Assignment 10: Adam

Physical decay is a natural phenomenon which cannot be ignored forever. Even nuclear waste will deteriorate and be recycled by the planet. Why, then, is it so tragic when observed in the American built environment? The decay of the built environment represents many things, and it physical remains act as a constant reminder of failure, in general. The physical remains also remind us of the wasteful approach the country has adopted in development generally. Buildings are constructed to become obsolete – technology progresses with such speed, the buildings which house them or rely on innovation become useless. It has become far easier to simply build a new frame for the latest technological needs. The example I will present here is a large strip mall on Metropolitan Parkway south of Atlanta.

Known today as the “Stewart Lakewood Shopping Center”, the strip development remains largely underutilized and in disrepair. There exists evidence of the centers prominence in times past. The complex was designed with pedestrian movement in mind. A colonnade of sorts connects multiple buildings and there were likely courtyards, pavilions and strictly pedestrian spaces, almost like an outdoor mall in places, which once bustled with retail opportunities. The building is designed and, though deteriorating, certain elements are still perceptible. The architectural styles suggest the strip mall was built in the 1960s and its proximity to the I-75/85 and Langford Parkway intersection suggests it was placed with access in mind. In fact, one can exit Langford Parkway at Lakewood Avenue and continue straight into the shopping center. Accessibility was of primary concern. The enormous, futuristic sign post at the Lakewood Avenue/Metropolitan Parkway intersection also speaks to the centers past importance. Today, the sign simply holds the “Family Dollar” logo, a statement to the clientele the center now services. A sign on Metropolitan suggests a large portion of the center had been utilized as a movie theatre, now vacant and overgrown.

The center has maintained some semblance of life from the primary façade though several store fronts are empty. Once you step around the back you realize the extent of vacancy and the level of decay. Half of the parking lot has been fenced off and allowed to crumble. Sidewalks are visible in places, evidence of planters and tiles, and decorative applied “pavers” are visible on the west side of the complex. Terraces suggest terrain management and a degree of landscape design involved. The west façade is simply covered over and locked- no doors or windows remain. Signs of vagrancy, homelessness, and drug use abound in the resultant unregulated space.

It is difficult to suggest how the building could be better utilized. Based on the retail mix in the vicinity and the local rate of vacancy, the building will likely remain vacant for some time to come. It is, in many respects, a very interesting building which could be, with a lot of work, be revamped and serve retail purpose in the future. The building would no longer accommodate movies as technology has demanded larger buildings, though it is impossible for me to say what the interior could manage. The fact of the matter remains, this large underutilized structure approximately 4 miles from downtown Atlanta (skyline visible on horizon), located in the urban “frame”, represents a case in which multiple factors have to improve before redevelopment will take a chance here.