As long as we're on the subject of the Pasadena Public Library and its coffee shop, Central Grounds, I thought I'd post this shot I took while waiting in line for my coffee the other day. Central Grounds is located on the east patio of the library and as you can see, the patio's open to the sky.Kinda the definition of a patio, really.
That black-shrouded, sad-looking corner of a building beyond the patio roof is just about the same spot at which I was gazing when I took this photo. I like the shot. But the Los Angeles County Superior Courthouse is not the most popular edifice in town. Perhaps its current face-lift will make it more attractive.
Kinda the definition of a face-lift, really.
I wasn't able to find out anything about the construction on the web. The current job might not actually be a face-lift. When I was there to snap this shot, a man on the construction crew said something about it having more to do with securing the facade to the building than making it pretty.
Like, keeping the facade from falling off? I guess that would keep the streets safe.
Which is kinda the definition of a courthouse, really.
12 comments:
This is a funny one!
(And speaking of definitions, for your previous comment answer, I had to look up manga. So out of touch with the American language...)
"Securing the facade"? As in, anti-terrorism? Or actually securing the cladding?
You know, my bus stop on Jaffa Road in busy central Jerusalem was cordoned off for a few weeks. Warning signs in Hebrew said, "Stay back! Caution! DANGEROUS BUILDING!" I looked up at the tall building and indeed saw that some of the stone facing tiles had fallen off. Oi veh.
When I lived in Pasadena, I spent many many afternoons and evenings in that library. I was often in there reading art books. But what I most loved was being in that main hall, in your previous post, reading the art periodicals. Such a wonderful room!!
I had no idea that there is a place to get coffee now. Guess I'll have to check it out. Oops - it is only books that you can check out. Was that a play on words???
Securing the cladding is what I thought he meant, Dina. As in "Caution! Dangerous Building!" But although I'm quoting you, don't quote me. I'm not quite sure what they're doing. I hope someone knowledgeable checks in and sets me straight.
Haa, yeah, check it out, Shanna. Another good spot, on a school day, is the children's room. They've got big leather chairs by a window looking out on City hall. When there aren't any kids there it's a comfy, quiet place to read.
Interesting how editorial content can support and flesh out images ... and draw one's attention to details that prompted the making of the photo in the first place. Nicely done!
Love your definitions!!!! Very funny and I totally relate!!!
Love the framing in this shot, Petrea!
Tats hilarious!
jjoollliiieessss:-)
Keeping the facade from falling down? Actually, just another type of cosmetic surgery.
It was a terrible day when the too tall, too ugly county court building went up many years ago in our beautiful civic center area, right next to the magnificent Pasadena municipal court building (which is now overshadowed by this monstrosity) and across the street from the gorgeous Pasadena Central Library.
The City of Pasadena does not have jurisdiction over the county -- an unfortunate reality in such a situation.
Hi Chuck, thank you very much. Just so many "roof" shapes...
Thanks everyone, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Ann, you answered my question--It doesn't seem like something our city planners would have allowed if they'd had a say in the matter. It strikes me as less than smart that the county folks had to build something so unattractive to serve their needs. But I'm no architect.
Getting back to the library, I'm thrilled to know I can take my coffee in the living room.
I think those tabletops are glass, hiker. Otherwise they wouldn't trust us in there. We'd all have to use coasters.
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