In Stitches
Did any of you make it to the grand opening of the International Quilt Study Center and Museum this weekend? My family has a long history with quilting, so I know I’ll be making the trip to 33rd and Holdrege in the near future. Good work, folks; the facility looks great.
The Comments
Diane Kaye says We tried to go to March 31, 2008 at 8:57am
We tried to go to the grand opening, but it was such a chaotic mess at 33rd and Holdrege with crowds and parking that we went home...carefully...trying not to hit all the people crossing the street at various points. We’ll try again some other time.
Dave K says I laughed out loud when March 31, 2008 at 12:10pm
I laughed out loud when I first saw that enormous, gaudy building sitting on the same intersection as a Valentino’s and gas station. I have to conclude that those who approved the design and location of that thing were under the influence of narcotics. The ‘research corridor’, if all it does is appropriately group such buildings, will be a success.
foxspit says I like it March 31, 2008 at 12:13pm
... better than the Guns 2 Roses pawn shop that used to be there, although it would be cool if the two gorillas they would repaint on occasion would relocate to the corner in front of the quilt center.
Dave K says RE: I like it March 31, 2008 at 12:21pm
I don’t know about that. People often talk about the ‘character’ of a neighborhood or area of town. G2R gave that intersection character, and now there’s an obscene behemoth that serves as evidence that some committee somewhere was trying way too hard.
foxspit says RE: I laughed out loud when March 31, 2008 at 12:52pm
<quote>I don’t know about that. People often talk about the ‘character’ of a neighborhood or area of town. G2R gave that intersection character, and now there’s an obscene behemoth that serves as evidence that some committee somewhere was trying way too hard.</quote>
True enough, it doesn’t fit the character that G2R gave that intersection, but to me that’s not a bad thing. Technically, to fit in on that corner it would need to look like a convenience store/gas station.
I understand what you are saying about architecture that reflects its surroundings. This does not reflect that.
But I am not offended by the design itself. The fact that it is shoe-horned into a small area is another thing.
In this case, I think a private donor funded the construction of the building, therefore (I assume) providing a lot of direction on how that money would be spent.
It would have been nice to have something that fit in with East Campus architecture. But even that, technically speaking, would not have been respectful of the character of that intersection.
Scott says RE: I laughed out loud when April 2, 2008 at 9:50pm
Dave k, I usually can agree with you but you are way off base here. That building was paid for with 100% private funds and there is no debt outstanding on it. Think the new strip mall in your neighborhood provides the same culture to the city as the new Quilt Center?
I guarantee there is nobody traveling to Lincoln to visit the Dino’s Grill or Backyard Burger in YOUR particular neighborhood but for years there will be quilters traveling here and spending money in our community. It may not be your cup of tea but it is a real boon for our community.
Gene says Valentino's isn't on that corner, March 31, 2008 at 12:44pm
Valentino’s isn’t on that corner, unless there is more than one quilt center.
Dave K says RE: Valentino's isn't on that corner, March 31, 2008 at 12:50pm
Both the quilt center and a Valentino’s can be found at 33rd and Holdrege.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Valentino's isn't on that corner, March 31, 2008 at 1:06pm
Val’s is on 35th and Holdrege, not 33rd. Whether or not the distinction matters depends on whom you’re giving directions to.
Dave K says RE: Valentino's isn't on that corner, March 31, 2008 at 1:14pm
I hope you and Gene would be able to find the Valentino’s if you went to 33rd and Holdrege.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Valentino's isn't on that corner, March 31, 2008 at 1:33pm
Yes, oh Master of Condescension, I suspect we could. Now, back to the topic at hand…
Moses says I love the building there March 31, 2008 at 1:53pm
That neighborhood needs some “dressing up”. The fact that someone was willing to put up that much money for a building in that neighborhood may cause someone else to think investing in the area is a good idea.
I know there will be others that complain that gentrification causes stress upon the rest of the neighbors. But the Clinton neighborhood association has been working very hard at improving the area.
Fletch says My grandmother made one of March 31, 2008 at 4:11pm
My grandmother made one of the quilts that resides there.
foxspit says Crane River quilt March 31, 2008 at 4:18pm
I’ve often wondered where that lovely Platte River quilt that was at Crane River ended up. I understand the quilt center has it now. I’m anxious to see the new building and more of the collection. I hope they have the Crane River quilt hanging up. I’ll bet if you ask the right person they will let you see your grandmother’s quilt, assuming it isn’t displayed already.
Fletch says RE: Crane River quilt March 31, 2008 at 5:06pm
It was once prominently displayed as the quilt of the month or some such thing at their old home. Not sure if it’s on display yet. It’s the bicentennial one with all the signatures of politicians and celebrities.