Construction Documents are complete for this 18-townhome project. Designed around challenging parking constraints, the project includes both one and two-bedroom residences. In addition to careful urban landscaping that benefits the entire block, each residence will have its own “living roof”. The townhomes will utilize a highly insulated framing system with a brick veneer and cedar shingle skin, exposed glu-laminated beams , and steel / cedar railings and sunscreens. Construction of the first two units is scheduled to commence in June.
Once again we have thrown caution to the wind and decided to celebrate something. On May 16th, we're celebrating our recent purchase of an adult unicorn, who we haven't named yet. So come on by, eat some great Mexican food (catered by Los Alamos), sample one of Josh's signature margaritas and meet our unicorn.
It’s getting warmer out, so Jason Wright has decided to say goodbye to the thick mass of man-fur that covers the front of his head. We will miss looking at it and comparing its shape to the shifting sand dunes of the Gobi desert. We will miss speculating on the origin of the food particles that can be found within it from time to time. But alas, 'tis not our decision as to whether the Large Beard stays or goes. As it says in the Bible: ‘tis the will of he that grew it alone. So Godspeed, Large Beard--and may the road rise to meet ye.
When you have twenty idle minutes, check out The Big Chart--Dan Maginn’s PG-13 rated presentation at Dwell Magazines “Dwell On Design” conference in San Francisco last summer. Click on the link below, it will take you to our "Transmissions" page. When you get there, check out the Podcast section. See "The Big Chart"? Over there to the left? That's it! eldoradoarchitects.com/transmissions
As previously predicted, we successfully executed a couple lectures in Washington DC and New York as part of the Architectural League of New York’s Emerging Voices lecture series. Although our intricately coordinated word and image micro-barrage seemed to baffle the east-coasters from time to time, we got clapped at quite a bit. So again, look yonder to the left: a podcast of our entire 50-minute presentation is waiting for you. So again, click on the link and get ye to the "Transmissions" page. You know what to do.
el dorado is renovating and updating the 8 story former Park Central Apartment Hotel at 300 East Armour Boulevard—one of the stately apartment buildings on that block built in the 1920’s. Scheduled for completion in March 2009, the project will consist of 106 efficient studio and one-bedroom apartments within a respectfully restored historic shell. The project is a testament to a long-held belief we’ve had here at eldo: that modern design and historic construction can successfully coexist.
el dorado has been working with Spay Neuter Kansas City, a not-for-profit organization offering low cost (or no cost) spay / neuter services since 2002. Working within an extremely low budget, the design utilizes an efficient layout to support SNKC’s high-volume operation, which includes bi-weekly “M*A*S*H*” clinics where up to 150 animals are treated within a six-hour window. el dorado is providing full architectural services for the project on a pro bono basis. For more info on the organization, visit them at snkc.net.
We are pleased to report that the TWA Building has been awarded one of seven 2008 Green Roof Awards, given by the Toronto-based Green Roofs for Healthy Cities organization. In addition to providing pleasant outdoor spaces for the buildings inhabitants, the 25,000 sf planted environment offers many distinct environmental benefits, including reduced building energy usage and reduced stormwater into KCMO’s sewer system. The award was handed out at GRHC’s national conference in Baltimore on April 30th. For more information on GRHC, visit greenroofs.org.
Construction is under way on a new 12,500 square foot facility in Kansas City’s bustling Waldo neighborhood. The facility replaces the Waldo Theater, which burned down in February 2007. Our design for the new building utilizes a sustainable approach for development at a neighborhood scale, including natural ventilation strategies, extensive landscaping and a planted roof. The developer, Diane Alpert, has also commissioned Anne Lindberg to create a monumental art installation for the upper level glazing system. Construction should be complete by the end of July. For information about leasing space in the building, contact Diane Alpert.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Bingo, the beloved dog of Jamie and Michele Darnell. For 14 years she ruled the roost, both at the Darnell’s house and at el dorado. Although Bingo was more intelligent than us, she did not shy away from physical activity—in fact she went out of her way to make sure she fully experienced all the good burr patches and mud puddles. She was one of the great ones, and will be sorely missed.