Friday, March 19, 2010

China in DC

There is a charming 1920s Chinese building in DC that always seems to draw my attention at L and 11th street.
Formerly the Chinese Community Church building, it now lies vacant and is ripe for development, don't you think? I wonder what the interior is like...
I love the turquoise and red color scheme and the iron light fixtures. And who can't help but notice the clay tile roof and brackets! The patina on the facade is charming, but I know people in the neighborhood think this wear is just a sign of neglect. I just worry that a developer will get ahold of the building and take away every last ounce of originality and charm!
at

8 comments:

  1. charkstudiosMarch 19, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    I second that emotion! Just look at that building's soul just crying out for a restoration project! The original personality must be maintained.

    ReplyDelete
  2. pve designMarch 19, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    I love that you worry about these buildings and the charm staying intact. I love the patina and the detail and of course that you like it too.
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Down East DilettanteMarch 19, 2010 at 1:49 PM

    Oh, that's wonderful...sort of art moderne Chinese, with red brick to give it context in the neighborhood (back from the days that people did things like make their buildings fit in)

    ReplyDelete
  4. ArchitectDesign™March 19, 2010 at 1:53 PM

    DED - sadly much of this neighborhood has already been lost due to the decline of the neighborhood after the 60s riots. Even more sad though is things are still being lost as it becomes a 'trendy' area. Developers tear down everything with character in sight!

    ReplyDelete
  5. custardbydesignMarch 19, 2010 at 3:19 PM

    crying for a restoration...

    ReplyDelete
  6. KarenaMarch 19, 2010 at 3:55 PM

    The first thought I had was I wonder what it is like inside!! Then your comment Stefan!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sally@DivineDistractionsMarch 20, 2010 at 12:37 PM

    This is when it would be really great to be a millionaire...I'd be rescuing that building for sure. I hate to see these gems deteriorating. Who knows....maybe I'll win the lottery.

    ReplyDelete
  8. DeeMarch 30, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    Good one combine with Chinese art. I am chinese glad to see that

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving a comment and being a part of the dialogue here at ArchitectDesign! Unfortunately I no longer will allow anonymous commenting due to the amount of SPAM. I value your comments!