This concept car has been around for a few years, and a friend of mine recently examined it up close at the Denver Auto Show.

The Jeep Treo, which means three in various languages, looks more like a Mars rover than a car to me. It’s described as an “urban-active” Jeep, meaning versatile enough to navigate tight city streets and parking spots, yet rough enough to take to the mountains and trailheads.  It’s powered by hydrogen fuel cells which power the wheels by electric motors.  Conceptcarz.com describes the interior as spacious and bright, even given the small size.

Hence it’s name the Treo seats three - the third being a single rear seat as the body tapers in towards the rear.  (If I’m sitting alone in the back seat I sit in the middle anyway to avoid staring at a seatback.)   Most unique characteristic to me?  Its integrated to carry two Jeep Rubicon bikes, pictured mounted below.  Nice marriage of car and bike.   Of course if I owned this car with the two bikes pictured it wouldn’t leave my line of sight for too long. 

More photos and info at Conceptcarz.com.

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Here it is: Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne.  Richard Branson and Burt Rutan unveiled the ship at a press conference in New York.  For the right price you could be flying with Virgin Galactic to the edge of space.   And beyond…? 

At 60 percent complete, test flights are expected to possibly take place this year, with passenger flights as early as 2010.

And a knock to our current space fleet, Rutan states that SpaceShipOne will be “hundreds” times safer than present space flight - which he compares to commercial aviation of the 1920s.

Read the full New York Times story by John Schwartz.

p.s. Have you noticed that CamelCase, (the lettering and writing style that eliminates spaces between words,) is becoming more and more popular for some reason?  It’s called CamelCase because the words resemble humps in a camel. PerhapsIShouldRebrandMySiteAs: FutureGringoDotCom

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It’s not often I rave about anything in Broomfield, the suburban Denver town and next door neighbor of Boulder.   Locally it’s best known for Flatiron Crossing, a sprawling mega mall complex with the ubiquitous chain restaurants spoking out from it’s hub.  My favorite part of Broomfield is right on highway 36, as you reach the crest of the last hill before descending into the Boulder valley.  You’re treated to a beautiful vista of snow capped mountains above the famous Flatiron rocks.   In fact the westbound “viewing area” exit off highway 36 still remains for tourists to look down at the geographic beauty of the well known college town.

The Denver Business Journal reports construction will begin in 2008 on the new “Loft Hotel,” one of the first three to open including Plano (Dallas,) Texas and Providence, Rhode Island.  They plan to have 50 hotels by 2010 around the U.S.

For business travelers on Denver’s northwest side this is sure to be a nice change from the usual sterile corporate hotels that are plunked down near the office parks.   For tourists visiting Boulder, especially students at C.U.,  it may draw those looking for a high end designer appeal.  By local standards I consider Broomfield a hike from downtown Denver, however if the popular RTD “B” bus line stops near the Loft Hotel, and if a Fastracks commuter rail station is located nearby, (some years away,)  that will certainly add to the accessibility factor.

NYLO hotels feature red brick and glass construction, 11-foot ceilings, extra-large windows and custom furnishings. They also will have flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Internet connections as well as CD and DVD players.   The heart of each hotel will be “The Loft” common area, where guests can have cocktails, check e-mail, read the paper and relax. Other hotel amenities range from gym with steam rooms and business center to restaurant/bar and game room.   Started in 2005, NYLO offers what it calls a new class of hotel with spacious 300-square-foot, loft-type rooms at affordable rates of $115 to $135 per night, according to Hospitality Net. The company initially said its hotels would cost $90,000 a room to build, putting the Broomfield property at roughly $16 million.

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If you enjoy the History Channel’s “Cities of the Underworld” you’ll appreciate this group. Or perhaps not appreciate them. “les UX” is a group of Parisians who not only engage in the urban exploration of a city containing mountains of history below it’s streets, but also repair and restore many of the antiquated relics that they encounter.

