Another one bites the dust...

[MOCAŠ]

I suspect Mike's comment was directed at my post with the beautifully blended in concrete nightmare pictured. Hence the Specsavers comment...

Ah, of course. Didn't have my thinking cap on.

 

[MOCAŠ]

Here's an unlikely survivor from a bygone age. I wonder how many people taking coffee in this branch of Starbucks in Berkeley Street realise it was once part of Stewart & Ardern's Morris showroom:

The building it was attached to - officially called Lansdowne House but known at street level as Morris House (as were all S&A showrooms) - was demolished in 1988, and replaced with the current post-modern block also known as Lansdowne House.

 

[corned]

I wonder why 'they' decided to keep just the single floor part of the building?

I.e. demolished the house, but kept the conservatory!

 

[MOCAŠ]

I wonder why 'they' decided to keep just the single floor part of the building?

I.e. demolished the house, but kept the conservatory!

It does seem odd, and I'm impressed that they even managed to achieve it without the whole thing coming crashing down. In fact, I'm in two minds as to whether it's the original structure or a faithful reproduction, but either way it adds a little character to an otherwise fairly bland building.

 

[markjay]

I have seen in other areas in Mayfair where they kept the entire facade - propped it up at the back like some sort of Hollywood western movie town - and replaced everything behind it with a new building.

I suppose however that this is quite a costly process, and not the developer's first choice, presumably only done when it's the only way that planning permission will be granted.

 

[MOCAŠ]

I have seen in other areas in Mayfair where they kept the entire facade - propped it up at the back like some sort of Hollywood western movie town - and replaced everything behind it with a new building.

That calls to mind what happened with Abbey House in Baker St, the former HQ of the Abbey Road (later Abbey National) Building Society and spritual home of Sherlock Holmes.

When the building was redeveloped about five years ago, the 1932 Art Deco central facade and tower were retained, which made for an interesting view for passers by during the construction period, with the tower seemingly floating in mid-air:

This was the building pre-demolition:

And this is how it looks now:

 

[MOCAŠ]

Breaking news: the first occupants of the premises were none other than... British Mercédès-Benz Ltd, the London-based subsidiary of the then newly-formed Daimler-Benz AG.

Been trying to find a photo of the building when BMB were there, without luck so far. Nearest I've got is this photo of their stand at the 1929 London Motor show at Olympia. By 1936 they'd moved to Park Lane.

 

[markjay]

I remember seeing similar project a couple of years ago in either Mill Street or St George Street. Or there abouts....

 

[storm4x4]

sadly the push to "beautify" london just before the olympics is also getting out of hand. in my building there are pics of london in various times and it's sad to see what they've done to it in the name of "progress"

 

[MOCAŠ]

sadly the push to "beautify" london just before the olympics is also getting out of hand.

Speaking of which, have seen what they've done to Leyton High Road!

(Warning: Daily Wail link) London 2012 Olympics: Leyton High Road gets new look that's more Notting Hill than EastEnders | Mail Online

A truly remarkable transformation, and all achieved for less than half a million pounds, apparently. Admittedly that was a public grant, and there are those that feel that private businesses (including some multinationals) should not have benefited from this money, but this kind of result simply cannot be achieved without a unified approach.

Normally I would be opposed to this kind of gentrification of an area, especially if it meant the loss of original character or involved ripping the soul out of the area, but in this case I think any real character had long departed and all that was in evidence was long-term neglect.

Nevertheless, there are a few reports of shoddy workmanship to get the work completed quickly on a budget, but nothing that can't be corrected. There are also those that say it's all very well, but it will be back to how it was within the year. I say, have a little more faith the people of the East End, but we'll see...

 

[corned]

Nevertheless, there are a few reports of shoddy workmanship to get the work completed quickly on a budget, but nothing that can't be corrected. There are also those that say it's all very well, but it will be back to how it was within the year. I say, have a little more faith the people of the East End, but we'll see...

Are you running for Mayor?

 

[Mike Walker]

If anyone wants info on structural implications of "Facade Retentions" - see posts above - do let me know. Worked

 

[Mike Walker]

If anyone wants info on structural implications of "Facade Retentions" - see posts above - do let me know. Worked

Hit the wrong button

Worked on a number in my career including Western Morning News in Plymouth, Horndean Town Centre redevelopment - just down the road from PCS, Leadenhall Street london - where we also underpinned and lifted a medevial arch and replaced it in it's original position during the construction works to satisfy English Heritage .

Please form an orderly queue..........

 

[MOCAŠ]

Hit the wrong button

Worked on a number in my career including Western Morning News in Plymouth, Horndean Town Centre redevelopment - just down the road from PCS, Leadenhall Street london - where we also underpinned and lifted a medevial arch and replaced it in it's original position during the construction works to satisfy English Heritage .

Please form an orderly queue..........

I'm all ears...

 

[MOCAŠ]

Are you running for Mayor?

Whoops! That was meant to say "have a little more faith in the people of the East End". Wasn't meant to sound like a rallying cry!

 

[Mike Walker]

I'm all ears...

Which bit would you like first? Initial structural survey / temporary works requirements / applied loadings - temporary case / applied loadings - permanant case / permanant works and interface details / sequence of works / CDM requirements / SHE requirements / Movement and deflection / Adjoining owners / Party Wall issues.........

 

[MOCAŠ]

Which bit would you like first? Initial structural survey / temporary works requirements / applied loadings - temporary case / applied loadings - permanant case / permanant works and interface details / sequence of works / CDM requirements / SHE requirements / Movement and deflection / Adjoining owners / Party Wall issues.........

Not sure I could cope with War and Peace, but it would be good to hear of any interesting anecdotes about how these projects have progressed, and how the challenges of fitting a new structure behind an existing frontage are overcome.

When Abbey House was being rebuilt, the whole thing looked unbelievably precarious - I was amazed that the tower didn't just crumble when everything around it was removed. I know it was all very well supported, but I'd imagine you're still doing some pretty fundamental damage to the structural integritry of the building.

 

[Mike Walker]

Not sure I could cope with War and Peace, but it would be good to hear of any interesting anecdotes about how these projects have progressed, and how the challenges of fitting a new structure behind an existing frontage are overcome.

When Abbey House was being rebuilt, the whole thing looked unbelievably precarious - I was amazed that the tower didn't just crumble when everything around it was removed. I know it was all very well supported, but I'd imagine you're still doing some pretty fundamental damage to the structural integritry of the building.

Will do a potted history over the weekend - subject to domestic duties