The evolution of housing down the years is interesting. I honestly don't think you can better the Victorian architects of Saltaire, who built streets and houses that have stood the test of time and adapted reasonably well to 21st century life (apart from their failure to foresee the rise of the motor vehicle!) The above view is looking down George Street towards the church tower. These streets were built between 1854 and 1868, houses liberally interspersed with corner shops like the one on the right with the big window. It only ceased being a store relatively recently and is now a private residence, though the large window means they need frosted glass panels and voile curtains to deter passers-by from gawping into their living room.
Contrast these with the 2-bed apartments under construction on Springhurst Road, just down from Northcliffe Park in Shipley. The land is adjacent to the site of the former Orthodox Jewish Synagogue, a Brutalist concrete building that stood here from 1970 until it closed in (I believe) 2012. That site was redeveloped with modern town houses but there was a lot of local opposition to the application to build these apartments. It remains to be seen whether they will be as durable as Saltaire's houses,
I've always loved towns where you can look down a street and see open country. It's very rare here, what with our winding roads and flat topography.
ReplyDeleteLove these sturdy old buildings...and there's little likelihood that modern buildings would last 50 years. I'm in some that were built in the 80's, and completely refurbished 6 years ago just before I moved into my apartment. The structures are sound (frame) but new plumbing, new siding, new doors and windows, completely painted and new carpeting put in. After my 6 years it is holding up ok, but the siding needed to be pressure washed last year. I cringe at thinking of the mold that's under it. So I sit here with my windows open and it's lovely and just 62 degrees now...I may close them if the rain stops and pollen comes up.
ReplyDeleteA big difference between the older and the newer
ReplyDeleteThe old neighbourhoods with small stores mixed in were more livable. Many of the old stores here have become homes too or some have become small cafes which is a nice thing in a neighbourhood.
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