Much to the annoyance of French authorities, these subversives break into old crypts, monuments, museums, and catacombs.  Not to vandalize, but rather to meet, converse, observe, and repair and restore.

Whether you agree with their methods or not, these people are bringing forgotten elements of urban history to light. History DOES belong to it’s people. If city leaders and historians are not acknowledging or protecting certain places and another group steps in to do the job - I see no harm in that. It’s quite respectable in my opinion. From UK’s Times Online:

Last year the Untergunther spent months hidden in the Panthéon, the Parisian mausoleum that holds France’s greatest citizens, where they repaired a clock that had been left to rust. Slipping in at closing time every evening – French television said that they had their own set of keys – they set up a workshop hidden behind mock wooden crates at the top of the monument. The security guards never found it. The Untergunther used a professional clockmaker, Jean-Baptiste Viot, to mend the 150-year-old mechanism.

When the clock began working again, officials were horrified. The Centre for National Monuments confirmed that the clock had been repaired but said that the authority had begun legal action against the Untergunther. Under official investigation for breaking and entry, its members face a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a €15,000 (£10,500) fine.

Hey Untergunther: come visit Gary, Indiana! Plenty of venues. Full story at UK’s Times Online.

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Not Louisiana, Paris, France, New York, or Rome - but…

Over the weekend I made a pit stop in downtown Gary, Indiana.  I’ve sped over Gary on interstate 90 many times in the past, but never thought to actually look and explore underneath the milky layer of haze and smog that constantly envelopes the city. 

Only 30 miles south of the stellar skyline of Chicago, Gary is a town that the gods of new urbanism and gentrification have failed to smile upon.   Sadly, it has the appearance of a bombed out city that’s been abandoned and sealed off.   And what I find odd is that this isn’t a remote and hard to access town that the interstates have passed by leaving Main Street with no base.  It’s hard to travel through the upper midwest WITHOUT driving through Gary.  Interstate 90 cuts right between downtown and the old steel yards.  You can SEE the city from the highrises of Chicago!

I actually did find a small local populace in the Save-More Food Center at Broadway and 11th.  Two armed guards and the chaos of a refugee camp didn’t deter me from purchasing some batteries for the camera.  While waiting in the check out line it hit me:  The next series of the controversial CBS series “Kid Nation” should be shot in Gary.   The current location is an old ghost town ranch in New Mexico.  This would create a perfect change of location for the second season.  The kids will open up shops, bulldoze the crumbling facades, encourage tourism, develop an economic base, and play “Kid Sim City Gary” to no end.   Who knows - at end perhaps Gary will take an upward turn if managed by a bunch of 5th graders.  I haven’t seen the show, so I have no idea what the actual day to day operations are, but I don’t think they could make Gary, Indiana any worse.

In seriousness it’s a sad place to see, especially knowing that just 30 years ago this proud steel town was a driving and bustling force in the midwest economy.   I found some incredible photos of Gary’s decay at Forbidden-Places.net   They’re both eerie and profound, especially the photos of the theater interior.  A commenter noted that with high Chicago housing prices it could be a boon to revitalize Gary’s core and construct housing and condos for those wanting to live and work near Chicago.

But I doubt it will happen.  Seeing the destruction of New Orleans a year after Katrina I was impressed at how many people, even in the “bad” areas, were out and about engaging in construction and repair of their homes and businesses.  There’s a pride and sense of worth you find in certain communities around the country.  Unfortunately I don’t think Gary has seen that for decades.  In reading stories and articles on Gary what you find is recollections of the city for what is WAS in it’s heyday, and NOT for what it could be in the future.

More pics…

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A year ago I read the book “Tearing Down the Streets: Adventures in Urban Anarchy” by former Denver resident Jeff Ferrell. I was reminded of his book while biking past the Flour Mill Lofts recently. In his book Jeff rails against the “Disneyfication” of American Streets, as well as the privatization of public spaces in order to establish control over them. This is an issue I agree with Jeff on, and something that needs to be closely watched.

