Safeway Part 65 - Mid-construction

Thinking back to the new Walgreen's project, I am reminded that it's difficult assess a big project mid-way through the construction.  A lot of Voice bloggers were upset by the Walgreen's early appearance during construction, but the dislike evaporated as it was finished in brick and opened.  Here's hoping the same will be true of the new Safeway.  The wall on El Camino and the angled wall at the other end of the lot are raising plenty of concerns on the street.  I'm cautiously optimistic that both structures will end up fitting into our streetscape.

 

Comments

[Scheherezade Sharabianlou]

The bloggers who were complaining are they spending any money on the construction? How about Walgreens and Safeway blog about their homes or buildings? Burlingame needs a Walgreens and a Safeway right where it is now. Ugly or not I am glad their walls have gone up. And good luck to whoever tries to progress and do better.

Scheherezade Sharabianlou

[JROC]

How about a Walmart or Target. Can we complain if they turn the doughnut shop into a super McDonalds. I fully expect that an engaged citizenship would complain about my home if I were building something that didn't fit my neighborhood. The planning department makes this happen via the architectural review.

It just bothers me that I'm being told to be quiet and accept any abomination in the name of "progress." I see where people are being shot for speaking their minds in other countries and I am glad to be here where I am free to complain until I'm blue in the face.

I understand that Safeway was well too long in being resolved. The process should encourage public discussion and then action should be taken. Then after it is approved, those opposed can continue to voice their dissatisfaction because that is what democracy is all about. Bloggers keep blogging.

Ricardo Ortiz

[Scheherezade Sharabianlou]

No one said not to complain or speak your mind. Do not twist the words and don't get personal. Democracy is not just complaining it is also progressing. Why not Target and Walmart? And yes what's wrong with the doughnut shop's owner to decide to rent it's space to Walmart? Haven't they done it on Burlingame Avenue? Did you complain then? It's a democracy and he/she has the right too. You can't take it away from him/her because it is not what you like. "The planning department makes this happen via the architectural review." and they are the ones who need to hear your complaint not Safeway, Walgreen, Walmart or Target. Don't forget they create jobs.

Scheherezade Sharabianlou

[Holyroller]

Thank you SS and JROC for your comments.
That is what makes this site a valuable tool for our community.
Every single City of Burlingame Elder checks to see "which way the wind is blowing," through input of the community that speaks their mind.
The "Loudmouths," which I am a proud member of, probably represent a part of the community that does not contribute "in a formal way" to their needs and desires regarding the direction the City of Burlingame should go towards.
Hi, Anne!
Happy Friday!

[Anne]

Hi Holy! Happy Friday!!

[jennifer]

'watched today from the sidelines with a small crowd as Safeway "tilt-ups" were tiled up. Very interesting. The slabs were poured on site, cured and then raised with a huge crane into place.

[Joe]

Here's a nice bit of writing from the Q&A section of the City's e-newletter:

Q: Are the cinder block walls along the El Camino going to be the final look for the Safeway Project?

A: As is typical of any large construction project, people become alarmed once the exterior shell of a building is erected. Absent the application of final exterior finishes, landscaping and other decorative features the exposed concrete walls appear massive and unattractive, causing concern that this may be the final appearance of the building. The approved design of the new Safeway project in Burlingame is the result of years of collaboration with Safeway representatives and the community. Rest assured that the "ugly duckling" that you see rising from the ashes of the former Safeway and Walgreens site will ultimately appear as attractive as represented in the illustrations accessible from the following link: Safeway Project Views. The final appearance of the rear wall of the store (facing Parking Lot K) and the wall facing El Camino Real have been of concern to many residents of late. Final finishes of these walls will include painted plaster in earth tone colors, with the base of walls treated with dry-stack stone or split-face concrete. Accent lighting will also be provided within decorative insets in the walls intended to break up the flat appearance of the walls you observe today, early in the construction process. Adding to the character of the wall facing El Camino Real will be "living walls" (essentially trellis structures with live plant materials) that will be placed at intervals along that frontage. Additionally, extensive landscaping is to be installed along this frontage (as well as throughout the site and its perimeter) to further soften the appearance of the building. Samples of all finishing materials are available for public review at the Planning Division public counter in the Community Development Department.