Comments on: Judging Buildings – 14th and Florida (Updated)

By: Stella

Stella — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:01:56 +0000

I agree that this building looks great, although the color choices are off. Either blonde brick with black window systems or red brick with the putty/gray. Who was asking about the views down 14th? Seriously? You can see the Wilson Bridge from the top floor corner unit at Solea, which I’ve toured.

And speaking of Solea, I think it’s a love/hate building. DC is just so conservative with its architecture. That’s why everything looks the same. But this small section of the city is starting to embrace more modern, Scandinavian designs. There are a lot of smaller projects scattered around Florida Ave/11th that are pushing the envelope. The Lacey is one example. Solea is just the most visible.

By: Reformed Somali Pirate

Reformed Somali Pirate — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:10:35 +0000

Ahoy !

Hold the self inflicted tear down JMW and LJ.

Let’s take it easy with Solea Condominiums and all the wonderful and generous advertisers that make this medium possible for all us and our Prince.

Tantum Eruditi Sunt Liberi

By: LJ

LJ — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:55:37 +0000

These were originally going to be condos, but will be rental upon completion due to the economy (so sayeth the people at the Cityscape next door…). And the Solea’s got some build quality issues–kind of what you’d expect from the outside, really. Anyone know what’s going to happen with the lot across 14th where the strip mall used to be?

By: JMW

JMW — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:38:51 +0000

I heard that these were supposed to be offices? I also want to tour the Solea to see if they are as bad inside as they are outside. That waved metal facade is awful.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:10:55 +0000

As someone with floor to ceiling windows that open like these, the problem isn’t privacy but heating/cooling costs. Blinds are a one time expense (or maybe once every 10 yrs). But the extra $50-100/month seeping out the cracks really adds up over time.

By: W Jordan

W Jordan — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:02:04 +0000

The building is designed to steal ground level views on 14th Street and has a horrible impact on the streetscape. As well this is a city subsidized building.

By: Victoriam

Victoriam — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:57:59 +0000

Oh dear – I would hope anyone able to afford a place like this could do better than ladies impressed by remote control window shades!

By: CS in DC

CS in DC — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:39:48 +0000

I agree on the brick. The PN Hoffman beige is starting to wear on me. A traditional red in a slightly weathered finsih would have been a interesting contrast to the steel (although slightly more expensive). I do love the slant over 14th. I’d love that top floor unit. Also it and the building across the street have created an interesting effect going up the hill. Canyon-like and that is not a put down.

As far as shades go often developers do wet some standards or provide them with the unit. Typical is Mecho-shade. It is a cross-hatch pattern that can let in varied levels of light (or privacy) depending upon the density of the hatching. They can be manually operated or set on a remote control. If you are getting the million dollar, bad ass view penthouse – go with the remote. It will impress the ladies.

By: rg

rg — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:52:37 +0000

first glance it reminded me of my elementary school from several decades back. Its the windows shapes and setting, and brick. looks like a public school from the 1950′s or 60s. Maybe I am not picturing it in my head but what exactly is there to see down florida ave? Did the monuments move or am I misdirected. I dont know squat about architecture, good or bad. Its like pron, I know it when i see it. Well make nice apratments though im sure.

By: anon

anon — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:17:12 +0000

And following up on the open windows issue, if they are rentals the tenants would definitely not want to invest in an expensive solution. Seems like it would be good for the building to provide something.