If projects are looking for funding or assistance, then I can think we can be picky, especially in high-profile areas. But if someone is bringing their own money to fill an empty lot, like the Wangard Partners, I’m in favor of anything that adds value and density to our area.

With such an interesting and challenging site, it’s too bad we can’t come up with something uniquely suited to these conditions – terraced hillside housing with gardens along with an animated Water Street facade. It’s a burgeoning commercial corridor with the new bars and restaurants (admittedly hampered by the incredibly long Humboldt bridge construction) so why not add to that? The cars and pedestrians will most certainly return once the connection is remade.

It seems to me if you’re going to build in this environment that you’d better set yourself apart from all the ordinary stuff this city already has to offer. That starts with good design.

I’m pleased with the decision to build apartments but still ask who will ever build a 3 bedroom apartment?