I think by now, most have noticed the very large building being erected at the corner of Seventh and Putnam streets. It is a monster, isnt it? It is Marietta Colleges newest dormitory. By far the tallest structure built in central Marietta in recent years.
I understand the city granted them a height variance – that should never have been done, with it being minimally set back both streets! One option might have been to require that the building(s) be placed much further back from the street – that way it would not have seemed so huge. No one seemed to object to the four-story dormitories built years ago set much farther back into the campus.
The citys planning commission should look more closely at what is being requested and not who is requesting it! Projects by large educational and health institutions should be carefully examined, and not simply rubber stamped with approval.
This building will most likely be quite attractive. It has a good Columbus architect. Its masses are broken up into smaller segments. It is of brick, a lasting material, historically correct for Marietta. Its plan is functional, with an open space on its backside suitable for students to gather. It is just out of scale for where it sits! Too bad it wasnt flipped, with the open space on the corner of the Seventh and Putnam, which would have placed most of the building masses further away from the streets and decreased the hugeness. There are other what ifs but it is too late for that.
My point is that it is just too damned massive for being so close to the streets! It is out of scale and out of context with its neighborhood! So lets take control of Mariettas planning – and Mariettas future! Can we pledge to communicate to the planning commission – in writings and by attending meetings? Lets not sit idly by and watch haphazard development in this historic city. It would be a disaster if someone decided to build a building of similar massing in our downtown historic district!
Stephen Gegner
Marietta