Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Nursing Maison



When we put our loved ones into nursing homes, there are so many important things to think about. What will the residents be doing? What kind of nursing care if offered? Is the food good? Are there independent living options?

And the architecture of the roof? Is that important? I say yes. Here we have a bad mansard nursing home that kind of looks like a storage unit. And I feel really bad saying that because nice old people have to live here. The place looks tidy and clean; I am hopeful the operations of the home are as well maintained.

Thanks to S. from Charleston, SC for this bad mansard located in Cartersville, Georgia.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Combien de maisons?

Driving down Sidney today on the way back from Tower Grove Park. The fire department had Sidney closed off, forcing me to detour and, voila, find this doozie.

Very strange double wide unit, 3 story mansard to the left, sans mansard to the right. Originally, was this one house? Two houses? Where did the other mansard roof go? What's with the portion of the sad building that juts out? Does the decorative detail at the top continue all the way across? John and I debated this.

He says/she says:

John: This was two buildings joined by bricking the gangway that would have existed between the two buildings. It looks like there are side entrances so it's unlikely that center door is the original. Also, the foundations are different and there appears to be brick 'seams' on either side of the center window, suggesting the center section was bricked in later.

Kristan: I think it was a huge house with one mansard roof and for some reason (tornado?) the right side came off. It was rebuilt with just one side. After all, why would you brick in a gangway and add a second floor? WHat do you gain from that, another 20 square feet? And if the early homeowners bricked over a gangway, wouldn't the brick be much, much different? I also think the frieze above the windows continues across the entire building.

At Ohio and Shenandoah. I guess I could look up the city records or look closer at the basement level. What do you think?


Sunday, September 12, 2010

Biggest and Baddest Mansard in America

Not only is this the largest home for sale in America, it's the largest bad mansard ever created. 90,000 square feet and unfinished. Asking price, as is, $75 million.

This place looks like a strip mall conference center. I have no idea what kind of building materials are on the outside, but the blue mansard makes the stonework look plastic and fake.

Thanks to Matt for sending me the picture.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Lindell moderne

Modern mansion on Lindell between Union and the Musee de Histoire in Forest park. Look closely at the roof- little baby squishy mansards perched on each level.

Why was I traveling Lindell? I went to Vatican Splendors with Kay's 4th grade class. It was wonderful; would have been better if I could have looked at all of the fabulous material without being interrupted by a bunch of 9 year olds.

Warning- they are HARD CORE at Vatican Splendors about cameras (none), cell phones (totally off), and food/drink. I had to excuse myself when Mimi demanded her raisins. Still, highly recommended.