I never really thought about how much Roman and Greek inspiration Alexandria's architecture has! After living here for so long, I forget sometimes how rich in history Old Town and Alexandria's as whole is.
Yes, indeed. While the post is mildly critical of the Old Towning (in a design sense) of buildings outside the Old & Historic District, I agree with you about the city's fascinating history.
I thought 'Architecture in Alexandria' was one of the best pieces on architecture I've ever read. In particular, Mark Eaton's perspective on Jefferson's 'Monticello' was perceptive and original. I think it's important for us to be aware of, and sensitive to, the places and buildings where we live, and here Eaton has certainly made an important contribution. Jim Miller
Thank you for your kind words. Any useful perspective in the post was very slow in development. It took me years to see the design similarities in the facades of the Hilton Hotel and Alexandria City High School.
This reminds me of staying with Mary John at The Goring in London, which claims it was the first hotel with running water bathrooms. Not the just first hotel in London—the first hotel, period. But of course, everyone knows that the Days Inn Motel in College Park, Georgia was the first hotel with running water. It is true that The Goring is right around the corner from Victoria Station, which means you can get to Wimbledon in 30 minutes—which isn't true for the Days Inn in College Park.
Really interesting, Mark. Had many opportunities to visit Monticello during our three years in Charlottesville. There was always something new to see. $107k is a whopping sum. I guess the $25k Jefferson got for selling his library only made a dent in his finances.
You make an excellent point. According to the CPI Inflation Calculator website (officialdata.org/us/inflation/1826) $100,000 in 1826 is about $2.9 million today. Jefferson had significant late in life financial problems. Thanks for enhancing this post.
I never really thought about how much Roman and Greek inspiration Alexandria's architecture has! After living here for so long, I forget sometimes how rich in history Old Town and Alexandria's as whole is.
Yes, indeed. While the post is mildly critical of the Old Towning (in a design sense) of buildings outside the Old & Historic District, I agree with you about the city's fascinating history.
I thought 'Architecture in Alexandria' was one of the best pieces on architecture I've ever read. In particular, Mark Eaton's perspective on Jefferson's 'Monticello' was perceptive and original. I think it's important for us to be aware of, and sensitive to, the places and buildings where we live, and here Eaton has certainly made an important contribution. Jim Miller
Thank you for your kind words. Any useful perspective in the post was very slow in development. It took me years to see the design similarities in the facades of the Hilton Hotel and Alexandria City High School.
This reminds me of staying with Mary John at The Goring in London, which claims it was the first hotel with running water bathrooms. Not the just first hotel in London—the first hotel, period. But of course, everyone knows that the Days Inn Motel in College Park, Georgia was the first hotel with running water. It is true that The Goring is right around the corner from Victoria Station, which means you can get to Wimbledon in 30 minutes—which isn't true for the Days Inn in College Park.
Really interesting, Mark. Had many opportunities to visit Monticello during our three years in Charlottesville. There was always something new to see. $107k is a whopping sum. I guess the $25k Jefferson got for selling his library only made a dent in his finances.
You make an excellent point. According to the CPI Inflation Calculator website (officialdata.org/us/inflation/1826) $100,000 in 1826 is about $2.9 million today. Jefferson had significant late in life financial problems. Thanks for enhancing this post.