I agree with most of Jeff’s views, even if some are taken to an extreme. Responsible development is necessary to create a vibrant economic climate. But I concur in that handing over parcels of city land to private companies we share in the common the loss of “free spaces”. Also this tends to drive away the small independent entrepreneurs via large corporations buying up parcels of city blocks to create THEIR vision and ideals. Through this they control who shops and lives near their properties, and discourage less than preferrered clientele from being there through arcane codes and quasi legal laws.

One urban project detailed in Jeff’s book is the “Flour Mill Lofts” on the west side of downtown Denver. During the 1990s this area was transformed from a transient “off the grid” area on the fringe of downtown to a healthy area of condos, modern high rises, light retail, and parks. I don’t feel this is all bad. The Platte Park area along Little Raven Street is a beautiful and green part of the city. Bikers and runners along the two rivers and sitting on the hills drinking over just people watching with the skyline in the background makes for a wonderful way to spend a weekend. In 15 years this area has been transformed from the urban blight to one of the most inhabitable areas of the city.

However In Jeff’s book he almost goes so far as to say the squatters and the homeless had a RIGHT to occupy the Flour Mill Lofts, and even fantasizes about them taking over the multi-million dollar condos at Flour Mill and reclaiming it for themselves. Strange concept. But, when you think about the difference between homeless and squatters versus those on fixed income occupying a piece of land that developers are salivating over, the difference really isn’t that great. Especially when developers are wooing city leaders for eminent domain rights in order to TAKE their land.

The Cherry Creek retail area near my home in Congress Park started with a population of World War Two bungalows and eclectic artist establishments. Following the Cherry Creek Mall’s inception in the 80s the area has continued to cater to a higher and higher dollar. Even the famous Tattered Cover Bookstore moved out last year to a less expensive location a few miles away. Now the area is furriers and jewelry stores, save for a few decent food joints like Cherry Cricket and Java Creek.

Another scary concept is the propagation of privately owned streets and city blocks. Again in Cherry Creek - there’s a block on Clayton between 1st and 2nd Street where you’ll find a Marriot and a steakhouse. This entire block is OWNED by the development company. Meaning if I wanted to hand out political flyers, fly a kite, or just be a bum I could legally be asked to leave. Having public streets run by private companies is a bad bad thing. I agree with Jeff on this entirely.

Back to “pushing out the little guy:” On a larger scale has anyone planned a Las Vegas trip lately? In the late 90s when I lived in California I’d frequently drive up on the weekends with friends. We’d get a cheap room, play some cards, consume $6 steaks and free drinks and have a great time. Now it’s difficult to find a weekend room for under $200. I don’t share any special bond with tacky old casinos, but watching 70 year old former cocktail waitresses tear up over a casino implosion is the same feeling I get when I see a “tear down” or “scrape off” every few weeks while biking to work - pictured left. (See my articles here about teardowns.)

Close to my home in Denver - the area of Colfax Avenue between York and Colorado is undergoing major transformations. High rises are going up near City Park, home prices are rising, and more money is coming in. That’s a wonderful thing for me, my home value, and ultimately my financial security. But if it’s at the expense of losing the “red headed stepchild” businesses such as tattoo parlors, dusty used bookstores, and independent food joints, I’d think I’d give up some of the glamour in order to keep the original fabric of my neighborhood.

Should cities, retail districts, and economic plans include ALL levels of income? I’m a person that promotes “infill”, meaning that instead of building and sprawling OUT to the exurbs, we take existing city blocks and parcels that can be utilized in rejuvenated as vibrant new places to live, work, and shop. But where do the people go that sparsely occupy these places go? The homeless may be an easy group to relocate, but others surviving on low means, without political clout, have a legal right to their space. THEY are a complex issue when it comes to redevelopment issues - as well they should be.

You can check out Jeff Ferrel’s book Tearing Down the Streets here.

Left: Flour Mill Lofts detailed in Jeff Ferral’s book. Right: Platte Park Area of Denver.

