Why does Ballard even need a gateway, let alone one as generic as the proposed design?

And I'll for considering the Jolly Roger the gateway, if we must have one. Ballard doesn't need another condo. The Matador will be overrun with yuppies!

i think a scandinavian theme would be good. that could be combined with nautical. it was said that the denny's was inspired by a viking longhouse. there could be something of the new building the invokes a feeling of a viking longhouse or longboat. that could be really beautiful and interesting.

"I think maybe you meant a Toyota Prius."

Aren't those driven by old-school hippies, I thought yuppies drove gas gussling SUVs because we're so self centered?

I'm so confused on how to stereotype people we don't like 'cuz they have more money and taste than working stiffs.

"A Volvo XC90..."
Umm, isn't that a little old school for today's yuppie? I think maybe you meant a Toyota Prius.

I do like the big Leif Erikson statue idea. Very doable (not the 400 foot one!) and I bet you could convince the condo owners to free up the small footprint to install it. Good PR for them.

Michael - I like your positive suggestions. Maybe not 100% with you on design ideas but your attitude is greatly appreciated. thx.

A large scale Leif Erikson statue right on the corner is a cool suggestion. I don't think it needs to cross 15th or Market, but something 2 stories high would be nice.

Given the fishing and shingle histories of Ballard, maybe they could style the balconies as small fishing boats stuck in the side of the building, or have large timbers exposed in the external design.

My sense of design sucks, and I don't trust the developer to not be cookie-cutter or cheesy. I think we ought to have a contest (like the Sustainable Ballard Bike Rack Design contest) to look for great ideas.

15th and Market is hostile to pedestrians and unfriendly right now, but it is also a major bus intersection and it will be getting bigger with the Bus Rapid Transit changes that are coming. We shouldn't encourage additional pedestrian-hostile designs. I'd love to see a setback on the first floor of 6-8 feet so there is an overhang where people can be away from the rain and stores could have room for outdoor tables or sidewalk sales.

Fremont's gateway? I always thought it looked like a giant warehouse, garishly colored, with metal swirls tacked on as an afterthought.

"Fremont is interested in both preserving it’s history and encouraging unique building design."

Maybe that's because there's more money to be made over there?

Why is everyone so down on Ballard? True, our city has a bad track record of approving/encouraging designs of any significance in a successful way, but there could be hope.

On a personal note, I think the intersection of Market & 15th has too many other vulgar issues to be considered our gateway (i.e. the bad Safeway with gas station, and the other gas station, and the scary Walgreens). When I come home to Ballard traveling from the south, I cross the bridge, take the exit on the right, turn left on Leary to go under the bridge and consider the Jolly Roger Taproom to be the real Ballard gateway!

The gateway to Fremont used to be the Red Door. When this condo/retail complex went in, the Red Door was picked up, moved down 2 blocks and reinstalled. Unlike Ballard, Fremont is interested in both preserving it's history and encouraging unique building design.

It seems only appropriate that the new gateway to Ballard be a Super Target.

A giant Leif Erikson sculpture with one foot on either side of Market Street. For the cars to pass between his legs, it might have to be 400 feet tall. One arm could be swinging his battle axe - like the hammering man. And if it was lit at night like Las Vegas people would flock to the nightlife. "Come to Ballard and get hammered"

So when will we start seeing "Ballard Sucks Now" stickers, just like Fremont?

"Don’t forget the “FREE BALLARD” bumper sticker in the back window."

Yes, we apply those as camouflage while we quietly help drive up property values.

"I think Ballard should stick with a nautical theme"

How about a yacht with a yuppie on board wearing dock siders and staggering around with a martini in one hand, bimbo in the other?

"A Volvo XC90 with Thule roof rack and Cannondale bikes hanging off the back, stuck on a spike, to celebrate us yuppies?"

Don't forget the "FREE BALLARD" bumper sticker in the back window.

although Pete's Coffee does sort of fit Fremont.

I never thought about that intersection being the gateway to Fremont and I think it sucks that our gateways are condos and coffee chains.

I think Ballard should stick with a nautical theme, but not a shiny one...a weathered one.

"something kitchy and amateurish"

Isn't that what was knocked down?

The brushed metal curliques on the Fremont building are ugly and were already dated when they went up, reminiscent of the spiral "one world" designs that were popular in the 1990s.
I think we could have somethign that looks good and woudl stand the test of time rather than something kitchy and amateurish, new rather than derivative. Personally, I'd like to see something without any damn brushed metal. We've got enough brushed metal in this city.

"what sort of metal art monster eating a building would be appropriate for Ballard"

A Volvo XC90 with Thule roof rack and Cannondale bikes hanging off the back, stuck on a spike, to celebrate us yuppies?

I'm not a huge fan of Fremont's gateway, but I agree with the notion that the 15th and Market corner is a special place that deserves special consideration.

I never realized how much the Mannings/Denny's building served as a "gateway to Ballard" until it was gone. A few times, I've missed the turn I was making because I didn't see it.

I'm not as anti-condo as many of my neighbors, but I hope that this building in particular is worth looking at.

Yes, it matters a lot. What's appropriate for Fremont is not appropriate for Ballard...or any other neighborhood for that matter. Nothing specific, but homogeny is never the best option as we struggle to move our fair city into the 21st century.

Hmmm, what sort of metal art monster eating a building would be appropriate for Ballard? Perhaps some sort of sea creature, maybe a matching pal to the Shilshole sea serpent. Or a giant squid engulfing the building. Yum.

midsommar's fertility wreath.

Or a viking carved archway...

I think this is a good represntation of Fremont. It would be great to get something "Ballardish" at the old Denny's location. Of course I don't know what that would be... a giant Dala horse out front?

Fremont has flair! So much in fact, they forget to wear pants when they go cycling.

Isn't Ballard too Scandavian for 'flair'?