HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-16, JLF & Associates, Lark Addition, Public CommentJLF & ASSOCIATES, INC.
ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS
February 12,2016
The City of Bozeman Design Review Board
And The City of Bozeman Commission
Bozeman, Montana
Re: Project File #15-583
Dear Design Review Board and Commissbn Members:
We are writing this letterin support of ThinkTank's design and planning for the addition to
the Lark at 122 W. Main Street.
Bozeman, of late, has garnered national and international attention as one of the "best of"
cities in the country. Our erudite and progressive light is shining out from under the
proverbial "basket." Our architecture should rise to the occasion. We believe deeply in the
restoration and adaptive reuse of Bozeman's finest historic architecture. We also believe
deeply in the art of architecture and the power of contemporary design. It is vital we support
both in our community.
Bozeman's design guidelines are written with the opportunity for creativity; thus, the ever
controversial issue of "interpretation." It is important to note that issues of'conformance"
with patterns can be as pedantic as dressing all of our downtown buildings in brick. Faux
historicism,mimicry,anddisneyesque buildings evolve subtly and are not just the result of the
obvious misguided paradigms of style and materials.
Contemporary architecture is a powerful contrast that reinforces the character of our historic
structures. 21st Century contemporary design is as important to our future and our community
as Fred Willson was one hundred years ago. He was as visionary then as we need to be now.
I urge the staff and commission to provide the service and collaboration this project deserves.
The "divergence(s)" staff refers to is the very thing(s) that lends this work its strength and
unique qualities. The unintended consequences of misinterpretation are self evident in some
of our most recent architectural additions to Bozeman. Good design rarely appeals to
everyone, but architecture "pecked to death by ducks" is a slow and painful death for us all.
We urge you to readdress the findings of staff and support and nurture the boldness and
creativity of the Lark design team.
PRINCIPALS:
Paul Bertelli
Logan Leachman
Ashley Sullivan
John Lauman
Jake Scott
ASSOCIATES:
Travis Growney
Shawn Lund
140 East Main St.
Suite A
Bozeman, MT
59715
Phone406.587.8888
jlfarchitects.com
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