NEW YORK | Domino Sugar Redevelopment | (4 Towers) | 565-170 FT

Thanks for the spirited confirmation - I wonder if maybe a better (more descriptive) word would be “iridescent” … :thinking:

The porcelain panels on the facade of this building have a beautiful shimmering ‘iridescent’ glow: that’s better.

Cheers

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I’ll reserve final judgement until the project is completed, but I have to say that I am not currently a fan of the “Domino Square” piece, for a few reasons:

1. The jagged one story structure has no dialogue with the rest of the project or its surroundings.

The entire redevelopment has so far created or retained at least some industrial character in its transformation to post-industrial use.

By using repetitive, block-like buildings and orthogonal landscaping/street grid, the development is reminiscent of stacked containers, or piles of sugar cubes, even - a subtle nod to its manufacturing past.

Then, in one of the largest open public areas on the site there’s just this incongruent mess. It looks like the temporary entrance to a pop-up Basquiat exhibit!

2. Rather than a grand entrance to the waterfront park, it becomes a barrier.

The block-sized park, intended as a central gathering area for the whole development, instead will be this strange amphitheater-over-retail/seasonal ice rink thing, with its “back” turned toward the neighborhood right where it connects along Kent Avenue.

What would be sweeping views of the skyline, bridge, river and park are instead blocked by a few small-ish storefronts. I hope they’ll be able to attract a good mix of businesses, at least.

3. It’s not even a square.

I mean… they come up with Domino Square and then build an egg. Like… ?

All this is to say, the little structure is out of context in both form and function.

The design could have been better tied to the area’s past and present architectural styles, and an improved orientation and layout would have made for a more welcoming entrance to the waterfront.

This building may have many points, I’m just not sure what any of them are.

/rant

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I like my sugar better in the raw too

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instant classic!

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From 3.25.24:

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On AC365 | Flickr

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Do we think the obvious (too obvious?) water tanks up top are a nod to the sugar refinery tanks on display at domino park below? You really hate to see this kind of thing put on as an afterthought.

Sugar canisters :slightly_smiling_face:

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Pics of the park


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I like the subtle iridescence in pic 2.

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Yes, that clear ‘glaze’ affect on the surface is one aspect: but also those multi-colored hues that seem to change with the angle and/or intensity of the light is particularly attractive.

This feature of the building will be most appreciated by those who notice. :star_struck:

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Pic by Mulan M.

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I gotta ask. And this goes for everyone here. Is it worth doing that boat tour around Manhattan? And is there one where they DON’T point things out to you?

Um you can just take the NYC ferry (and drink if that’s your thing) while no one is giving a tour. Those ferries are just as much commuter ferries as tourist ones.

I would say it’s worth it if you like taking safari style photos of the city since the boat is moving.

Edit. Here’s a map:

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I only ask because I’ve never been on a boat in NYC…out of the many times and chances I could. I think the Cape May Ferry is literally the only boat I’ve been on, I haven’t even been on the Battleship NJ (yet). I do that type of photography all the time so I should be prepared. Booze cruise!

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Oh by the way there is another ferry service if you want to go further up Manhattan on the Hudson side but they are more expensive. I know cuz I have to take these to get my shots from Weehawken lol.

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keep in mind if you’re taking the commuter ferry…they DO kick you off at the end of the route. e.g. if you get on at Astoria at east 90th, you will be asked to leave and get back in line for the next ferry at Wall St. If you want to circumnavigate the city and take a 1 or 2 hour ride, then the sightseeing boat is maybe the way to go.

EDIT: And on the weekend, the wait for the NYC Ferry can be interminable…meaning the lines to get back on will see you waiting for multiple boats, especially at DUMBO and Williamsburg, Wall St. and 34th St.

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