Updated Varsity Renderings and Construction Time-Lapse
May 12th, 2010 | by John Euill | Published in Housing, Route 1, The Varsity | 6 Comments
Here are a few updated renderings of The Varsity project near the main entrance of the UMD campus. These images provide us with not only the latest glimpse of what the building will look like, but also its relation to Northgate Park which was redesigned during the development review process after a land swap between UMD, MNCPPC and the developer (the building is built right on top of what was originally proposed as a publicly-owned rain garden). We also found this great time lapse camera from the construction site.
While the design doesn’t push the architectural envelope, it is another welcome improvement in the Northgate Development District. The Varsity will add to the increasingly urban feel for the part of Route 1 next to the University View complex. The retail tenants for the ground floor are still a mystery, but any enhancement to the business climate should be a plus. We don’t generally weigh in on architectural issues, but RTCP is concerned that the color schemes used for The Varsity, University View, and Starview Plaza are all nearly identical. Including some distinguishing color schemes along Route 1 could add some some vibrancy and avoid a potentially monotonous built environment. A vibrant color scheme will let people know they have actually stepped off campus into the City of College Park. Going forward, perhaps there can be more emphasis on distinctive color schemes during the planning phase for new projects.
May 12th, 2010 at 9:19 am (#)
I’m looking forward to the completion of this project not only will it “add to the increasingly urban feel for the part of Route 1 next to the University View complex” it will also enhance the entrance to the university. In my opinion the next logical step in the development around the view would be a redevelopment of th shopping center across the street (College Park Liquors, DP Dough…) pushing those storefronts up against Route 1. But that is not likely to happen any time soon…
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May 12th, 2010 at 4:14 pm (#)
I agree with the “bland-ness” issue – not only in terms of colors but also overall design style. route 1 could become like downtown Charlotte NC with a very boring bland same-ness but you know what, Ill take that any day over what we currently have and this is a welcome improvement over the old Jerry’s subs bldg, etc.
Question : I cant really tell from the construction cam but does this project run from The View south to the main gate? did they finally demo the Merchant tire and the McDonald’s-turned-Liquor store bldgs (back in the 80′s McDonalds was actually on the west side of Rte 1 in the liquor store bldg and the current McD’s on the east side was a Roy Rogers …Im dating myself!!!)
Hoping they demo-ed those eyesores, someone please tell me if this is true
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May 13th, 2010 at 10:47 am (#)
@Kevin
The Merchant Tire Center is gone. The liquor store remains.
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May 13th, 2010 at 7:25 pm (#)
Frankly, I could care less what color it is on the outside if it has clean, pest-free, well-maintained, affordable, student-friendly living on the inside.
If the designers think that’s the most cost-effective but attractive exterior, we shouldn’t stop them. Even if the color scheme’s already been done, it’s still pretty attractive.
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May 14th, 2010 at 12:00 pm (#)
Thanks John. Its amazing that the liquor store continues to hang around. It must look even more ridiculous.
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May 14th, 2010 at 6:17 pm (#)
The McDonalds was next to the liquor store.
Jerry’s sub, Merchants and old Alarios gone. As is Tippy’s taco and the Starlight. It is really too bad that the old chinese restaurant bldg (not seven seas) is still standing. And the Ford dealership just closed.
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