I noticed the same bracing, but the lack of windows is not what I'm worried about. From what I can tell there will be plenty of windows on the building, and perhaps some other ornamentation on the facade.
Here's what I'm wondering - How much, if anything, would the city have saved if the new market project hadn't been set aside for union-only shops? When you eliminate competition among contractors, costs inevitably are going to go up. But this was a project labor agreement job - which, despite what union leaders say publicly - essentially shuts out any contractor that doesn't use union labor (regardess of employees' pay and benefits).
City Pulse ignored that question and dealt only with the higher costs for things like contamination.
Would that have paid for the bigger footprint? The kitchen? The brick? The pavilion?
Of course it was politically easier to go with a PLA. Buildings trades unions have been all over this community picketing projects because they don't use "local" labor (when what they really mean is union labor).
I hope the old adage "never judge a book by its cover" (though I'm not willing to concede that the exterior will look "bad" when all is said than done) is taken into account by the buying public. The new market will be better, it'll have more of a "stop by and hang out" ambiance, and the whole riverfront will be a special gathering place for the community. I'm excited for the soft opening, especially the better hours!
I'm sure they could have saved some money by not restricting themselves to union labor. I personally have never supported the union attitude that they are always the better choice. I think free market is always best, and the government shouldn't feel obligated to cater to certain groups, especially when it hurts the taxpayers.
That's just bunk, MichMatters. There are a lot of nonunion companies that pay their workers a "half-way decent wage" - and many who pay very good wages and benefits. The difference is these companies don't have the entrenched political power that the unions have - hence most government projects are PLA, while many nongovernment projects use a combination of union and nonunion labor, based on competitive bids. If the goal was to have a higher minimum wage for the construction industry, then why not just do that? Most PLA agreements are written to favor unions - regardless of how much anybody pays their workers.
That's not any more fair than sweetheart deals for developers. Two wrongs don't make a right.
But this isn't a forum on the shortcomings of our political system.
Regardless, I like the concept of the new market much better than the current market. The combo of outdoor space for seasonal vendors and indoor, open space is a better design. I think as the riverfront continues to develop we'll have opportunities to further improve the market. Unfortunately, we can't always get exactly what we want. What's important is we're moving in the right direction.
@MichMatters: I don't know how to embed youtube videos here. I'll see if I can add that ability.
I like how the market will not be separated in to two parts with the new design. It will be nice when it is open to go and see for myself. Until then, I'm trying not to make too much of a judgment.
Comments
City Pulse ignored that question and dealt only with the higher costs for things like contamination.
Would that have paid for the bigger footprint? The kitchen? The brick? The pavilion?
Of course it was politically easier to go with a PLA. Buildings trades unions have been all over this community picketing projects because they don't use "local" labor (when what they really mean is union labor).
That's not any more fair than sweetheart deals for developers. Two wrongs don't make a right.
But this isn't a forum on the shortcomings of our political system.
Regardless, I like the concept of the new market much better than the current market. The combo of outdoor space for seasonal vendors and indoor, open space is a better design. I think as the riverfront continues to develop we'll have opportunities to further improve the market. Unfortunately, we can't always get exactly what we want. What's important is we're moving in the right direction.
I like how the market will not be separated in to two parts with the new design. It will be nice when it is open to go and see for myself. Until then, I'm trying not to make too much of a judgment.
The city is getting a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. DOE to, among other things, add solar panels to the City Market and City Hall.