Architecture | ReallyRedding

March 17, 2014March 17, 2014

A European city with a Redding flavor

This part of Valencia Spain is called the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Visiting felt immediately familiar to this Reddingite. Here are a few images I captured a couple weeks ago. Click on any to slightly expand.
Those tile covered night lighting fixtures look very familiar.

All so very photogenic. There are more (and better) Valencia images at the Calatrava website. Worth a look. Beautiful examples of his signature work. And here’s an interesting interview with the architect from a few years back.

March 16, 2012

Arches across the Sacramento

Just a lovely detail of two bridges about a hundred years apart.
It’s Really Redding.

January 23, 2012

An architect’s view of the Redding School of the Arts

Last week at the Shasta Association of Realtors, we had a talk by James Theimer of Trilogy Architecture about the design that went into the recently completed new campus of the Redding School of the Arts.

I only had a scant amount of knowledge about the campus and the design. I knew in building it, they had kept Green practices at forefront. It certainly is a fabulous looking facility as you drive by the campus at Inspiration Way where it meets the Shasta View roundabout across from Lema Ranch.

But listening to James talk I was literally blown away by how deep was the forethought that went into the design, and the visionary parameters that were applied to the overall facility. The school, the buildings, the site itself is designed to teach. It integrates seamlessly into the outdoors, and takes full advantage of the local climate and light. James was kind enough to supply the presentation he showed, and you can view it here:

An Outdoor School

I’ve also attached a partial recording about 20 minutes in length of his talk as a webcast/podcast, located at the bottom of this post. If you are interested in the Redding School of the Arts, this talk is well worth your time. If you are following along with the presentation, it starts somewhere around page 10.

We are fortunate to have such a fantastic school facility here in Redding. Another example of our commitment to education, and the value we place on the next generation of Reddingites. Thanks James Theimer for your visionary work, and thanks to you McConnell Foundation for leading the way.

View Larger Map

August 5, 2011September 14, 2011

Visionary Shasta County real estate developer Frank Nichols

I shared a beer with with longtime local real estate developer Frank Nichols yesterday evening. Frank was instrumental in creating two extraordinary local developments, Shasta Forest Village, and the active adult community, The Vineyard in Redding.
With Shasta Forest Village in Shingletown, Frank explained he had been building rural on properties scattered across the county for mostly urban buyers unfamiliar with the requirements for water wells and other utilities. He reasoned that if he could cluster some rural lots with paved roads, underground utilities, and a community water system, he could fulfill an unmet demand. From that vision, the innovative Shasta Forest Village was born in the early 1970s, and remains a popular development even today.

Then, Frank envisioned an active adult community that offered residents gated security, a social clubhouse, and a beautiful setting with good access to city amenities. Frank undertook the devilishly complex 208 home project that became The Vineyard. That housing development has gone on to exceed all expectations for quality of life. Homes there are in high demand, similar to homes available from a real estate firm similar to Saussy Burbank among others. Residents truly love living there. If you are looking for a house development company, or if you are looking at moving house you maybe want to learn about New Homes in Charlotte NC or a real estate company more local to you.

These days Frank is quite busy refurbishing and reselling existing homes in need of repair. Some of his properties have found themselves on the listings on the Inboundrem Real Estate Website comparison site due to their quality. But he would rather be building a more ambitious project. We both ruefully agreed that the current economic environment would make a new large, visionary project problematic in our region. But I asked what he might build, if things were different. He described a 4 story condo project for active adults. “As long as it had a view of the river, it would be fabulously successful.” I have to agree. If all this talk of real estate has got you feeling tempted to make an investment of your own, you might want to take time to first learn about the complexities of the industry. There are some excellent educational courses out there such as Roofstock for example so do not be afraid to do some research to find out what works for you.

River condo project in Redding — A multistory building along the Sacramento River

Redding has generally been resistant to taller buildings along the river. I understand the feeling. I wonder though, considering the sprawl we otherwise encourage, if this the wisest course. I do hear much demand from buyers, especially those boomers approaching retirement, who want a secure home, in a walkable neighborhood that provides for social interaction at will. Participate socially, or not, without inviting guests to your home for a party from which they’ll have to drive home. The multi-story residential unit on the river sounds better all the time.

Thanks for the beer, Frank. And thanks for being a visionary with the proven chops to make stuff happen. To take it from vision to reality. That’s Really Redding.

February 23, 2011February 23, 2011

Night photo of a downtown Redding building

Here’s a building that looks lovely in night lighting. Lots of architectural detail in contrast to the night.

I think this is a Cal Trans office. I believe they moved here from the former shampoo factory in the Mountain Lakes Industrial Park. A building we recall as Jhirmac, long ago. In relocation, I heard they saved this building’s owner from financial peril, since it was recently built and had no tenants in our present harsh economy. Vacancy is a bad thing indeed for spec building. Getting Cal Trans there was quite the prize. Unfortunately for the owner of the now vacated shampoo building, the financial peril transferred to them. Without much warning, either. Or so I’ve heard. Anyway, this downtown Redding building is quite lovely at night.

Architecture by the warm orange glow of sodium lighting, it’s Really Redding.