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I finally visited the new Denver Art Museum.  The recently opened Frederic C. Hamilton building is an enormous five storey sleek and shiny diamond shaped building.  It’s sweeping lines extend over 13th Avenue and it’s an excellent compliment to the 10 year old library next door.

We saw the temporary exhibit titled “RADAR“, on loan from Vicki and Kent Logan.  These 200 pieces are beautiful, bizarre, freakish, and some even haunting.   But well worth it.  It’s modern art at it’s best, and while some works are almost a satirical representation of “modern art”,  the other abstract works make for an interesting and exciting exhibit.

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Well it’s been days since I’ve written a post.  I’m certain that my few readers have long since abandoned me.  However Munich and Prague we’re smashing!   I had planned to post a daily report with photos - but we were so busy exploring the utopian streets of Munich via foot and bike that there was no time left. Pictures and trip report coming soon. 

I saw a display of books by Daab at the “Palace of Books” on Wenceslas Square in Prague.  Daab highlights the best design of various life such as airports, clubs, restaurants, lounges, and streets.   They also showcase ethnic themes including Spanish and Arabic design, and have a photo series on the architecture and design of various cities.

Check them out:  www.daab-online.de  Photos from “Aircraft Design” and “Hotel Design”

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I live around a few blocks from “The Lodge” and “The Works”, two eclectic properties by Boutique Apartments. I didn’t realize the variety and creativity of their other Denver buildings until yesterday, while walking near 18th and Franklin when I stumbled upon “The Aperture”. I was totally drawn into this vintage camera and photo themed apartment building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood. A large scale film camera is mounted out front, and the entire lobby is lined with old cameras. I couldn’t help but pop inside to take a picture, (yes the irony).

Boutique’s properties are in three to five story low rise 1950s style apartments. Most of these ubiquitous buildings have about as much charm as a dental office of the same era. Bland walls, dated carpets, and a formica or green tiled lined small lobby make them completely unremarkable. However Boutique assigns a theme to every building, and although I’ve only seen the outside the interior spaces look as original and creative as the overall theme.

The only drawback is the space. Because they’re renovated apartments the one-bedrooms still generally top out at under 600 square feet. But any design show today can show you how to make the most of small spaces. And I’d take a well designed small space in a great urban neighborhood than a hard to find bland apartment labeled Z307 off a busy super suburban arterial.

Their company and site promotes hip urban living and focuses on community, local resources, and environmentally responsible living. They also give 5% of their profits to green funds. I’m certainly proud to have them as my neighbors, and hope to see more of their designs in the future.

Photos from their site at www.boutiqueapartments.com

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When traveling I always prefer to stay at small hotels, guest homes, or hostels, rather than large chain hotels. I like the feeling of being part of a neighborhood and being a “temporary local” where I can get to know the local vibe and easily walk places.

Many people think of hostels as unkempt run down party houses where a blend of B.O. and marijuana permeate the air. Some are. But many hostels have accommodations that rival a mid range boutique hotel, at about a third of the price. Most hostels have private rooms with private baths for a reasonable price higher than the dorm area. Many hostels offer perks like breakfast, bike rentals, and internet access, and you meet people who know the city and how to enjoy it, rather than a stuffy hotel concierge steering you towards the highest priced bar.

I started researching small hotels and hostels in Munich and Prague for my upcoming spring visit and was overwhelmed at all the options. But with the internet it’s easier than ever to “tour” a place before staying there. I can read candid reviews, search photos, and map out the neighborhood. After some searching and reviewing some locations I found Miss Sophie’s hostel in the New Town section of Prague. Everything I read about Miss Sophie’s was stellar. It appears to be a smart looking hip place, with the only negative comment being “It wasn’t lively enough”. Read “it will be quiet :)” They even have private apartments across the street. I sent them a quick e-mail with a couple questions, and now have a home in Prague, if only for a week. Even hipster webmaster Josh Spear’s gives it high praise. Check back later this spring for a review of my stay.

