Gosh this is pretty. The scaffolding has now come down from the roof of the new Jonathan Nelson Fitness & Swimming Center on Hope Street, revealing the cupola with its four ‘ALDRICHFIELD’ clocks. The cupola once sat atop the old Marvel Gym (razed in 1989) on Elmgrove Avenue, famous as the unlikely venue in the 60’s of a wild Jimi Hendrix show complete with smashed guitar.
But back to the new structure. Not surprisingly David Brussat, architecture critic for the Providence Journal, is pleased with this new building (and his photos are much better than mine, go here). He had this to say.
What I find most delightful about the project, however, is the brickwork, with its diapering pattern on the wall face and all-round elegance on the cornice and pilasters, and the generous reveals of the two projecting bays. Overall, the building proudly displays its classical genetic heritage, with definite Palladian blood lines.
So, kudos to Brown University, Gary Brewer of Robert A.M Stern Architects, and the bricklayers who placed each brick just so.
The bricklayers often came into Blue State Coffee. They were really excited to be working on a project that utilized all their talents. I’m gonna miss those guys.