November 27, 2010December 19, 2011

Live recording -Craig Padilla’s “Sundial Bridge”

Here’s a live recording of Sundial Bridge by Craig Padilla. It was recorded on the patio of the cafe of the south end of the bridge. It’s about 20 minutes of symphonic electronic music. It starts off quietly, until it begins to soar. I accompanied Craig, and ran audio. There is no mic on the audience, but you do hear our voices briefly at the very end.
Sundial bridge2 by SkipMurphy The Sundial Bridge has arguably become the symbol of Redding CA. The architect for the bridge is a world famous artist named Santiago Calatrava, although I don’t see this particular work listed on his website. I haven’t looked through the whole site.
The folks at the host Turtle Bay Museum seemed happy to have us play there. The venue was really hot (thermal hot, not swinging hot) and it’s not acoustically great for either listeners or players. And for an art museum, the staff seemed really unimpressed that world famous musician Craig Padilla had composed a complete symphonic music composition named after the bridge, just for the occasion. Like, “Yeah, that’s nice.”
Anyway, I came across the recording in the studio, and thought I’d share it with the world again. At least, that part of the world that wasn’t at the event. Like any live recording, it has some issues, but I think the spirit of the muse comes across intact. See what you think.

August 5, 2010August 5, 2010

First Baptist Church of Redding

Redding ca First Baptist Church
Built in 1952. The First Baptist Church of Redding had already worshiped in couple of other big church buildings prior to building this one over their 120 year history in Redding. Here’s how it looked in the 50’s, an image courtesy of the Shasta Historical Society.

The RS ran a series of photographs of the First Baptist Church of Redding that’s well done, and worth a look. There’s also a nice write up of Baptists in general at Wikipedia. Interesting information. This particular congregation doesn’t seem to be online anywhere I could find.
This church building on Eureka Way reflects the architecture of the times. There are a few buildings out that way that look similar, including U Prep, and this other church on Eureka Way that has been transformed into a medical office. I think you could also include the remodeled Pine Street School farther east as similar. I describe the architecture as a cross between Mission and Mediterranean, but perhaps there is some other name for the style. When Redding recently decided to adopted a cheesy “50’s Glitz” theme to foist on local business as our preferred style for downtown, I was really wishing that this already evident 50’s Mission/Mediterranean style was the preferred theme instead. With smooth, off-white walls, and Spanish tile roofs, these timeless buildings look elegant and classy. Plus, it’s a style well suited to our climate. It’s Really Redding.

April 12, 2010

CalPERS headquarters makes a big impression

Readers at Bruce Ross’ blog recently caught wind of the looming financial crisis facing California Pension funds. Last week in Sacramento, we walked by the CalPERS building and it made quite an impression.
CalPERS1 It’s a lovely building. Still, the central glass tower seems to serve no function other than providing full time glass cleaning jobs. As art, it’s beautiful. As a symbol, it doesn’t speak of thrift, or frugality, or savings, or any of those qualities one might associate with a retirement program. Such architectural hubris is not at all uncommon among big banks and securities firms, but this glass palace seems over-the-top for offices of state bureaucrats. But then, obviously they don’t see themselves as such, do they? The building speaks much louder than words.
CalPERS2 This disconnect probably wouldn’t have caught my attention, were it not for the frustration of knowing we are unable to even do as much as house our police department in an abandoned shampoo factory in Redding. Or, that our city council appears to have been bullied into not buying a decent new office building across from city hall for 1/4 of what it cost to build it. In my opinion, this is such as missed opportunity. All it would take would be a few pieces of office furniture such as cubicles and the office space would be able to be used as a fully functioning headquarters.

I really do think things need to change in this regard. There are no doubts about it, office space is vital, even if all you do is fit out a head office. But a small, poor office is not going to help your business, so it’s important to improve upon this, and ensure that you can do better. However, it seems that private investors knew better than to pass that one up. Too bad CalPERS couldn’t have invested in either building. It would appear they have some money to throw around. I guess it’s who you know that counts.

January 24, 2010

Fashion show pix

Took a few quick photos at the Fashion Show held yesterday at the Old City Hall to benefit the Shasta County Arts Council, and support our local clothing and jewelery designers. It was a terrific show and a lot of fun. We have some really talented local people. Here’s some quick photos:
Fashion show in Redding

Erin with Kimberly, of Kimberly Nicole Boutique.

It’s Really Redding.

January 16, 2010May 11, 2015

Pilgrim Congregational Church and Frank Lloyd Wright

The Pilgrim Congregational Church in Redding is a unique and significant building. It was designed in 1958 by world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

” If it is true that architecture reflects the people that produce it, their life, faith, hopes and fears, the following comments will be helpful for the architect’s preparation.

There followed a description of Our Faith, Our Heritage, and Our Cultural Crisis and Position in Time. Some of the significant items were these: We believe that creative architecture will make people aware of the resources of our Christian faith. Men thirst for God and are particularly desperate in our time. For many people God is transcendent and distant. Our building ought then to reflect the intimacy and eminence of God as well as his majesty. Man, if we correctly evaluate his predicament, feels incomplete, fragmentary, and anxious. Our church ought then to enhance his desire for wholeness, and develop his capacity to fulfill his divine destiny and confirm his nature as a potential child of God.”

It’s a lovely paragraph. So interesting, that phrase “particularly desperate in our time.” 1958 seems rather idyllic when compared to 2010, but such is the nature of our perception of the present. When the resulting architecture is viewed in the context of the congregation’s stated intention, it truly is inspirational. You can read more about the present day Pilgrim Congregation here.

The church building is an understated testament as to how great architecture can capture nobility and yet remain humble. The angularity, the natural stone in concrete, the low slung ship-like main structure suspended beneath bone white cantilevered ribs, all of it integrates the intention of the architect and the Redding congregation.

When I used to work in Chicago and New York, I saw many examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and influence. We are graced to have this particularly spiritual example in our community. You can read more about his designs for sacred spaces here, and find a site devoted to art of Frank Lloyd Wright at the link.

The existing church is only 20% of the original intended structure. How can we complete the vision?

The newer Sundial Bridge has become the architectural symbol of Redding. It’s a bold piece of soaring bravado. I think this church captures a more representational expression of our community and setting. I could take pictures of this all day long. It’s Really Redding.