What's the Matter with IKEA?
The Blogsphere is up in arms about the demolition of five historic structures in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn to make way for an IKEA parking lot. Yes, a parking lot. In an odd public relations move that has the Swedish furniture manufacturer/retailer aping for Wal-Mart's urban public approval, this move is reminiscent of 2003's news that IKEA wanted to demolish a Marcel Breuer building in New Haven, Connecticut.
But this time no compromise appears to be in site as the wrecking ball has already completed the demolition of one structure dating from the Civil War.
Image from Lex's Folly
I'll admit that my apartment is populated with a lot of IKEA-ware, but I purchased all of it from one of their suburban locations, where the big box format was born - and needs to stay. IKEA tried to move into Chicago a few years back, but the City didn't want them, mainly because of the traffic they would create. Ironically they would have moved down the street from a Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, Container Store, Whole Foods, and many other large retailers that are patronized by people in cars. Witness the ocean of parking lots nearby the proposed location at North & Clybourn.
Entities like IKEA need to adapt their formulas to the urban fabric, something that IKEA and Wal-Mart seem unwilling to do. Home Depot did just that on Halsted Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, as seen below. Best Buy moved into a new development on Clark, also in Lincoln Park, living below apartments and next to a retirement community.
More images like this here
It is possible to integrate, for the benefit of the city, the residents, and the retailers, something IKEA should keep in mind.
You know, while there are quite a few parking lots over at North & Clyborn, its not enough to meet the need if everyone who wants to go to those stores insists on driving. Traffic is just plain awful there, my girlfriend & I call it the hoo-ha (as opposed to the more smutty cluster"F") and avoid it like Clark & Addison on game days. Every time I've been in the Whole Foods there some lady (presumably one driving a Land Rover) complaining how there is not enough parking. There is a Red Line stop RIGHT THERE. You could even buy a nice cart over at the Container Store if you're caught overburdened. We need to insist more stores conform to their context, like the Halsted home Depot stores.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if Wal-Mart is still going through with their South Side store? I know the city council is loading it up with additional requirements, and Wal-Mart was talking of balking.
Home Depot has opened two stores in Manhattan, both of which are wonderful. They adapted to the urban environment seamlessly.
ReplyDeleteBut with the crime Ikea has committed, they are essentially taking our urban fabric and made it suburban. In that part of Red Hook, Brooklyn, the "urban" is no more.
[Moved by web page administrator from original HaloScan comment box]:I think I have found the problem. We have gotten away from localized centers and too much emphasis on getting things right away and our time is too important.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, it used to be that you would take a bus or two to get to a commercial center like Lincoln & Belmont, Lincoln & Irving, Irving & Milwaukee. And if you needed groceries you'd walk to the corner store or the supermarket was not too far away. Now people are driving farther to larger commercial centers to save money. If those of us who have the means could spend a little more and support the local (walking distance) stores, we could start to get back to that time. Romantic idea, but it would be nice. Fortunately, some neighborhoods, like Lincoln Park, have the density to support both small and large stores within walking distance.
I am guilty of supporting Ikea also. Part of that is they have good prices, but the other is having modern furniture at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, they are so good at
IKEA can be urban if they want to. The new store in Atlanta has 1600 parking spaces under the store and is located in a new mixed use community in the center of town. Because of all of the loading areas and entrances to the parking structure, it isn't exactly pedestrian friendly but it sure beats having huge seas of pavement for a parking lot.
ReplyDeleteGiven that metro Atlanta is the sprawl captial, it is ironic that they would build something different and urban in such a market. Everyone is surprised they didn't just build in some anonymous suburb.
Like most large companies, they'll try to get away with what they can. If the public stands up to them, they can (and eventually, with some foot dragging) adapt.
IKEA can be urban if they want to. The new store in Atlanta has 1600 parking spaces under the store and is located in a new mixed use community in the center of town. Because of all of the loading areas and entrances to the parking structure, it isn't exactly pedestrian friendly but it sure beats having huge seas of pavement for a parking lot.
ReplyDeleteGiven that metro Atlanta is the sprawl captial, it is ironic that they would build something different and urban in such a market. Everyone is surprised they didn't just build in some anonymous suburb.
Like most large companies, they'll try to get away with what they can. If the public stands up to them, they can (and eventually, with some foot dragging) adapt.