Note the strip/outparcel components and their brilliant architectural elements/landscaping, tying in with (their coveted anchor) Super Walmart's standard painted concrete block facade (how did this one fall through the cracks... I guess it's to Walmart's benefit to build in ADVANCE of the NIMBY residential developments). Direct your messages of congratulation to [email protected] .
I know this is a pre 2005/2004 development but I've still not gotten over a developer putting a car wash in at 13th and Jackson (may not be Jackson). Couldn't they have found something a bit better for that space?!! If the area was in such dire need of a car wash, couldn't it have been put in an area that wasn't such a prime spot for Wema (West Market) development?
I'm pretty sure it was in the World Herald when the Wal-Mart was announced that it would be brick facade. The strip center is pathetic. The original site plan for this area wasn't too bad, but Wal-Mart really screwed it up.
I'm going to be in Des Moines this weekend & I think if there's time I'm going to take some pictures of developments there that show what can happen when there is both design standards and developer desire to "raise the bar". I am always impressed with the progressive nature of DM with regard to development design.
What a shame. The design standards in the suburbs up here in the Twin Cities are very restrictive and most boxes going are required to have a brick exterior around the whole building. They also do a great job of incorporating the natural woods, marshes, etc. into the devlopment. Although the few Wal-Marts that have gotten in to the Twin Cities look nice on the outside, they sure don't get any better on the inside!
The building is almost enclosed already. With the cool looking Harley Davidson shop this area had potential, but I think walmart has ruined all hope of that.
