Above is a high resolution image of the initial design of the Monterey Conference Center that debuted last night.
Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP sent me the photo around 1 a.m. last night, so it was not able to make print. Designs are not set in stone but the next meeting is fairly soon -- Dec. 23 -- so it is not as if there is no urgency.
There was a lot of concern raised by the business and hotel community at the meeting to get something done because of groups trying to book events. At the same time, the City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee are under pressure because of the $32 million price tag.
As the only reporter at last night's meeting, I have already received some backlash for having the gall to put in print some objections by elected officials to the design.
Monterey city manager Mike McCarthy wrote this to my boss: "The article in today's paper left the impression that it was very negative--I think early in the meeting it appeared negative, but by the end of the meeting, it was pretty clear that most agreed the drawings were right on track."
The video of last night's meeting should be uploaded here in a few days for those that want to see comments from officials for themselves.
The hotels might want it done soon, but it is something residents will need to see almost everyday and tourists are paying for.
Three hotels surrounding the center will cover the majority of the cost, with the other 65 hotels, motels and inns implementing a 1.6 or 0.8 percent tax on each bill. That means if you visit Monterey, and stay in a hotel, you are paying for this thing.
I have set up the comments on this site to not require a sign up on Blogger.com or anything like that. Please post your opinion! You might not own a hotel but your opinion is valuable (to me, anyway). Do you think the building is "right on track"?
NOTE: In the comment section, the easiest way to post is to select "Anonymous." But, feel free to leave your name if you want.
This design is unflattering to the already beautiful plaza it will be sitting on. I expect more from an architect who is getting paid millions.
ReplyDeleteSpecifically, they were paid $2.9 million. Thanks for commenting! http://www.montereyherald.com/20141024/monterey-conference-center-architecture-firm-selected
ReplyDeleteLooks like something you would expect to see in Los Angeles 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the design looks antiquated. It does not capture the natural aesthetics of the Monterey Bay area and does not reflect modernity in any way. I think it should be back to the drawing board in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a post office, circa 1972.
ReplyDeleteIt is Not a Monterey Style? It Should Look More Like the PORTOLA PLAZA, with a Tile Roof,. More MONTEREY SPANISH Style. This Looks More like SAN JOSE & SAN FRANCISCO Look TOO MODERN. It Should Look Like the the Other Historical Buildings, Like the Custum House & Pacific House. KEEP the MONTEREY HISTORY Alive. WE dont Need SAN FRANCISCO or NEW YORK in MONTEREY. GO Back & Redesign it
ReplyDeleteIt is Not a Monterey Style? It Should Look More Like the PORTOLA PLAZA, with a Tile Roof,. More MONTEREY SPANISH Style. This Looks More like SAN JOSE & SAN FRANCISCO Look TOO MODERN. It Should Look Like the the Other Historical Buildings, Like the Custum House & Pacific House. KEEP the MONTEREY HISTORY Alive. WE dont Need SAN FRANCISCO or NEW YORK in MONTEREY.
ReplyDeleteI copied this from above...MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!!!
Let's all remember the comments when the San Carlos Hotel was torn down and replaced with a large, pink building. I think they referred to it as a prison or hospital. Do we want to go through this all over again??
ReplyDeleteI wish it looked more inviting, this image looks rather cold and unappealing. Monterey is such a beautiful town to visit, why not have a more flattering conference center and incorporate some of its culture into the style.
ReplyDeleteYeah the design of Monterey Conference Center is elegant. The meeting room is quite good. And the best part of Monterey Conference Center is its perfect location. Overall it’s very nice.
ReplyDeleteDoes it really matter? It will be built and we will suffer the consequence. Enough said!
ReplyDeleteLooks good
ReplyDeleteAt first glance I was shocked! The more I look the better it gets. It seems to grow on me. I really like that it has it's own identity. It seems it will fit very well between the two large hotels and stand out to be a prominent city building. I think the openness would be very inviting. The front doors can now be found! The modern looking porch might actually get used and appears that it will have new appealing views. Love the direction it's headed. Thanks for allowing us to view the slides above!
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to say that a there are good reasons why the building needs to be updated, and I did not think the facade was a 'problem'. However it can be improved upon, and at first glance I liked it. I think it's normal for people to want 'something else' especially given the local history of hotel development (the awful Embassy Suites in Seaside, the huge beige/green Marriott in Monterey already). I really like the conference center and visitors really love Monterey - so I hope that 'improvement' is what we get, inside AND out.
ReplyDelete