10 April 2011

Refurbished urban design


I was looking back through some pictures of my travels thus far throughout the Pacific Northwest as I'm planning a better trip to Seattle when my friend visits over Memorial Day weekend. Above is one from the Yaletown district in Vancouver, BC. It dawned on me how fascinating I found these rehabbed loading dock and rail platforms in the old warehouse districts. I can recall only a handful in Portland, but Vancouver had many.

Now, raised, possibly extended with much narrower right of ways, with restaurants and shops, these walkways, separate from the street, serve as great examples of refurbished urban design that I just really love and enjoy.

According to Wikipedia:
While little or no original housing from the 19th century survives, several older buildings from the industrial days still exist. Hamilton Street and Mainland Street are the most significant, comprising two intact streetscapes from that era. They are lined with handsome brick warehouses built on rail platforms, many with cantilevered canopies. These have been converted into loft style apartments and offices, with boutique stores, bars and restaurants at the ground level.
I am really interested in finding out more about about these and if there are other examples elsewhere.

PS: My apologies for a lack of posting lately. Life is busy, y'know.