Softening the hard edges of big boxes: Could it happen here?
Some communities and major retailers, including Wal-Mart, are rethinking the concept of the big box.
The Charlotte Observer reports that more inviting facades and creative designs that break the cookie-cutter mold are on drawing boards in the Queen City and elsewhere.
For instance, one proposed new Lowe's store in Charlotte will feature rooftop parking and condominiums along its sides. The rationale? The massive rectangles that typically characterize big-box stores have limited life spans and often become vacant eyesores once the stores opt for new locations.
Another is that big boxes simply tend to be ugly.
That's why Charlotte requires most big boxes to seek rezonnigs from its city council, a process that in turn gives the city a chance to force the issue on aesthetics.
Other towns and cities make such stipulations as
1. parking only in the rear of the buildings;
2. limited square footage;
3. that all stores comprise at least two stories.
If only Greensboro leaders had such vision and resolve.
Comments (1)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
I agree, Allen. I wish more developers in the residential and commercial field would look past the quick buck and build for the long haul. I hate it when they cut down all the trees even when it is not necessary (like the Burlington Industries building). It is also bad for a community when you have a large commercial structure that is vacant for a long period of time when the prime tenant moves out. Eventually, these shopping centers get run down and so does the community around them.
Posted on November 25, 2005 4:15 PM