I never knew about Megabus until reading this article on CNN.com Fares for a dollar, and a decent route map around the midwest? Not bad for someone visiting the midwest on a shoestring, or trying to avoid high last minute airfares.

The Chicago-based company, which began operating in a number of Midwestern cities last year, plans to launch new service April 2 in Pittsburgh; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri, and Louisville, Kentucky. It already offers service between Chicago and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Toledo.

Megabus uses online ticketing and sidewalk stops instead of ticket counters and bus terminals. Passengers do not buy tickets, but instead give drivers reservation numbers they receive when booking online.

The low-cost model was imported from the United Kingdom, where Stagecoach introduced a similar service nearly four years ago.

Here’s their link.

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From Drudge Report from WKMG:  X-Rated ‘Pornament’ Christmas Decorations Raise Eyebrows

Several new holiday decorations considered X-rated are being sold in Florida at a store popular with young children, according to a report.  Six controversial ornaments, which can be purchased for $9 at Spencer’s stores in Jacksonville and other parts of Florida, include an X-rated snowman and reindeer. 

How can this be any more crass than the concept of running up your credit cards buying unnececessary plastic shit (like the “abscissors”) in order to prove a “Merry Christmas” to your love ones?  At least this piece of trash is under $10.

I commented on the Denver Post blog regarding the new Denver Art Museum causing visitors spells of vertigo and dizziness.  (Original Article) My contrarian comments were:

I wonder how many more people will become “dizzy” because an article told them they would become dizzy? Or how many coincidentally realized their plight after reading Sunday’s article. The way the word of persuasion often overrides reality is dizzying to me…

I’ve been there and was fine, and no one around me fainted.  The story seems overly manufactured, (complete with a diagram of the inner ear), and the comments are nothing more than “Oh yeah now I remember I was sick”.   If the issue is more than my cynical take of media hype and opportunity let’s hope the problem is resolved and the museum isn’t scrapped for a giant indoor racquetball court.

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Kudos to councilwoman Jeane Robbe for setting up this committee.  However even though the scrape offs will continue, I DON’T see addressed issues regarding the NEW homes replacing the small bungalows:  i.e. height of home and distance from property lines.  These aspects tend to harm neighbors the most, when a brand new home is built too tall in relation to the other older homes, rather than low and flat.

My previous entry with more photos

Denver Post Article  

“Scrape-off” scuffles tackled
By George Merritt
Denver Post Staff Writer

The Denver City Council on Monday tried to solve the neighborhood clashes over housing demolitions that pit preservationists against property-rights advocates.

The council unanimously passed a bill to let neighbors know if a potentially significant home or building is up for demolition. But the bill also provides property owners the ability to get a certificate clearing a structure for demolition for up to five years.

The bill, developed out of a series of meetings with stakeholders, is an attempt at appeasing both sides of the so called “scrape-off” issue that has split many city neighborhoods.

Peter Park, Denver’s manager of community planning and development, said the new system “defined a more certain process” for everyone involved.

And historic-preservation consultant Lisa Purdy said the plan would help “avoid some of the ‘hostile designations”‘ - where neighbors try to have a home or building designated as historic over the objections of the property owner.

Housing demolitions have become a major issue for several Denver neighborhoods as developers increasingly answer market desires for larger homes in the city. In 2005, scrape-offs increased by 77 percent.

Councilwoman Jeanne Robb convened the panel representing historians, preservationists, real-estate agents and developers, among others, to find solutions.

The plan they devised is twofold:

Any application for demolition will now go through a three-tiered review process. If the structure is deemed to be a candidate for landmark designation, the application will be posted and neighbors notified.

The plan also creates a certification process to rule out a property as a potential historic structure that is good for five years. The certificate effectively allows property owners clearance for demolition if they so choose.

Dave Burrell, a local historian, told the council he was concerned about the demolition process. He said significant homes would be cleared for demolition because the initial steps do not go far enough.

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Random photos from a few rainy days in the quarter…

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