Herald is out of date
The Herald has quoted me a couple of times now as saying that the Jack Tar Motel (i.e., the "Oprah Building") is "just an eyesore." Not the full quote, and it's something I wrote in 2006, when I first started Endangered Durham. Took me awhile to even find it, but it's here.
That was a year before I even worked for Scientific Properties. I wish they'd call me for an update before quoting me from 5 years ago. For the updated record, I've come to appreciate the building a lot more over five years, and no longer think it's just an eyesore - my view of mid-century modern architecture has evolved. It could be a cool adaptive reuse, if spiffed up. As I've told people who have asked me in 2011, I can imagine hipsters living in apartments/former motel rooms and drinking cocktails by the rooftop pool, overlooking the Bull.
If you ever read a Herald article about buildings and there's a quote from me, please check the context. They've made a habit of lifting pieces of what I wrote years ago and framing it in a new context as if I'm responding to current events rather than calling me.
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7 comments:
I am actually glad you wrote this. I literally just finished the article and thought "hmmmm.... I think there was more to it, but they quoted Gary very cut and dried... what does Gary have to say about that..."
Voila. You cleared that up. No wonder when I did work journalism, I found so many good people quite reluctant to talk with us!
The Herald has been doing a lot of that kind of thing lately. I certainly wouldn't worry Gary, b/c your fans will know better than to believe the Herald over what we know about you, and your knowledge and respect for Durham and her buildings. Like Ashley Sue, the people that keep up with Endangered Durham will question any quote from you that doesn't sound accurate. You have done an amazing job and the Durham Natives are truly grateful.
Every time I look at the Jack Tar, I think of the Hotel San Jose in Austin, which is "motor court" motel of a similar (but a little earlier) vintage, and has been renovated into one of the hippest places to stay in Austin. With that outdoor pool space, the retail below, and the downtown location (not to mention the extant parking), it is a great opportunjity for a savvy developer who understands how cool (and profitable) mid-century architeture can be. I really hope someone can 'educate' the new owners on the possibilities...
Good point Eric - I've moved your comment to the Jack Tar Motel post on Open Durham and responded on there:
Jack Tar Motel
Many times I walk past the Jack Tar I am reminded of the Hotel San Jose in Austin, which is a "motor court" motel of a similar (albeit a little earlier) vintage that has been renovated into one of the hippest places to stay in Austin. It has a great location on Congress, a great but tiny bar, and an even greater outdoor space (seating for the bar). Most importantly, it thoroughly embraces its mid-century-ness, and creatively turned what once probably was an 'eyesore' into a unique place to stay. And I am certain the owner that paid for the renovation is not sorry- people pay top dollar (more than a (cough) Marriott), to stay there.
The Jack Tar, with its location, pool area, existing structured parking, and retail below could be a very similar (and profitable) project for an enlightened developer. Mid-century architecture is already 'hot' (have you been furniture shopping lately?), and is being appreciated in numbers growing every day. I sincerely hope the new owner at least explores an option which retains the building and its use, and with it, some of Durham's history.
Are the 'Jack Tar' and the Oprah motel the same building ? I thought that the Jack Tar was a demolished taller hotel building located on The now-CCB Plaza ?
Jack - they are. The distinction is Jack Tar Hotel versus Jack Tar Motel. The 'Oprah' is the latter. I've copied your comment over to the post on Open Durham, as Endangered Durham is no longer being maintained by me.
That post is here
GK
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