pictures though
like the oak across the side of the building...quite a nice artistic touch. i will have to say aren't all civic projects entrenched in politics...lol.
have a great week.
erin
The civic center looks purdy good so far. Did the building deteriorate in 30 years or did the community really out grow it?
http://aguthrieimages.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/thats-my-world-tuesday-grins-and-gripes/
Nice one Mojo.
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